SUNDAY
AUGUST 20
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Showtime, 8:00 p.m. ET

Last week, one character looked to another and asked, “What happened?” And the other character answered, “I don’t know. Something.” Welcome to Twin Peaks: The Return, on the down slope. It’s as inscrutable as ever… but last week, I did find myself staring intently at the screen, either wondering what was happening, or waiting for something to. But it’s definitely got me watching again, with, among other things, Andy taking his trip to somewhere else...

 
  
 
 

CNN, 9:00 p.m. ET

This week’s installment is called Isn’t It Ironic?, and is all about the music of that decade – from the rise of hip hop to the ascendance of Alanis Morissette. Hence the episode’s title.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

Some battle lines were drawn last week, some alliances formed, and some knees bent – but the biggest move forward, as this series approaches its end game, was Jon Snow’s mission to head north, to the other side of the wall, to capture and bring back a member of the undead army. The plan, I guess, is to bring back living proof of the non-living – but it won’t be easy.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 9:00 p.m. ET

Last week’s episode provided an extended flashback, showing us Ray and Abby’s 21st anniversary – an unexpected voyage that included not only a trip to a brothel, but other scenes that showed us Ray and Abby connecting as never before. It showed, more than at any other point on Ray Donovan, why these two were so connected to each other. We felt for them, and especially for her, at a whole new level – and then the show, right after it giveth, taketh away, in a sad, deeply emotional series of scenes and revelations.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: This is the return, for the final season, of one of TV’s most undervalued current series. Episodes has, over its run, provided a detailed spoof of Hollywood, with a selfish and vain character at its center, that at time has rivaled Curb Your Enthusiasm. Instead of Larry David playing a comically confrontational version of himself, Episodes has Matt LeBlanc playing a selfish, vain, and usually uncaring version of himself. He was the actor brought in by an all-talk, no-talent TV executive (played by John Pankow) to star in his company’s American adaptation of a tasteful British comedy hit. Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan play the British writing couple imported to Hollywood to adapt their British series for American TV – but saddled with or by mediocrity every step of the way, starting with LeBlanc. All these years later, and the four of them – the producer, the star, and the two writers – seem destined to work together one last time. Seems unlikely? How likely is it that the real LeBlanc is starring, right now, in a new U.S. version of a long-running British show about cars, Top Gear?

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 10:30 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: Last season, Andrew Dice clay joined the ranks of comics playing comically exaggerated versions of themselves. One of the twists here, though, is that the TV Dice shows a nicer side of himself than the Dice of his familiar comic persona.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

President Trump is still on vacation. Yet things keep happening, and John Oliver isn’t.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
MHLHK
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 135  | Go to page: 
2683 Comments
 
 
I quite enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back at some point. Jul 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I quite enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back at some point.
Jul 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Can you share more on this topic sometime?
Jun 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
What topic is that sweet-cheeks??

Love,

Dave
Jul 2, 2025
 
 
 
vandana
Marine lubricants are specialized oils and greases formulated to meet the demanding requirements of marine engines and equipment operating in harsh oceanic environments. These lubricants are essential for reducing friction and wear in ship engines, propulsion systems, and auxiliary equipment, ensuring efficient performance and prolonged machinery life. They come in various types, including trunk piston engine oils (TPEO) for medium-speed engines and system oils for crosshead engines. Marine lubricants must possess excellent thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and detergency to withstand extreme pressures, high temperatures, and exposure to saltwater.
Jun 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
ooooh Vandana,

The way you talk about LUBRICANTS is making me frisky!!!! ROTFLMBFAO!!!

Fondly,

Dve
Jun 27, 2025
 
 
 
Looking for the top fashion schools in Chennai? Say hello to Chennai Fashion Institute – the creative powerhouse for aspiring designers.
 
Dave Bianculli
Excuse me sir, but if you haven't heard, China is ripping us off because we have a trade deficit. We cannot buy for new fashions!!!

ROTFLMBFAO!!! hahaha

just kidding, I was pretending I was a MAGAidiot.
Jun 27, 2025
 
 
 
Nice to be visiting your blog once more, it has been months for me. Well this article that ive been waited for therefore long. i want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has same topic together with your article. Thanks, nice share.
Jun 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Just read your article. Good one. I liked it. Keep going. you are a best writer your site is very useful and informative thanks for sharing!
Jun 21, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Good web site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
Jun 19, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS is the best, and I saw these are the best options that we can use. It is helpful for us to see how it is providing us the right results. There are a lot of people who are there to get the desired solutions that we need.
Jun 15, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
From your lips to God's ears, Concrete!! ROTFLMBFAO!!

Thank you for the supportive message. I remain:

Your Humble Servant,

Dave
Jun 16, 2025
 
 
 
the ultimate platform for streaming high-definition movies and TV shows without the interruptions of ads or the need for subscriptions. MoviesJoy offers an expansive library designed to meet every viewer’s preferences, whether you’re craving action-packed adventures, emotional dramas, or thought-provoking documentaries. With its intuitive interface and dedication to an ad-free experience, MoviesJoy ensures that discovering and enjoying your favorite content is effortless. MoviesJoy brings the magic of cinema straight to your screen, making it the perfect choice for endless entertainment.
Jun 13, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Dear Moviesjoy,

I noticed a typo in your post. You meant to say Moviesjoyisascam!!!


ROTFLMFAO!!

Dave
Jun 14, 2025
 
 
 
the ultimate platform for streaming high-definition movies and TV shows without the interruptions of ads or the need for subscriptions. MoviesJoy offers an expansive library designed to meet every viewer’s preferences, whether you’re craving action-packed adventures, emotional dramas, or thought-provoking documentaries. With its intuitive interface and dedication to an ad-free experience, MoviesJoy ensures that discovering and enjoying your favorite content is effortless. MoviesJoy brings the magic of cinema straight to your screen, making it the perfect choice for endless entertainment.
Jun 13, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
From Factory to World: List, Promote, Connect. All in One Platform. ----sr78mnl0
Jun 13, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
AJF Sports: The Ultimate Sports Authority
Covering leagues, events, and athletes from every corner of the globe, AJF Sports offers unparalleled sports journalism. Dive into stats, transfers, and tactical breakdowns. Whether you’re a casual fan or a sports executive, trust us for accurate, timely, and engaging content. ----kjdq8v9s
Jun 13, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Best You.Tube to MP4 Converter.https://youtubetomp4.best/
Jun 12, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Connect with 100K Verified Suppliers. List Your Products Where the World Shops. ----bpd6mrs1
Jun 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
From Factory to World: List, Promote, Connect. All in One Platform. ----wyz9wnhu
Jun 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Your Products, Global Audience: We Amplify B2B Success. ----ajoafcvi
Jun 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Enjoy seamless HD playback and a user-friendly interface designed for effortless movie exploration.
Stay updated with the latest releases alongside timeless favorites that define cinematic history. ----cdv1nzwq
Jun 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
We follow strict Google guidelines ensuring all tactics are compliant and free from risky practices. ----evodcfr6
Jun 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Stay informed with our news website your trusted source for timely accurate and diverse global coverage.
Explore breaking news updates on politics business technology entertainment and more from around the world. ----ko3kuas8
Jun 11, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 135  | 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.