FRIDAY
DECEMBER 7
2018

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Netflix, 3:00 a.m. ET

MOVIE PREMIERE: Rohan Chand stars as Mowgli in this new version of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which, like Disney’s 2016 version, mixes live-action and motion-capture computer effects to bring Kipling’s story to life. Because Kipling’s story is old enough to be in the public domain, there was nothing to prevent two productions from moving forward at once – so they did. Disney won, and this Netflix version, shown briefly in a few theaters last month before streaming tonight, slowed down and extended its release date. But it’s worth watching, if only for its vocal cast: providing the voices, and the facial movements of the animals, are Christian Bale as the panther Bagheera, Cate Blanchett as the python Kaa, and Benedict Cumberbatch as the tiger Shere Khan. And the film is directed by a motion-capture expert: Andy Serkis, whose roles include Gollum in the Lord of the Ring films, King Kong, Caesar in the Planet of the Apes films, and Snoke in the recent Star Wars films. Warning: This may be too violent for young kids, so preview it for parental approval.
 
  
 
 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

This 1967 Mike Nichols movie, showcasing young Dustin Hoffman in the role that made him a star, remains one of my favorite films. It’s also what I call a “spider-web film,” which means it ensnares me every time it’s on TV. And each time, I hone in on a different element: Buck Henry’s hotel clerk, Richard Dreyfuss’ one-scene appearance at the dorms, or Anne Bancroft’s predatory wardrobe as the on-the-prowl Mrs. Robinson (pictured). I recently returned from Los Angeles, and took an airline that, I’m convinced, led me to baggage claim along the exact same moving sidewalk, and wall mural, seen at the opening of this film as Hoffman’s Ben makes his way back home – allegorically following a path set out by others…

 
  
 
 

CW, 9:00 p.m. ET

MIDSEASON FINALE: In tonight’s new episode, Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) finally reunites with Greg, and he’s a new man. Or, at least, played by one. The character used to be portrayed by Santino Fontana, but, beginning tonight, is played by Skylar Astin from Pitch Perfect. And unlike the switch of the two Darrins on Bewitched in the 1960s, this time the swap is noticed. Sort of.

 
  
 
 

BBC America, 11:00 p.m. ET

Steve Carell, star of the upcoming (and very interesting-looking) Welcome to Marwen, is one of tonight’s guest stars, along with Dawn French, Michael B. Jordan, and Ruth Wilson.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
NPIJB
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 247  | Go to page: 
4925 Comments
 
 
??
"would love to incessantly get updated outstanding
web blog!"
Oct 8, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
"would love to incessantly get updated outstanding
web blog!"
Oct 8, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know.
Oct 8, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
??
Great information is often observed on this online weblog.
Oct 8, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Excellent function you may have carried out, this web site is de facto amazing with great information. Time is God’s method of maintaining almost everything from occurring at once.
Oct 8, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Fantastic site. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks to your sweat!
Oct 8, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next pos
Oct 7, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
? ? ????? ??? ???? ? ? ????.
Oct 7, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work
Oct 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my mother so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed
Oct 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
? !! ? ???? ?? ???. ?? ?? ?? ??? ???? ?? ??? ?????.
Oct 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Singkirkan para penipu dengan cerita palsu dan hasil palsu. Jangan percaya bajingan pembohong ini.
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Ini peringatan terakhir, selanjutnya jika saya melihat situs web Anda lagi, saya akan menghancurkan Anda.
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu kelas rendah melakukan apa yang paling mereka kuasai—berbohong, menipu, dan menghilang dengan uang orang lain.
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It's always exciting to read articles from other writers and practice something from their web sites
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It's always exciting to read articles from other writers and practice something from their web sites
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
?? ... ?? ?? ??????.? ?? ? ???? ?? ??? ??????.? ?? ?? ? ?? ?????? ??????.
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
? !! ? ???? ?? ???. ?? ?? ?? ??? ???? ?? ??? ?????
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
????? ??, ?? ?????! ?? ???? ??? ???? ? ? ???? ????! ??, ???? ? ???
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
? ??? ???? ????? ?? ??? ?? ??? ?????. ?? ??? ??? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?????.
Oct 4, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 247  | 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.