FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Fox, 8:00 p.m. ET

This series, having just returned for a new season, now moves to its new time slot, at 8 p.m. ET Fridays. That’s a victory of sorts for fans of quality TV, because it means that Fox finally has bitten the bullet and cancelled Utopia, one of the worst network TV series in years. Originally, Fox had scheduled its horrid reality-TV “social experiment” to run for a full year, occupying prime-time TV slots twice a week. Then Fox reduced its losses by presenting Utopia on Fridays only, relegating other coverage to the web. Now, it’s a web-only thing – but if you’re searching for Utopia, don’t bother.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

This low-budget 1945 film noir launches TCM’s November series of Friday-night road movies – and what a start. Tom Neal stars as a hitchhiker who catches a ride, and maybe a break: The driver dies suddenly, offering an alternate identity to be adopted. But then, as another hitchhiker, along comes Ann Savage, and all bets are off, all claws are out, and Detour takes its characters on quite a twisting, and twisted, ride.

 
  
 
 

NBC, 10:00 p.m. ET

The premiere episode of this new NBC series, based on a DC Comics character, was a dreary mess. Last week’s follow-up episode was an obvious reboot, trying to inject a lighter, Elementary-type flavor by pairing him with an evil-hunting partner, Zed, played by Anjelica Celaya. Didn’t help. So tonight, for episode three, what’s left to try? I know: Giving up and changing the channel.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

Given the results of the midterm elections, Bill Maher is bound to be in quite a mood – especially when he reveals the final results of his season-long “Flip a District” campaign. But amid all the political post-mortem, there also are guests to welcome, including Lisa Kudrow, whose The Comeback comes back, after almost a decade in hibernation, this weekend on HBO.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

Last weeks episode on Nashville was quite interesting, showing a range of talents and influences, and ending with one of the best songs yet from the Foo Fighters’ location-inspired Sonic Highways album. Up tonight: another location. Specifically, Austin,. TX, where stops include the Austin City Limits studio.

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
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3809 Comments
 
 
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
 
 
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
 
 
 
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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.