MONDAY
OCTOBER 23
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

The Battle Rounds continue – and in this second week, continue to escalate in drama because each time a judge uses a “steal” to save, and inherit, a rival team’s losing candidate, there are fewer reprieves in play the rest of the way.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

Tonight’s a marvelous night for movies on television. It begins with this moody, emotional, utterly beautiful 1980 black-and-white drama, starring John Hurt as John Merrrick, the disfigured man who is discovered in, and rescued from, a Victorian freak show. This film was produced by Mel Brooks for his new Brooksfilms company, and he kept his name off all publicity when the movie was released because he didn’t want it incorrectly anticipated as a comedy. (That also, by the way, explains the presence if his wife, Anne Bancroft, in a small but breathtakingly touching supporting role.) And Brooks, as producer, hired as director someone with no major feature-film experience: an unusual, and unusually gifted, young man named David Lynch.

 
  
 
 

Sundance, 9:00 p.m. ET

Sundance Channel, tonight, presents a double feature that would have been one of the ultimate double features for my then-teen daughter: The Princess Bride, followed by Labyrinth. First up: This 1987 delight, adapted by screenwriter William Goldman from his own novel and directed by Rob Reiner. Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Christopher Guest, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant – and don’t forget Peter Falk and a young Fred Savage – help make this flawless fantasy film the 1980s generation’s family-film equivalent of The Wizard of Oz.

 
  
 
 

Fox, 9:00 p.m. ET

In this episode, the mutant rebels plan a surprise attack to rescue one of their own – which has a woman with unusual powers and purple hair teaming with a girl with unusual powers and blonde hair to rescue a woman with unusual powers and green hair. If this series isn't sponsored by Clairol, it should be...
 
  
 
 

Sundance, 11:00 p.m. ET

This 1986 film by the late, great Jim Henson is about a teenager (played by a young, already beautiful Jennifer Connelly) who wishes ill upon her baby brother – a wish that is granted by the Goblin King, played magnificently, and maleficently, by the late, great David Bowie, leading Connelly’s Sarah to find a way to save herself, and her baby brother, from the goblin Gareth’s clutches.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
MICHS
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 191  | Go to page: 
3812 Comments
 
 
It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here
Apr 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I really liked your article post. Really looking forward to read more. Great. Say, you got a nice article. Really thank you! Fantastic.I think the restaurant which you told me in the letter is very interesting. I also like to eat out and I usually go to a restaurant for dinner with my family twice a month., The food is delicious so we enjoy it very much. The service is also quick and friendly.
Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Teaching English online has become a flexible, rewarding career path—and you don’t need a university degree to get started. By focusing on the right certifications, tools, and platforms, anyone with strong English skills can build a thriving online teaching business.
Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage that you continue your great writing, have a nice evening!
Apr 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu kelas rendah melakukan apa yang paling mereka kuasai—berbohong, menipu, dan menghilang dengan uang orang lain.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia, persetan dengan para penipu itu, tangkap mereka dan persetan dengan mereka karena telah menipu banyak orang.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu yang memalukan memangsa orang-orang dengan klaim palsu dan kebohongan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This article is packed with insights! I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into making it so engaging. Well done!
Apr 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Such an amazing read! Your ability to explain things in a simple yet detailed way is truly impressive.
Apr 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey sweetie,

It's not that complicated! It's TV!!! Do what I do!!!!! Grab a six pack of Miller Lite, crack the first one open and drink it. Rinse and repeat!!!!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!!!!!!

Just let the TV flow over you.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Dave
Apr 21, 2026
 
 
 
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This was well explained since it stayed concise and clear. Thanks for sharing this insight.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu ini adalah pembohong profesional. Siapa pun yang mempercayai mereka hanya ikut memperkuat penipuan mereka.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia, persetan dengan para penipu itu, tangkap mereka dan persetan dengan mereka karena telah menipu banyak orang.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia tangkap situs web sialan itu
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Practical stream
A thoughtful reflection on TV criticism’s evolution and legacy—blending nostalgia, personal memories, and appreciation for creators who shaped meaningful viewing experiences.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Sialan para penipu ini karena telah mencuri uang dan kepercayaan orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 191  | 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.