SUNDAY
JANUARY 31
2016

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Fox, 7:00 p.m. ET

SPECIAL: NBC is the network that revived the concept of live TV musical specials, with The Sound of Music and others, but it’s the Fox network that may solidify the trend. At the end of the year, it’s presenting a live telecast of The Rocky Horror Show, starring transgender Orange Is the New Black actress Laverne Cox. And tonight, Fox presents a revised stage version of one of the most durable musicals of the past two generations: Grease, starring Julianne Hough as Sandy (pictured), Aaron Tveit as Danny, and Vanessa Hudgens as Rizzo. I’m expecting big ratings for this one, whatever its quality – and I’m hoping for some quality, too. For a full preview, see David Hinckley's All Along the Watchtower.
 
  
 
 

Showtime, 8:00 p.m. ET

This documentary series launched itself at the perfect time, as each week leading up to tomorrow’s Iowa caucus seems to have been more momentous, and more unpredictable. And now, we’re on the brink of the first votes cast in the race for the 2016 presidential nominees – with The Circus covering, among other things, the Donald Trump-less Republican debate.

 
  
 
 

CBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

All season, Alicia (Julianna Margulies) has run afoul of one particular judge – and tonight, she does it again.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

“Racing cars and pigs – who could better that?” Only Downton Abbey, which also presents a visit to Downton by Neville Chamberlain, where politics are thick and tempers are simmering – until an unexpected outburst, at that very tony dinner, that shakes the household to its core. For a rundown and reaction of each week’s Downton Abbey episode, see David Hinckley’s All Along the Watchtower. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

Tonight’s episode is called “Yum Time.” Given the sexual predilections of this show’s primary characters, that might be construed as some sort of happy-ending sexual act – but it’s actually the name of a candy Axelrod (Damien Lewis) used to love as a kid, and whose current incarnation distresses him enough to do something about it. I can relate. If I had Axelrod’s money, I might buy up Chips Ahoy! – just to make them go back to the cookie’s original, much bigger size.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
DJXFH
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 191  | Go to page: 
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
 
 
 
 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.