SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 19

2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

CBS, 8:00 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: Strap yourself in, because this particular Sunday is one overcrowded, overachieving night of television. It begins with a new CBS drama series that, after this first taste, moves exclusively to the network’s streaming sister site, CBS All Access. The good news is that it’s a spinoff sequel of The Good Wife, starring Christine Baranski and other returning faces and new regulars, and it’s excellent (she’s seen here, with guest stars Bernadette Peters and Paul Guilfoyle). The bad news is that it’s excellent, which means there’s one more TV provider you have to decide whether or not to let into your house, TV set and budget. You can watch the premiere episode on CBS to decide for yourself – but you also can get one week of CBS All Access for free on a trial basis, so you may as well try it there, where you can see and hear everything in its notably unedited version. For full reviews, refer to my report on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and, here on TVWW, reviews from Ed Bark’s Uncle Barky’s Bytes and David Hinckley’s All Along the Watchtower.

THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA SALUTES NBC’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

I was in the second year of my career as a TV critic when NBC presented its golden anniversary prime-time celebration, NBC: The First 50 Years. That 1976 special was four-and-a-half hours long, and hosted by Orson Welles. Forty years later, with almost twice as much network history to celebrate, tonight’s The Paley Center for Media Salutes NBC’s 90^th Anniversary special is only three hours long, and is hosted by Kelsey Grammer. But as a TV historian and long-time critic, I applaud the presence of this special – TV looks back at itself way too seldom, especially in any critical or socially relevant sense. And looking back, in 2017, may be more comforting than looking forward.

VICTORIA ON MASTERPIECE

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

In tonight’s episode, the pregnant Queen Victoria (Jenna Coleman) appoints a regent in case she dies during childbirth, but the Tory party is livid at her selection. So if you’re seeking some escapist entertainment, and want to watch a period costume drama built tonight around about controversial appointments by powerful rulers, here you go. Good luck. Check local listings.

THE WALKING DEAD

AMC, 9:00 p.m. ET

Last week’s midseason premiere ended with a seemingly happy cliffhanger for a change: An expression of happiness on the face of a character, Andrew Lincoln’s Rick, who had just come upon and recognized a familiar person from the past. Who is it, and what happens next? That’s the launching point for tonight’s episode, which continues the twin themes of reunions and resistance. And there you go – The Walking Dead, these days, is a drama about scrappy survivors banding together to resist the tyrannical demands and moves of an unpredictable new ruler who has taken charge. More pure escapism…

BIG LITTLE LIES

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Laura Dern star in this new HBO miniseries, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. Each of the seven episodes is directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (Wild, The Dallas Buyers Club), and adapted by David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, Boston Legal), so it has a uniform voice, tone, and look. I’ve seen all but the final hour, and while I recommend Big Little Lies, the central mystery – both the murderer and the victim remain unidentified until the final hour – is less compelling than some of the character studies. Both Witherspoon and Dern are flashily fierce, and the most stirring scenes come from Kidman and True Blood and Generation Kill veteran Alexander Skarsgard, who plays her sometimes passionate, sometimes brutal husband. For full reviews, refer to my report on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and, here on TVWW, reviews from David Hinckley’s All Along the Watchtower and Ed Bark’s Uncle Barky’s Bytes.

BILLIONS

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: Damien Lewis and Paul Giamatti, as billionaire Bobby Axelrod and prosecuting attorney Chuck Rhoades, haven’t forgotten about how much they hate one another – but in this Season 2 premiere, there are other imminent foes and distractions as well. Most interesting, perhaps, is where Chuck’s now-estranged wife Wendy (Maggie Siff), who also has severed ties as a former valued employee of Bobby’s, will end up.

CRASHING

HBO, 10:30 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: Here’s a new series, created by and starring comedian Pete Holmes, that’s partly, wryly autobiographical, and has to do with an unsuccessful young comic who becomes adrift after catching his wife cheating, and ending his marriage. This premiere episode serves as a launching pad, but once it hits orbit, the design of Crashing has poor Pete “crashing” on the couches of various comics as he works his way through his emotional riptide and tries to find a workable place on the professional comedy circuit. One of this show’s executive producers is Judd Apatow, and you can see his comic sensibility, and demand for relatable and honest characters, all through this. Tonight’s featured comic: Artie Lange, who helps Pete through his first days of being on his own. But not much… For a full review, see Ed Bark's Uncle Barky's Bytes.

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

Last week, John Oliver returned with a vengeance – or, at least, a brilliant stunt in which he established the early-morning cable news TV viewing habits of President Donald Trump, then introduced ads he and his staff had written and produced specifically to run on cable news shows in the Washington, D.C. market the next morning. They starred a drawling, friendly, aging cowboy, who, instead of hawking a mail-order type of catheter, was targeting a very specific audience – POTUS himself – with ad after ad full of valuable information. “Just because it’s sometimes cold, that doesn’t mean there’s no global warming,” goes one such ad. “You’re confusing climate with weather, partner.” It brings new meaning to the term “infomercial” – and presents the funniest extended, outside-the-box political satire bit since Pat Paulsen’s presidential run for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour back in 1968.

<< PREVIOUS | NEXT >>

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)


Type in the verification word shown on the image.

Page: 1 of 139 | Go to page:

2773 Comments

lsm999

This is an awesome motivating article.I am practically satisfied with your great work.You put truly extremely supportive data. Keep it up. Continue blogging. Hoping to perusing your next post.

Sep 19, 2025 | Reply

jacqui Porth

Hi Dave: Read your review of Rubicon. I know AMC didn't pursue it. Read BBC4 picked up to air in 2011. Any chance you taped the episodes? If not, do you know anyone who did? Or any contacts for BBC4 (especially for their library). I saw what aired on AMC and have been looking to buy it ever since.... Thanks for any suggestions :)

Sep 17, 2025 | Reply

Feedback

Whether it's a last-minute business meeting or a late-night private party, you won't be constrained by time to reserve the best Gangnam public or private Jamsil karaoke. We'll adapt to your schedule. https://hyungworld.com

Sep 17, 2025 | Reply

lsm99

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.

Sep 17, 2025 | Reply

new lsm99

Thanks , I have just been looking for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have came upon till now.

Sep 13, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Hey Gomer,

IF this site is the source of info that you've been looking for for years, you'd better go back to Elementary school to figure out where in life you turned wrong!

ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!!

Sincerely,

Dave

Sep 15, 2025

Grand Dunman

There are also financial and practical benefits. Historically, owning a home has been a source of long-term financial security.

Sep 10, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

No shit Sherlock!! Thanks for the (ahem) brilliant advice!!

What TV shows do you like?

Big Dave

Sep 10, 2025

lsm99dna

Thank you so much for sharing this information, this will surely help me in my work and therefore, I would like to tell you that very few people can write in a manner where the reader understands just by reading the article once.

Sep 10, 2025 | Reply

Rescheck

The quality of materials and finishing is excellent. You can tell these homes are built to last.

Sep 7, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

What the fuc% are you talking about Homer??!!?

I think you took a wrong turn out of the peanut butter aisle!!!!

ROTFLMBFAO!!!

Sep 8, 2025

sellerfinancedream

Just as convenience adds value in everyday services, an **owner financing agreement** creates the same advantage in real estate by simplifying transactions. It clearly defines payment terms, interest, and responsibilities, reducing the need for traditional lenders. This flexibility builds trust and makes ownership more accessible for both buyers and sellers.

Sep 4, 2025 | Reply

laundrymatnearme

The appreciation shows how simplicity adds real value, whether in useful information or digital entertainment. In daily life, a **laundromat near me open now** provides the same benefit by offering quick and easy access whenever needed. Both highlight how convenience and efficiency create genuine satisfaction.

Sep 3, 2025 | Reply

laundrymatnearme

Sep 3, 2025 | Reply

minorityownedbiz

Komentar itu mengapresiasi informasi yang bermanfaat, sementara **slot qris 5000** juga menghadirkan nilai serupa dalam hiburan digital. Dengan modal kecil dan transaksi cepat, pemain dapat menikmatinya dengan mudah. Keduanya menegaskan bahwa kesederhanaan efektif mampu memberi kepuasan nyata.

Sep 2, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Persetan denganmu dan kuda yang kau tunggangi!

ENGLISH ONLY PLEASE!

Sep 2, 2025

lsm99 sport

This article is an appealing wealth of informative data that is interesting and well-written. I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information.

Sep 1, 2025 | Reply

lsm99 lotto

This article is an appealing wealth of informative data that is interesting and well-written. I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information.

Sep 1, 2025 | Reply

Mr. G Yachts

Just as travel, entrepreneurship, and reliable services open doors to new opportunities, Yacht Rental Dubai creates a gateway to luxury and memorable experiences on the water. With modern fleets and skilled crews, Yacht Rental Dubai ensures safety, comfort, and personalized service. It is the ideal choice for leisure escapes, private celebrations, and professional gatherings in style.

Sep 1, 2025 | Reply

OlineDelivery

???? ???????? ?????? ????? ????? ???? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ??? ???? ?? ??????. ????? ???? ????? ????? ????? ????, ???? ?? ???? ??????? ????? ?????? ??????. ????? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????????? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ?????? ????? ????? ????? ???.

Sep 1, 2025 | Reply

overseasproperty4cash

Just as travel and entrepreneurship open doors to new cultures and opportunities, choosing to **Sell Oveseas Property** can unlock wider financial prospects. It allows access to global markets, maximizes investment returns, and builds long-term stability for the future.

Aug 30, 2025 | Reply

Timetours

What an inspiring story of following a dream and turning years of experience into a meaningful venture. It’s amazing how cultural diversity across India creates endless opportunities for unique products and fresh market ideas. Just like exporting brings the richness of one place to another, travel allows us to experience culture firsthand. Options like tours by bus
make it easier to explore different regions, traditions, and stories in a comfortable and memorable way. Both entrepreneurship and travel are journeys that thrive on curiosity, discovery, and persistence.

Aug 30, 2025 | Reply

hapextreeservice

Unexpected storms or accidents can leave dangerous trees posing risks to your property. In such situations, fast and reliable emergency tree removal Roswell GA services are essential. With trained crews and the right equipment, your home and family stay safe from sudden hazards.

Aug 29, 2025 | Reply

614ispanicroofersacacio

Just as reliable reference materials are essential for producing quality work, hiring a professional [roofing](https://614ispanicroofersacacio.com/roofing/) service ensures your home is well-protected and built to last. Skilled roofers provide expert installation, repair, and maintenance, using high-quality materials for durability. Their precise workmanship enhances the safety and longevity of any property. Timely service and attention to detail prevent future problems and costly repairs. Choosing trusted roofing professionals gives homeowners confidence and peace of mind.

Aug 28, 2025 | Reply

Page: 1 of 139 | 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.

New From TVWW

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

CBS, 8:00 p.m. ET

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

AMC, 9:00 p.m. ET

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

HBO, 10:30 p.m. ET

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

David Bianculli

PBS' 'Frontline’ Examines Pension Promises and — Spoiler Alert — Finds the Math Doesn’t Add Up

The Decadence of ‘Versailles’ Comes to Ovation

Prescribing Mamie Gummer in 'Emily Owens, M.D.'

Looking for a Free Ride? HBO Can Deliver

'Pass the Biscuits' Part of the Hatfield-McCoy Pop-Culture Legacy