SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 26

2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

PBS, 4:00 p.m. ET

This series will conclude next Sunday – but in the meantime, as a counter-programming move against ABC’s Oscars telecast, PBS is gathering the six episodes to date, and repeating them in a mini-marathon from 4-11 p.m. ET. Jenna Coleman is quite good as the young Queen Victoria, and this binge-watching opportunity allows you to see her character’s gradual transformation, and growth, in an accelerated and exceptionally clear fashion. Check local listings.

THE GOOD FIGHT

CBS All Access, 12:00 a.m. ET

Last Sunday, CBS presented the premiere episode of The Good Fight, the excellent spinoff sequel series to The Good Wife, starring Christine Baranski. Tonight, you can see episode two – but not on CBS. You have to go to CBS All Access, the network’s streaming site, where you also can see episode three right now, offered as part of a one-week free trial basis. But from then on, you’ll have to pay – and if that weren’t bad enough, given that The Good Fight is better than any of CBS’s current “free” dramatic programming, there’s a two-tiered pay system. CBS All Access costs $5.99 per month – unless you want to watch it without advertising, in which case it costs $9.99 a month. Let them eat cable…

THE 89TH ACADEMY AWARDS

ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

The expansion of the number of nominees in some of the major categories has made for a more inclusionary Oscars contest – kind of like NFL parity – but not necessarily a faster or more interesting awards show. Still, this year makes room, in the Best Picture category, for the likes of La La Land, Hidden Figures, and Manchester By the Sea, and Moonlight – so 2017 is a good vintage for offbeat films. And with Jimmy Kimmel as host, and with so much politics in the air, even the monologues and acceptance speeches could be livelier than usual this year.

BIG LITTLE LIES

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

While the broadcast networks tend to close up shop opposite the Oscars telecast, HBO and Showtime routinely proceed as though it’s business as usual. Here, then, is episode two of this new HBO miniseries. Watch for things to heat up considerably, especially in the private scenes between Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgard, as a couple whose seemingly idyllic marriage is both fueled and eroded by violently passionate sex and arguments. Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern co-star.

GIRLS

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

Last week’s episode of Girls delivered a major surprise in the form of an unexpected revelation about one of its characters. (For a full report, see Eric Gould’s Cold Light Reader.) This week, we carry on with the ramifications of that discovery – and the newest fissure between the core group of friends.

BILLIONS

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

This season of Billions seems not only to have upped the ante, but the arrogance, on the battle between Wall Street billionaire Bobby Axelrod (Damien Lewis) and vengeful political watchdog Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti). But this season more than ever, Billions, like Mad Men, seems to be telling a more interesting story through the eyes of its women. Maggie Siff, especially, is in a fascinating position, now that her character of Wendy is a step removed from both estranged husband Chuck and former boss Bobby.

CRASHING

HBO, 10:30 p.m. ET

In tonight’s second episode, the structure of Crashing really takes shape, with aspiring standup comic Pete (Pete Holmes) going from fellow comic to fellow comic, and couch to couch, to crash while putting his life back together. This week, Artie Lange, who was featured last week, passes Pete off to T.J. Miller.

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

Maybe because it’s late Sunday night, either the end or the start of a rough week – but Last Week Tonight seems to give me the reassurance, perspective and laughs I need to keep putting up with the headlines for one more seven-day stretch. Thanks, John Oliver, for taking your show, and your comedy, so seriously…

<< PREVIOUS | NEXT >>

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)


Type in the verification word shown on the image.

Page: 1 of 141 | Go to page:

2820 Comments

lsm99 login

You may comment on the demand plan of the blog. You should visit it's mind boggling. Your blog audit would swell up your visitors. I was to a great degree fulfilled to find this site.I expected to thank you for this unimaginable read!

Nov 5, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

The only thing that swells up when thinking about all of my loyal fan visitors is my EGO. Oh wait a minute, there's something else that SWELLS UP too!

ROTFLMBFAO!!!!!

haha, thanks for following my merry TV adventures!!

Dave

Nov 9, 2025

Semi-solid State Battery

Our batteries are exported worldwide, earning a stellar reputation through long-term cooperation with many renowned lithium battery companies.

Nov 4, 2025 | Reply

new lsm99

site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

Nov 4, 2025 | Reply

Lap Joint Flanges

To ensure a smooth and successful partnership, we offer comprehensive pre-sales support, including

Nov 3, 2025 | Reply

https://casinoenligne24.org/

If you want to play slots that are easy to break and make a profit quickly, we recommend you to get to know the slots website that is easy to break. Direct entrance to play on the website.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://bigcasinos.info/

Invite players to experience the fun of playing online slot games, direct website slots, with all pg slot games to choose from. Including famous camps leading worldwide

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://sexxx4all.com/

Come in first, play first, get rich first. Traveling players can try playing slots for free, receive pg slot promotions, and get a chance to win free credit.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://prevenzionenoslot.org/

Direct web slots, online slots website that can be verified There is no history of cheating at all. Plus there are promotions for members.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://casinoonlinebonus668.com/

Choose to play slots with a direct website. Play online slots, fun and fun, easy to make profits with the rhythm of winning. Get the big prize.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://sbobetcasino338a.org/

New system slots Choose to play every slot game camp Choose to bet for fun with a direct website.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://loadslot.net/

Easy to crack slot website 2025, big promotion for all members. Ready to provide service via website 24 hours a day.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://casinoactiononline.com/

https://casinoactiononline.com/ Discover the special features of playing slot games. Ready for you to experience the ultimate fun. Direct web slots are open to interested players.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://casino2win.net/

Enter to play online slots directly, online slots, easy to break slots, many players

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://casinoactiononline.com/

Discover the special features of playing slot games. Ready for you to experience the ultimate fun. Direct web slots are open to interested players.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://mirzslot.com/

Including the most popular slots, new game slots, easy-to-break slots, and many slot games. PG Slot, pg slots, full of broken slots. Let every gambler choose from many forms of fun

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://mirzslot.com/

Including the most popular slots, new game slots, easy-to-break slots, and many slot games. PG Slot, pg slots, full of broken slots. Let every gambler choose from many forms of fun

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

https://casino2win.net/

https://casino2win.net/ Enter to play online slots directly, online slots, easy to break slots, many players have achieved their goals in gambling.

Nov 2, 2025 | Reply

lsm99 login

“I think commenting is the best part of my blogging – especially here at Pro Blogger. You see I’m not that profound or wise, but many of my readers are. Comments add value to my blog. They take my posts to the next level and often take my ideas in rewarding new directions.”

Nov 1, 2025 | Reply

https://mirzslot.com/

Including the most popular slots, new game slots, easy-to-break slots, and many slot games. PG Slot, pg slots, full of broken slots. Let every gambler choose from many forms of fun

Nov 2, 2025

login lsm99

Amazing post from this website. Post from this website are very useful for me. Thanks for providing this types of article.

Nov 1, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Natch brother - all I do is spout pearls of wisdom all day long!! LMBFAOAROTF!@!!!

But thanks for noticing.

Dave

Nov 1, 2025

??????

That was more than karaoke. it felt like a live concert! You totally owned the mic and won everyone’s hearts.

Oct 27, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Holy Lolapalooza! It's been a semi-secret in my life that I like to GLAM UP and belt out a few tunes at my local watering hole. I didn't ever think that one of my FANS would stumble in to one of my performances!!! ROTFLMBFAO!!!!

Which song did you like best: Girls Just Want to Have Fun, or Highway to Hell?

Next time, please introduce yourself!! I promise, I don't bite!!!! (unless we both mutually agree that we would like that!!!!!)

Fondly yours in TV,

Dave

Oct 28, 2025

Page: 1 of 141 | 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.

New From TVWW

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

PBS, 4:00 p.m. ET

CBS All Access, 12:00 a.m. ET

ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

HBO, 10:30 p.m. ET

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

David Bianculli

PBS' 'Frontline’ Examines Pension Promises and — Spoiler Alert — Finds the Math Doesn’t Add Up

The Decadence of ‘Versailles’ Comes to Ovation

Prescribing Mamie Gummer in 'Emily Owens, M.D.'

Looking for a Free Ride? HBO Can Deliver

'Pass the Biscuits' Part of the Hatfield-McCoy Pop-Culture Legacy