WEDNESDAY
AUGUST 16
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

AT&T Audience Network, 8:00 p.m. ET

Last week, this new series from Stephen King and David E. Kelley began with a horrifying opening sequence: At a snaking line for admittance to a jobs fair, hopeful people gathering hours early for their turns at finding potential employment were mowed down by a murderous motorist. It was chilling to see a week ago, and even more chilling to recall, in retrospect, after this weekend’s horrifying act of vehicular homicide in Charlottesville. And tonight comes episode two, where there’s less violence, but – thanks to a cat-and-mouse game begun by that same killer, aimed at the police investigator who failed to catch him for that earlier crime – no less tension. Mr. Mercedes is a scary, spooky series, but a very good one, with fully committed lead performances by Harry Treadaway and Brendan Gleeson as, respectively, the killer and the retired cop.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

This is a repeat, but of a subject I find particularly fascinating, and certainly worth a second look. Or, if you missed it before, a first. In central China, a massive underground mausoleum housed a collection of life-size terracotta warriors – a sculpted army, amassed to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di. But from what? And how? And how were these sculptures shaped and manufactured in the first place? Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

Bloomberg TV, 9:00 p.m. ET

This program premiered last week, so this is a rerun – but it felt so good to watch it, I’m pointing out its prime-time repeat tonight in case you’d be similarly interested in watching some civil political discourse. Rubinstein’s joint interview this week is between former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and they take turns answering very interesting questions about their experiences as the chief executive – including how they felt when they first occupied the Oval Office. It’s a very warm visit, and the former Republican and Democratic presidents are endearingly nice to one another. Regardless of your individual politics, that should be nice to watch. It was for me.

 
  
 
 

BBC America, 10:00 p.m. ET

SERIES FINALE: Tonight’s episode is not only the conclusion of this third season of Broadchurch, it’s the conclusion of the series in its entirety. And when it began this season, Broadchurch boasted one cast member who had played Doctor Who, the excellent David Tennant. Now it can boast two, sort of, because Jodie Whittaker will take on the role soon.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 10:00 p.m. ET

In recognition of the 40th anniversary of his death, TCM celebrates Elvis Presley day all day today, The highlight of the schedule is this 1964 musical, in which he cavorts, musically and otherwise, with the equally sexy supernova Ann-Margret.

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
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3808 Comments
 
 
Para penipu kelas rendah melakukan apa yang paling mereka kuasai—berbohong, menipu, dan menghilang dengan uang orang lain.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia, persetan dengan para penipu itu, tangkap mereka dan persetan dengan mereka karena telah menipu banyak orang.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu yang memalukan memangsa orang-orang dengan klaim palsu dan kebohongan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This article is packed with insights! I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into making it so engaging. Well done!
Apr 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Such an amazing read! Your ability to explain things in a simple yet detailed way is truly impressive.
Apr 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey sweetie,

It's not that complicated! It's TV!!! Do what I do!!!!! Grab a six pack of Miller Lite, crack the first one open and drink it. Rinse and repeat!!!!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!!!!!!

Just let the TV flow over you.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Dave
Apr 21, 2026
 
 
 
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This was well explained since it stayed concise and clear. Thanks for sharing this insight.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu ini adalah pembohong profesional. Siapa pun yang mempercayai mereka hanya ikut memperkuat penipuan mereka.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia, persetan dengan para penipu itu, tangkap mereka dan persetan dengan mereka karena telah menipu banyak orang.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia tangkap situs web sialan itu
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Practical stream
A thoughtful reflection on TV criticism’s evolution and legacy—blending nostalgia, personal memories, and appreciation for creators who shaped meaningful viewing experiences.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Sialan para penipu ini karena telah mencuri uang dan kepercayaan orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Situs web ini benar-benar penipuan, jangan percayai mereka.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Perilaku penipuan murni. Bajingan-bajingan ini tidak punya moral dan tidak ragu-ragu menipu orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Hanya sekelompok penipu lain yang melakukan bisnis kotor secara online.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Sialan para penipu ini karena telah mencuri uang dan kepercayaan orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
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David Bianculli

Founder / Editor

David Bianculli has been a TV critic since 1975, including a 14-year stint at the New York Daily News, and sees no reason to stop now. Currently, he's TV critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and is an occasional substitute host for that show. He's also an author and teaches TV and film history at New Jersey's Rowan University. His 2009 Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', has been purchased for film rights. His latest, The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, is an effusive guidebook that plots the path from the 1950s’ Golden Age to today’s era of quality TV.