WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 18
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

Tonight’s guest programmer is Damien Chazelle. If his name isn’t familiar, his high-energy movies should be: He’s the writer-director of both Whiplash and the musical La La Land. And that’s why his roster of favorite films, presented tonight on TCM, is so inspired and inspiring. His lineup includes a lesser-known MGM Gene Kelly movie, 1955’s It’s Always Fair Weather, at 8 p.m. ET, and showings of 1944’s Meet Me in St. Louis at 11:45 p.m. ET and Charlie Chaplin’s 1931 masterpiece, City Lights, at 2 a.m. ET. But if there’s one film not to miss – and there is – it’s the 10 p.m. ET telecast of 1964’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg by director Jacques Demy, starring the incandescent Catherine Deneuve (pictured), and which Chazelle calls “the greatest movie ever made.” Whether or not his passions are misplaced, they’re precisely why guest programmers are such a valuable part of TCM. 

 
  
 
 

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

Part 2 of 2. Last night, PBS began this new documentary about our ideologically and politically divided nation. Tonight, it presents the other side of that divide – or, at least, the other half of this four-hour study. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

History, 10:00 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: When James Gandolfini died unexpectedly, the producers of The Night Of recast his role by hiring John Turturro, who did a fantastic job with the role, but undoubtedly took it to a different place than Gandolfini would have. Six, this new scripted drama series from the History network, was to have starred Joe Mangianello – but health issues reportedly caused him to back out, and his part was filled by Walton Goggins, who’s done such amazing work on The Shield and Justified, and as a recurring guest star on Sons of Anarchy. He certainly deserves a starring role, but this drama, about a former Navy SEAL who is captured by Boko Haram (prompting his former fellow Team Six warriors to reunite and try to locate and rescue him), may or may not be it.

 
  
 
 

FXX, 10:30 p.m. ET

Lucy (Katie Findlay) has been such a strong addition to this cast, and this show, that it makes sense Josh (Jay Baruchel) would be happy to upend his single-guy existence to be with her as much as possible. But this week, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the feeling is mutual…

 
  
 
 

Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m. ET

What kind of outrage and comedy will Samantha Bee and her cohorts present as they count down the days to the Donald Trump presidential inauguration? Tune in and see…

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
RHKRC
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 186  | Go to page: 
3706 Comments
 
 
Watches for Men
thanks for sharing the valuable information https://tornado.store
Apr 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Cape Royale is widely praised on property websites for its exclusive waterfront living concept and prestigious location in Sentosa Cove, one of Singapore’s most luxurious residential enclaves. The development features 302 spacious units with panoramic views of the South China Sea and marina,
Apr 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
If you are searching for reliable medical equipment, Manarti Exports is a trusted manufacturer in India. We offer a wide range of products, including surgical instruments, hospital furniture, and disposable items at competitive prices. Our priority is quality, safety, and meeting international standards. With quick delivery and dependable support, we proudly serve hospitals, clinics, and distributors across the worldwide.
Apr 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This was pleasant to read because it kept things clear and practical. Looking forward to reading more like this.
Apr 3, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Every Camruletka chat is private, fast, and designed for natural communication. You're always in control—switch to the next person at any time or stay and chat as long as you want.
Apr 2, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well!
Apr 1, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here.
Apr 1, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I found this post very helpful as it made the topic approachable. Looking forward to reading more like this.
Mar 31, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here.
Mar 30, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Grand Dunman is widely praised on property websites for its impressive large-scale design, prime city-fringe location in District 15, and excellent connectivity just steps from Dakota MRT. The development features over 1,000 thoughtfully designed units with modern layouts and premium facilities, catering to a wide range of homeowners and investors.
Mar 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey Prick-ears,

Why don't you take a flying FU** in a rolling doughnut, you bozo! Get your own damn site to shill your SH**!

Sincerely,

Dave
Mar 30, 2026
 
 
 
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to comebiobet back later. All the best.
Mar 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article. I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.
Mar 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Victory Foods OEM
Bianculli’s curation effectively balances nostalgia with timely cultural markers, especially highlighting the ironic origins of Aquaman alongside the poignant Morrison tribute. https://victoryfoodscn.com
Mar 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This specific is generally clearly basic and in addition exceptional truth alongside without a doubt reasonable and besides in fact valuable My business is
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
With our trusted and highly trained shipping professionals ready to answer all of your shipping questions,
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Even after using several ways to increase WordPress speed it was difficult to score high on Google Speed Test
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This specific is generally clearly basic and in addition exceptional truth alongside without a doubt reasonable and besides in fact valuable My business is
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It is a good site post without fail. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did. I am impressed that there is so much information about this subject that has been uncovered and you’ve defeated yourself this time, with so much quality. Good Works!
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Penipu berkualitas rendah tanpa integritas dan penuh kebohongan.
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 186  | Go to page: 
 
 

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.