THURSDAY
JULY 19
2012

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

This 1956 sci-fi movie is a classic in its genre, not only because of its cool robot, but because of its source material: Shakespeare’s The Tempest. And as a bonus, it features the gorgeous Anne Francis. So with three good reasons to watch, why not? And there’s a fourth: Her male co-star is Leslie Nielsen, playing it straight.

 
  
 
 

Cinemax, 8:15 p.m. ET

Here’s a sci-fi movie that’s very meta, and very, very clever. It’s a movie about an old Star Trek-type TV series whose star (Tim Allen) has alienated most of his former co-stars, yet gets an unexpected chance at redemption when some real aliens, believing the show to be a documentary, arrives on Earth to seek help from the heroic TV characters. It’s such a sweet, smart movie – and co-stars in this 1999 movie include Tony Shalhoub and, in a wonderful change-of-pace role, Sigourney Weaver.

 
  
 
 

Lifetime, 9:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: This is the 10th season for this competition reality series, which used to be one of the most inspirational and satisfying of the bunch – but even with a lackluster “all-star” round last year, has generated little excitement since moving to Lifetime. Part of it is the natural aging process of a series whose gimmicks have become repetitive, but part is that the contestants, of late, have shown less creativity as designers than narcissism as would-be TV divas. Perhaps for Season 10, Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn and the rest can revive things. But can they, in Gunn’s phrase, “make it work”? They try tonight, starting with a fashion show in Times Square.

 
  
 
 

USA, 9:00 p.m. ET

This series certainly is being egalitarian this season. Two weeks ago, the focus was on Fiona. Last week, it was on Sam. And tonight, it’s on Michael, who’s on a mission that puts him squarely against a tough mob guy. And for help, he goes to a familiar corner, but an unexpected one.

 
  
 
 

FX, 10:30 p.m. ET

Part 1 of 2. Parker Posey guest stars as a new woman in Louie’s life – and boy, is she interesting. Louie (Louie C.K.) finds her all sorts of strange, and unsettling, and unpredictable. And somehow, finds that combination more than a little attractive…

 
  
 
 
 
 
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 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
EHNSD
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 269  | Go to page: 
5379 Comments
 
 
I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.
Nov 12, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.
Nov 12, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories.
Nov 12, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work.
Nov 12, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!..
Nov 12, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Very useful information shared in this article, nicely written! I will be reading your articles and using the informative tips. Looking forward to read such knowledgeable articles.
Nov 12, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
"I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again!

"
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
"It’s amazing to go to see this web page and reading the
views of all colleagues regarding this piece of writing,
while I am also keen of getting knowledge."
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia yang menyedihkan, mencari uang dengan menipu orang jujur. Persetan dengan sampah ini.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Perilaku penipuan murni. Bajingan-bajingan ini tidak punya moral dan tidak ragu-ragu menipu orang lain.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu kelas rendah melakukan apa yang paling mereka kuasai—berbohong, menipu, dan menghilang dengan uang orang lain.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Situs web ini benar-benar penipuan, jangan percayai mereka.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia tangkap situs web sialan itu
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Hanya kebohongan dan taktik penipuan. Buang-buang waktu dan uang saja.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Sialan para penipu ini karena telah mencuri uang dan kepercayaan orang lain.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu ini adalah pembohong profesional. Siapa pun yang mempercayai mereka hanya ikut memperkuat penipuan mereka.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Bajingan keparat, akan kupukul pantatmu dengan sangat keras!
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu yang memalukan memangsa orang-orang dengan klaim palsu dan kebohongan.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Hanya kebohongan dan taktik penipuan. Buang-buang waktu dan uang saja.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Layanan palsu, ulasan palsu, janji palsu—100% sampah penipuan.
Nov 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 269  | 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.