SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 18
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

BBC America, 10:00 a.m. ET

When the original Planet Earth miniseries was co-produced and presented by Discovery Channel a decade ago, that network took the astoundingly infuriating, wrong-headed and insulting step of replacing the narration by Sir David Attenborough with newly recorded narration by Sigourney Weaver. Nothing about Sigourney Weaver (her father, after all, was one of TV’s first visionary programmers, NBC’s Sylvester “Pat” Weaver), but swapping out the best nature documentary host on the planet for an actress allegedly more “acceptable” to American ears is absurd. The good news is that the “original” 2006 Planet Earth, with Attenborough as narrator, still exists – and today, as a prelude to the U.S. premiere of Planet Earth II (also narrated by Attenborough, 10 years later), BBC America is repeating the entire 11-part Planet Earth all day, with Attenborough’s voice prominently and passionately attached. Watch, and listen. You’ll be astounded. And hit record, because you’ll want to savor every hour.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 8:00 p.m. ET

This updated 2016 version of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan story died on the vine, so to speak – but with its leading players, it’s worth a peek as it arrives on HBO. Alexander Skarsgard, who co-stars in tomorrow night’s Big Little Lies on the same network, has the title role, and Margot Robbie, last seen as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, plays the woman who tames him, brings him to London, and understands him better than anyone. We may have different reasons for checking out this movie. You, Tarzan. Me, Jane.

 
  
 
 

Lifetime, 8:00 p.m. ET

Not a recommendation: I’m just noting the arrival of this new Lifetime telemovie, in case you’re in search of a Saturday night Guilty Pleasure. It’s a made-for-TV biography of Britney Spears, starring Natasha Bassett as the pop star with the very public up-and-down private life.

 
  
 
 

BBC America, 9:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: TVWW contributor Alex Strachan has made it a personal pet project to bang the drums for this mature documentary sequel, writing several different articles about it, which you can (and should) read in his TV That Matters columns here, here, and here. The sequel to Planet Earth, arriving in the States 11 years after the original, shows two things with jaw-dropping clarity. One is how far TV technology and mature filmmaking have come in the intervening years, because the images captured are breathtaking, and in many instances unprecedented. The other thing Planet Earth II shows, with somber finality, is how far we haven’t come in protecting, preserving and appreciating our planet and its creatures and various environments. I’ve seen all of Planet Earth II in advance – and, like Alex, think it’s truly special, and important. Watch it on the best and biggest TV you can find, and record it for repeated viewings. Also, gather the kids. If ever there were a full-family television offering, Planet Earth II is it. And yes, the great David Attenborough is back as narrator. Welcome, Sir David, and thank you…
 
  
 
 

TCM, 10:30 p.m. ET

Every time I show this 1976 movie to one of my classes at Rowan University, I’m astounded all over again at how prescient writer Paddy Chayefsky was, about everything. Everything from the corporate acquisitions of broadcast networks and the encroachment of bottom-line profits and ratings into their news divisions, to the rise of reality television and angry and unchecked TV public-affairs “personalities,” is in here, in a movie made more than 40 years ago. Peter Finch is brilliant as unhinged network news anchor Howard Beale, and his ultra-talented co-stars include William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, and Ned Beatty. Oh, and the famous scene in which everyday Americans are shown venting their anger by being encouraged to throw open their windows and shout, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this any more!’’ – well, welcome to America 2017.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
OHIQP
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 141  | Go to page: 
2820 Comments
 
 
You may comment on the demand plan of the blog. You should visit it's mind boggling. Your blog audit would swell up your visitors. I was to a great degree fulfilled to find this site.I expected to thank you for this unimaginable read!
Nov 5, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
The only thing that swells up when thinking about all of my loyal fan visitors is my EGO. Oh wait a minute, there's something else that SWELLS UP too!

ROTFLMBFAO!!!!!

haha, thanks for following my merry TV adventures!!

Dave
Nov 9, 2025
 
 
 
Our batteries are exported worldwide, earning a stellar reputation through long-term cooperation with many renowned lithium battery companies.
Nov 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
Nov 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
To ensure a smooth and successful partnership, we offer comprehensive pre-sales support, including
Nov 3, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
If you want to play slots that are easy to break and make a profit quickly, we recommend you to get to know the slots website that is easy to break. Direct entrance to play on the website.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Invite players to experience the fun of playing online slot games, direct website slots, with all pg slot games to choose from. Including famous camps leading worldwide
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Come in first, play first, get rich first. Traveling players can try playing slots for free, receive pg slot promotions, and get a chance to win free credit.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Direct web slots, online slots website that can be verified There is no history of cheating at all. Plus there are promotions for members.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Choose to play slots with a direct website. Play online slots, fun and fun, easy to make profits with the rhythm of winning. Get the big prize.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
New system slots Choose to play every slot game camp Choose to bet for fun with a direct website.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Easy to crack slot website 2025, big promotion for all members. Ready to provide service via website 24 hours a day.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
https://casinoactiononline.com/
https://casinoactiononline.com/ Discover the special features of playing slot games. Ready for you to experience the ultimate fun. Direct web slots are open to interested players.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Enter to play online slots directly, online slots, easy to break slots, many players
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Discover the special features of playing slot games. Ready for you to experience the ultimate fun. Direct web slots are open to interested players.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
https://mirzslot.com/
Including the most popular slots, new game slots, easy-to-break slots, and many slot games. PG Slot, pg slots, full of broken slots. Let every gambler choose from many forms of fun
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Including the most popular slots, new game slots, easy-to-break slots, and many slot games. PG Slot, pg slots, full of broken slots. Let every gambler choose from many forms of fun
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
https://casino2win.net/
https://casino2win.net/ Enter to play online slots directly, online slots, easy to break slots, many players have achieved their goals in gambling.
Nov 2, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
“I think commenting is the best part of my blogging – especially here at Pro Blogger. You see I’m not that profound or wise, but many of my readers are. Comments add value to my blog. They take my posts to the next level and often take my ideas in rewarding new directions.”
Nov 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
Including the most popular slots, new game slots, easy-to-break slots, and many slot games. PG Slot, pg slots, full of broken slots. Let every gambler choose from many forms of fun
Nov 2, 2025
 
 
 
Amazing post from this website. Post from this website are very useful for me. Thanks for providing this types of article.
Nov 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Natch brother - all I do is spout pearls of wisdom all day long!! LMBFAOAROTF!@!!!

But thanks for noticing.

Dave
Nov 1, 2025
 
 
 
That was more than karaoke. it felt like a live concert! You totally owned the mic and won everyone’s hearts.
Oct 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Holy Lolapalooza! It's been a semi-secret in my life that I like to GLAM UP and belt out a few tunes at my local watering hole. I didn't ever think that one of my FANS would stumble in to one of my performances!!! ROTFLMBFAO!!!!

Which song did you like best: Girls Just Want to Have Fun, or Highway to Hell?

Next time, please introduce yourself!! I promise, I don't bite!!!! (unless we both mutually agree that we would like that!!!!!)

Fondly yours in TV,

Dave
Oct 28, 2025
 
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 141  | 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.