TUESDAY
DECEMBER 20
2016

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

CW, 8:00 p.m. ET

SPECIAL: And not just tonight. Like that one line about old comics, he’s here all week. And he’s descending upon various families, and bringing with him an instant celebration. It’s part reality show and part Christmas special – and Crews is just likable enough, perhaps, to pull this off, and to not wear out his welcome as the days go on.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 8:00 p.m. ET

This repeat telecast, from earlier this summer, features President Barack Obama offering remarks on the two-century history of the White House, from its inner workings to its many changes and renovations over the year. Watch it again now, before the next occupant arrives with all gilt and no guilt. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

NBC, 9:00 p.m. ET

Taped at Radio City Music Hall, this two-hour special features tributes from a long conga line of artists, including Lady Gaga, Elton John, Billy Joel, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Stevie Wonder, Rufus Wainwright, Leslie Odom Jr., and more. It also features appearances by Robert De Niro, Kevin Spacey, John McEnroe – and Alec Baldwin, whose most famous Saturday Night Live impersonation of the moment is Donald Trump, but who for years did a wicked Tony Bennett on SNL. Here, he does his impersonation right next to the original article – a sly callback to the first season of SNL, when John Belushi became a breakout star by doing a phenomenal Joe Cocker impression, performing a duet with the actual, equally phenomenal Joe Cocker. And by the way, why shouldn’t Tony Bennett celebrate turning 90? The guy is continuing to make music and release albums, is singing duets with the likes of Lady Gaga, and, at age 90, is in remarkably good voice, as well as remarkably good health. At his advanced age, he hasn’t even had a heart transplant – but if he ever does, I hope he has the good sense, and the good sense of irony, to have the operation at Saint Francis Memorial, St. Mary’s Medical Center, or any of the other excellent hospitals in San Francisco. Just to make his signature song ring even truer.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

These end-of-year specials are excellent overviews of the year in sports, but, with host Bryant Gumbel debriefing his contributors on their favorite stories, also are that rarity in broadcast journalism: a chance to revisit old stories to receive updated information and new perspectives.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 11:30 p.m. ET

This 1985 CBS version of the Broadway stage revival of Arthur Miller’s classic drama is astoundingly good from start to finish. When I saw it on Broadway, it made me cry – and not just silent little weepy tears, either, but convulsive sobs. A lot of that was due to the dynamism and realism of the acting, and those same actors are on display here, being just as vital and visceral. Dustin Hoffman stars as Willy Loman, that delusional traveling salesman who both lives in and is betrayed by the past, and John Malkovich and Stephen Lang offer strong support as his sons Biff and Happy. Kate Reid, as Willy’s long-suffering wife, is the shuddering soul of this drama, which works powerfully in this TV version as well. Long ago, I had dreams and schemes of helping to keep the spirit of Death of a Salesman alive by starting a website in which people could write in and tell their personal tales of being discarded or disregarded by the companies for which they worked. But my proposed website name was too long: Amanisnotapieceoffruit.com…

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
EJBHN
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 140  | Go to page: 
2797 Comments
 
 
Buying a home can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the process and get pre-approved, things start falling into place. I really appreciate how this post breaks down the steps clearly, super helpful for buyers!
Oct 17, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey homie,

I think you just took a wrong turn on the Information Highway!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!

Seriously, please remove your post. And if you decide to post again, please make it about the greatest Art that Man has ever Created: TELEBISION!!!!!

Warmly,

Dave
Oct 17, 2025
 
 
 
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. I am writing on this topic, so I think it will help a lot. I leave my blog address below. Please visit once.!
Oct 15, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. I am writing on this topic, so I think it will help a lot. I leave my blog address below. Please visit once.!
Oct 15, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this.
Oct 14, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Awesome blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Many thanks!
Oct 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
You made karaoke night the highlight of the evening, fantastic job!
Oct 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. We will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with quality content.
Oct 9, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Godrej Thanisandra in North Bangalore – a pre-launch residential project offering 2, 3 & 4 BHK luxury apartments across 20.33 acres. Enjoy premium amenities.
Oct 8, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey Godfrey - what-the-ever-loving-fuc%-are-you-even-fuc%ing-talking about??!
I think you took a wrong turn after hitting that meth pipe to end up here!!!

ROTFLMBFFAO!!!

Dave
Oct 8, 2025
 
 
 
I do accept as true with all the ideas you’ve offered to your post. They’re very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters. May you please extend them a little from next time? Thank you for the post
Oct 7, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
We’re a small, passionate team based in Austin, Texas, whose love of the gaming hobby turned into a full-time mission
Oct 6, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Good site you have here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Oct 5, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Good site you have here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Oct 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Call girls jodhpur
Tottaa is a leading name for high-class call girls Jodhpur and reliable escort service Jodhpur. Whether you need an elegant Jodhpur call girl or premium Jodhpur escort service, Tottaa provides unmatched quality. Meet professional Jodhpur call girls and enjoy private, secure, and unforgettable companionship tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

Visit us:-https://in.tottaa.com/call-girls/rajasthan/jodhpur
Oct 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Call girls jodhpur
Tottaa is a leading name for high-class call girls Jodhpur and reliable escort service Jodhpur. Whether you need an elegant Jodhpur call girl or premium Jodhpur escort service, Tottaa provides unmatched quality. Meet professional Jodhpur call girls and enjoy private, secure, and unforgettable companionship tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

Visit us:-https://in.tottaa.com/call-girls/rajasthan/jodhpur
Oct 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
jodhpur call girl
Tottaa is a leading name for high-class call girls Jodhpur and reliable escort service Jodhpur. Whether you need an elegant Jodhpur call girl or premium Jodhpur escort service, Tottaa provides unmatched quality. Meet professional Jodhpur call girls and enjoy private, secure, and unforgettable companionship tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

Visit now:-https://in.tottaa.com/call-girls/rajasthan/jodhpur
Oct 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
You sing with so much heart, it makes karaoke extra special.
Oct 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
stitch
????? ??????? ??????????????? ???????????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ???????????????????? 100% ?????????????????? ??????????????????? 1 ??? ?????????? https://one-ink.com/
Sep 30, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
https://one-ink.com/
How could i never knew this before. https://one-ink.com/
Sep 30, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
stitch
https://one-ink.com/
Sep 30, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I was recommended this blog by way of my cousin. I’m not sure whether or not this post is written through him as nobody else recognise such precise about my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Sep 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 140  | 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.