TUESDAY
OCTOBER 31
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Syfy, 11:00 a.m. ET

For Halloween, Syfy is presenting all the “Freddy” movies, otherwise known as the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, in a spooky marathon beginning at 11 a.m., and running into the night. The marathon begins with writer-director Wes Craven’s original 1984 thriller, in which Freddy Krueger, played by Robert Englund with an increasingly malevolent glee, terrorizes several people as they sleep, invading their dreams and, in many cases, scaring them to death. Among Freddy’s intended victims in this first film: a good-looking kid, played by a very young actor named Johnny Depp.

 
  
 
 

Fox, 8:00 p.m. ET

Wow, wow, wow. It’s Game 6. The Houston Astros took Game 5, and the 3-2 series lead, with a 13-12 counter-punching extra-innings duel that was one of the best World Series games I’ve ever seen. The Astros can win the whole thing tonight, and walk away as 2017 World Series champions, if their recently acquired superstar pitcher, Justin Verlander, can control and win tonight’s game. It’s a rematch of Game 2, in which Verlander was pitted then, too, opposite the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Rich Hill. Verlander and Hill fought a pitching duel that, in their part of it, was a draw, but the Astros managed to win in extra innings. Now comes Game 6, played in Dodger Stadium. If the Dodgers can come back one more time, and tie the series once again, then this year’s World Series, with a Game 7, would be one for the ages. But I suspect, the way these teams have been playing, it already is.

 
  
 
 

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

It was only a few minutes into last week’s show that two people demonstrated their special gifts in an impressive way. One was contestant Esera Tuaolo (pictured), a member of Blake Shelton’s team who chose to enter the Knockout Round by singing an emotional version of “Superstar” – and almost instantly became one.  The other was Kelly Clarkson, the former American Idol winner who’s just joined the show as a special advisor to all four teams (and will be joining the show in the fall as a judge). She was blown over by Tuaolo in rehearsals, which suggests she’s as strong a judge of talent as she is a vocalist. This season, watch out for Esera. Next season, I predict, watch out for Kelly…

 
  
 
 

NBC, 9:00 p.m. ET

This well-timed episode doesn’t forget about Halloween – and, in fact, has Jack and Rebecca (Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore) dressed for the occasion to chaperone the triplets around for trick-or-treating. And, since their story line takes place in the distant past, Jack and Rebecca are going as…Sonny and Cher.
 
  
 
 

FX, 10:00 p.m. ET

Last week, American Horror Story used the latest Cult episode to unmask the identity of its newest cult member. This week, in the penultimate installment of this latest incarnation of AHS, the leader of this Cult orders his followers to, in the words of the episode’s title, “Drink the Kool-Aid.”

 

 
  
 
 
 
 
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3812 Comments
 
 
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Apr 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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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
 
 
 
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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.