WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 29
2014

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

Frank Sinatra, who co-stars, and whose film company produced this grim 1962 movie about brainwashing, political conspiracies and assassination attempts, was long thought to have withdrawn the film from circulation after John F. Kennedy was assassinated the following year, disturbed by the parallels between life and art. However, the movie wasn’t pulled for about a decade, and it turns out to have been because of a simple contract dispute with the movie distributor. No matter: The Manchurian Candidate is such a raw, hypnotic, disturbing drama, it doesn’t need any hype. Laurence Harvey and Angela Lansbury co-star – and Lansbury, in particular, is amazing. Much better than the 2004 remake.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

“It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” is a famous war song that’s been around for more than a century now, but its reference to an obscure county in Ireland has new resonance today, because of an unexpected archaeological find there. In a remote peat bog, a worker finds a perfectly preserved human torso that becomes one of the coldest cold cases in history. Scientists date it to the Bronze Age, about 1000 BC – and historians theorize that the bodies found in that bog are those of ritually sacrificed royalty. Tonight’s Nova attempts to dig up the truth. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 10:00 p.m. ET

Stephen Finnigan directs, and is one of the writers of, this 2013 biographical documentary about Stephen Hawking, told with unprecedented access to the brilliant scientist’s private home movies and other revealing artifacts. Expect to be surprised, impressed, educated – and inspired. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

Bravo, 10:00 p.m. ET

SEASON FINALE: Part 1 of 2. Tonight’s installment sends the finalists to Hawaii, which is one reason I’ll watch. (Someday, I swear, I’ll actually go there, instead of just wearing its shirts and listening to its slack-key guitar music.) Another reason: the mystery ingredient around which the chefs must build their meals is that old Monty Python musical favorite: Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam… In other words, tonight’s Top Chef features Spamalot.

 
  
 
 

FX, 10:00 p.m. ET

SEASON FINALE: Tonight’s finale, the final chapter of the Coven story line, plays like a witchly reality competition show. All the young witches at the academy compete in a trial in which each of them tackles “The Seven Wonders,” a gauntlet of magical acts they must perform to identify themselves as the next Supreme. Given what’s at stake, expect a bloodbath. And that’s just for starters.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
PSYHM
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 186  | Go to page: 
3704 Comments
 
 
If you are searching for reliable medical equipment, Manarti Exports is a trusted manufacturer in India. We offer a wide range of products, including surgical instruments, hospital furniture, and disposable items at competitive prices. Our priority is quality, safety, and meeting international standards. With quick delivery and dependable support, we proudly serve hospitals, clinics, and distributors across the worldwide.
Apr 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This was pleasant to read because it kept things clear and practical. Looking forward to reading more like this.
Apr 3, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Every Camruletka chat is private, fast, and designed for natural communication. You're always in control—switch to the next person at any time or stay and chat as long as you want.
Apr 2, 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!
Apr 1, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here.
Apr 1, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I found this post very helpful as it made the topic approachable. Looking forward to reading more like this.
Mar 31, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here.
Mar 30, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Grand Dunman is widely praised on property websites for its impressive large-scale design, prime city-fringe location in District 15, and excellent connectivity just steps from Dakota MRT. The development features over 1,000 thoughtfully designed units with modern layouts and premium facilities, catering to a wide range of homeowners and investors.
Mar 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey Prick-ears,

Why don't you take a flying FU** in a rolling doughnut, you bozo! Get your own damn site to shill your SH**!

Sincerely,

Dave
Mar 30, 2026
 
 
 
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to comebiobet back later. All the best.
Mar 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article. I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.
Mar 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Victory Foods OEM
Bianculli’s curation effectively balances nostalgia with timely cultural markers, especially highlighting the ironic origins of Aquaman alongside the poignant Morrison tribute. https://victoryfoodscn.com
Mar 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This specific is generally clearly basic and in addition exceptional truth alongside without a doubt reasonable and besides in fact valuable My business is
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
With our trusted and highly trained shipping professionals ready to answer all of your shipping questions,
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Even after using several ways to increase WordPress speed it was difficult to score high on Google Speed Test
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This specific is generally clearly basic and in addition exceptional truth alongside without a doubt reasonable and besides in fact valuable My business is
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It is a good site post without fail. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did. I am impressed that there is so much information about this subject that has been uncovered and you’ve defeated yourself this time, with so much quality. Good Works!
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Penipu berkualitas rendah tanpa integritas dan penuh kebohongan.
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu yang memalukan memangsa orang-orang dengan klaim palsu dan kebohongan.
Mar 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Gerda Lundgren
Long-time TVWW devotee here. I manage a commercial vehicle operation and Hialeah Auto Glass Repair (https://autoglassrepairhialeah.com/) keeps our fleet going. Bianculli's picks keep us sane during maintenance delays - essential reading!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Golly Gerda, you make me blush with your kind words, but maybe instead of giving me praise, how about giving me a discount on your service bills!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Dave
Mar 22, 2026
 
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 186  | 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.