MONDAY
DECEMBER 23
2013

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Encore, 8:00 p.m. ET

This 1985 time-travel comedy is presented tonight along with (at 10 p.m. ET) its 1989 sequel, Back to the Future Part II. That’s the one in which Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly finds himself, for a while, in the not-distant future – of 2015. We’re getting closer, boys and girls. But hey – I can remember anticipating the actual arrival of 1984 and 2001, and neither of those precisely matched their respective works of fiction, either. So don’t hold your breath waiting for the imminent development of any hovering skateboards.

 
  
 
 

National Geographic, 8:00 p.m. ET

This three-hour documentary visits the place where Charles Darwin compiled the isolated observations that helped prove his theory of evolution. Still remote, and with its access tightly controlled by a government wary of even unintentionally harmful impact by visitors, these remote islands and their unique animal residents can be witnessed effortlessly, and impressively, by watching this beautifully filmed series.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is the 1944 movie musical on which director Vincente Minnelli met, and later married, its young star, Judy Garland, five years after her portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. (Among the duo’s subsequent collaborations: daughter Liza Minnelli.) Fittingly for the holidays, this film also is the one in which Garland introduced what is now a Christmas standard, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – which, in the early draft of its lyrics, was much more melancholy.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 10:00 p.m. ET

David Gelb’s vivid documentary profile is the first TV show I wish had been made in Taste-O-Vision. It’s about Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi chef who is an astounding perfectionist and culinary artist. He works out of a small place at the Toyko subway, yet has earned three Michelin stars and is hailed in his country as a national treasure. What drives him? What distinguishes him? And what can you learn from him, about sushi preparation or just approaching life? Tune in… and savor. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

NBC, 10:00 p.m. ET

Like the best of the classic Sixties TV game shows it emulates and echoes, Hollywood Game Night is an airy, instantly dismissable little confection that is enjoyable and effortless to watch, pure and simple. Jane Lynch hosts, and this special holiday edition includes impromptu fun from Ray Romano, Rachel Bilson, Andy Roddick and others.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
GMWIY
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 255  | Go to page: 
5092 Comments
 
 
I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Nice concept revealed your blog thanks for sharing is a best feature and latest.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It was very useful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. This was actually what I was looking for, and I am glad to came here! Thanks for sharing such a information with us.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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!
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
thanks for the tips and information..i really appreciate it..
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog. Really looking forward to read more.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I truly like you're composing style, incredible data, thankyou for posting.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Hi, I log on to your new stuff like every week. Your humoristic style is witty, keep it up
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Great knowledge, do anyone mind merely reference back to it
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info:
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I am glad to be a visitor of this unadulterated web site, thanks for this rare info!
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It is somewhat fantastic, and yet check out the advice at this treat.
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
fantastic points altogether, you just gained emblem reader. What would you suggest in regards to your post that you made a few days ago? Any certain?
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
fantastic points altogether, you just gained emblem reader. What would you suggest in regards to your post that you made a few days ago? Any certain?
Oct 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 255  | 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.