MONDAY
JANUARY 9
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is a warning, not a recommendation. The first installment in this show’s new iteration, which features former California governor and Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger as the new host, and retains former host Donald Trump in the credits as an executive producer, was televised last week. There were two big battles in last week’s bloated season premiere, and the men’s team, including Jon Lovitz and Boy George, won both of them. Now, with 11 days to go until Trump is inaugurated as President of the United States, The New Celebrity Apprentice presents its second installment  – and already has its critics, complaining of the show’s ratings and new host. Among those critics: Donald Trump, even though he’s still drawing a paycheck from this new version.
 
  
 
 

Smithsonian, 8:00 p.m. ET

This one-hour documentary was released a decade ago, and is somewhat superficial – but it contains enough behind-the-scenes footage, vintage interviews, and clips from the old NBC series The Monkees to explain how this fabricated music group, the Pre-Fab Four, not only copied the Beatles, but rivaled them. And, at one point in the 1960s, outsold them.

 
  
 
 

CNN, 9:00 p.m. ET

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo will moderate this political discussion featuring one of the former candidates for president in the 2016 election cycle. Televised live from George Washington University.

 
  
 
 

ABC, 10:01 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: We already have one TV game-show series based on a late-night TV segment: Spike TV’s Lip Sync Battle, which originated on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Now we have another, courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel Live. The ABC host has authorized and overseen this spinoff of his “Who Knows?” segments, in which celebrities are pitted against fans to see who knows more about that celebrity’s work, and other things. For this new ABC version, Conan TBS sidekick Andy Richter hosts – and the opening-night guest is Matthew McConaughey. Coming up in the next three episodes: Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, professional celebrity Kim Kardashian West, and Frozen and The Good Place co-star Kristen Bell.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 11:00 p.m. ET

This 1959 comedy classic, directed and co-written by Billy Wilder, is treasured by the American Film Institute and other institutions as one of the funniest comedy movies ever made. And it’s tough to argue against them, because of its trio of charming central performances. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon play musicians who go on the lam with an all-girl orchestra, masquerading as women to avoid the mobsters whom they saw murder some rival gangsters. Marilyn Monroe completes the central trio, playing singer and ukulele player Sugar Kane. Curtis dons yet another disguise to woo her, playing a wealthy but shy fussbudget, and patterns his vocal patterns after those of Cary Grant.
 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
NJFWL
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 200  | Go to page: 
3984 Comments
 
 
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
Jun 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
A decent blog dependably concocts new and energizing data and keeping in mind that understanding I have feel that this blog is truly have each one of those quality that qualify a blog to be a one.
Jun 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences
Jun 11, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
The Arcady at Boon Keng is a remarkable residential development that blends modern elegance with comfort and convenience. With its thoughtfully designed homes, quality amenities, and inviting atmosphere, it offers residents an exceptional urban living experience. The Arcady at Boon Keng stands out for its stylish design, premium features, and commitment to contemporary living.
Jun 10, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
? ??? ??? ?? ????. ? ??? ?? ????!
Jun 10, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Nice post. I was continuously checking this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part :) I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Jun 10, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I am glad to read your blog. your blog is really awesome and cool. your blog is really great and cool. thanks for sharing the nice and cool post
Jun 10, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog, I will keep visiting this blog very often
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I ought to declare scarcely that its astonishing! The blog is instructive additionally dependably manufacture astonishing entities
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I'm amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that's both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few people are speaking intelligently abou
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is a fabulous post I seen by virtue of offer it. It is genuinely what I expected to see look for in future you will continue subsequent to sharing such an extraordinary post.
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is a fabulous post I seen by virtue of offer it. It is genuinely what I expected to see look for in future you will continue subsequent to sharing such an extraordinary post.
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I Was Eagerly Looking For Content Like This, Right To The Point And Detailed As Well Accordingly Depending Upon The Matter/Topic. You Have Managed This Greatly For Sure
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I am hoping the same best effort from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing skills has inspired me.
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I was taking a gander at some of your posts on this site and I consider this site is truly informational! Keep setting up
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Thank you for your post, I look for such article along time, today and find it finally. this post give me lots of advise it is very useful for me
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking.
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I ought to declare scarcely that its astonishing! The blog is instructive additionally dependably manufacture astonishing entities
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I have learn several good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you place to make this type of fantastic informative web site.
Jun 9, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 200  | 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.