SUNDAY
JANUARY 24
2016

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

CBS, 3:00 p.m. ET

What a dramatic setup for a game this is. The New England Patriots have QB Tom Brady, 38, simmering to avenge the embarrassment and turmoil of Deflategate by playing his way all the way to the Super Bowl – again, for what would be his seventh appearance in 15 seasons. The Denver Broncos have QB Peyton Manning, 39, who has come off injury, and the bench, to guide the Broncos through what may be his final postseason run. He’s hoping to reach his fourth Super Bowl, and this game will be the 17th time the two quarterbacks have faced one another. Brady has four Super Bowl rings. Manning has one. And for whichever QB loses to the other today, the chance to add to that number, this year, vanishes as the clock expires.

 
  
 
 

Fox, 6:30 p.m. ET

This could be one of the iciest postseason games ever played in North Carolina, but it’ll be played regardless. This is the first time in the Super Bowl era that a postseason game features two former Heisman Trophy QB winners going against one another. The Arizona Cardinals have Carson Palmer, and the Carolina Panthers have Cam Newton. Both teams are trying to reach the Super Bowl for the second time, then win it for the first.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 8:00 p.m. ET

This documentary series, taking viewers behind the scenes on the campaign trail, started out last week with a very watchable premiere – with some memorable backstage moments with Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders. If The Circus makes room this week for Sarah Palin, it’ll live up to its name almost immediately.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

On tonight’s episode, Tom Branson returns to Downton. For a rundown and reaction of each week’s Downton Abbey episode, see David Hinckley’s All Along the Watchtower. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

Fox, 10:00 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: Or is it series return? Actually, it’s both. This opening installment of six new X-Files hours spends a lot of time recapitulating what’s happened in the past, the rebooting to shape a new narrative for the future. But stay with it, because the second episode, which airs Monday, is stronger – and the one after that is a delightfully weird one. For my full review on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, visit the Fresh Air website. And for another full review, see Ed Bark's Uncle Barky's Bytes.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

Damien Lewis and Paul Giamatti are strong, individually, in this new series, which basically sets them up as dogged adversaries on Wall Street – one an opportunistic tycoon, the other a vengeful government prosecutor. Yet don’t underestimate the woman between these two men: Maggie Siff, who’s more than tough enough to stand next to them. Or, when she’s playing S&M sex games, on top of them.

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
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3808 Comments
 
 
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
 
 
Situs web ini benar-benar penipuan, jangan percayai mereka.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Perilaku penipuan murni. Bajingan-bajingan ini tidak punya moral dan tidak ragu-ragu menipu orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Hanya sekelompok penipu lain yang melakukan bisnis kotor secara online.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Sialan para penipu ini karena telah mencuri uang dan kepercayaan orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
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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.