WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 25
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Fox, 8:00 p.m. ET

Last night’s Game 1 of this year’s series was the fastest-played World Series game in 25 years – it took only two hours and 28 minutes, making it the fastest game since 1992. Pitching on both teams was amazing, but the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Houston Astros thanks to big-bearded Justin Turner’s big two-run homer that broke a 1-1 tie, and proved the only margin of victory the Dodgers needed. Tonight, Game 2 – and, most probably, more dominant pitching.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 8:00 p.m. ET

I’ve always had a special spot for otters (right now, it’d be my koi pond, if any TVWW-reading otters are interested). When I was a college student at the University of Florida, my friends and I would go northwest of Gainesville on occasional weekends to be the first people that day to throw our giant inner tubes, and ourselves, into the Itchetucknee River. Then we’d let the current carry us around the curves, where we’d come upon turtles, snakes, and occasional otters. The Charlie in the title of tonight’s Nature installment, Charlie and the Curious Otters, is filmmaker Charlie Hamilton James, who gets so intrigued by a trio of river otters he films in Wisconsin that he starts visiting, and filming, otters all over the world. I’ll be tuning in for sure – even though, for some people, this might sound like otter nonsense. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

ABC, 9:00 p.m. ET

Like Roseanne before it, the ABC sitcom Modern Family has made Halloween an annual TV tradition. And while many family members are ready, even eager, to pass on the torch, Phil and Claire are stalwart holdouts. Tonight’s episode, fittingly, is called “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Phil Dunphy,” and it features Claire as Wonder Woman.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 10:00 p.m. ET

Part 1 of 2. Frontline producer Michael Kirk and his team present this internationally researched two-parter, concluding next Wednesday, in which reporters trace, and probe, the moves and motives of Vladimir Putin regarding his decision to target the American election. (Real news!) For full reviews, see Alex Strachan's TV That Matters, and Ed Bark's Uncle Barky's BytesCheck local listings.
 
  
 
 

USA, 10:00 p.m. ET

The more I watch, the less I understand. This series, in Season 3, is beginning to make me feel like I’m back in my college statistics class all over again…

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
INKTB
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.