WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 1
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

PBS, 8:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: You have to take a peek at this new Nature miniseries – it’s that unusual, and that much fun. It’s a multi-part miniseries called Spy in the Wild, and the spies are animatronic creatures equipped with movement, among other hidden skills. Think of the Country Bear Jamboree at Disneyland, only more sophisticated, and in its natural environment. How will a real orangutan act, and react, when confronted by a convincing robotic doppelganger called the Spy Orangutan? And over the course of this five-part series, we also witness such clever “creatures” as the Spy Tortoise, the Spy Squirrel, and even the Spy Meerkat. Each program has a theme, and tonight’s theme, and episode title, is “Love.” Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

BET, 8:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: This three-part, six-hour biographical miniseries dramatizes the life of Nelson Mandela, and stars Laurence Fishburne as Nelson Mandela. Subsequent episodes are shown Wednesdays, two hours per week. The title Madiba refers to the Thembu clan to which Mandela belonged.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

Bette Davis stars in this iconic 1950 show business drama, playing Margo Channing, a veteran actress who is befriended, then threatened, by a young actress named Eve, played by Anne Baxter. Yet in one small scene, there’s a young actress who, like Eve in this scripted drama, is about to explode with sudden stardom: Marilyn Monroe, in a small role as Miss Casswell. George Sanders co-stars.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 10:00 p.m. ET

This PBS documentary examines both the scientific explanations and the mythic stories related to the northern lights, that dazzling sky show known as the aurora. In essence, this documentary aims to shed light on the phenomena. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

TBS, 10:30 p.m. ET

If only Samantha Bee had some material to work with this week…

 
  
 
 

TCM, 10:30 p.m. ET

This 1951 movie musical is entertaining and impressive from beginning to end. Especially the end, where the closing ballet truly, and literally, is a work of art. And, with La La Land reviving enthusiasm for the movie musical, it’s a fine time to revisit this anew. Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron star.

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
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3811 Comments
 
 
I really liked your article post. Really looking forward to read more. Great. Say, you got a nice article. Really thank you! Fantastic.I think the restaurant which you told me in the letter is very interesting. I also like to eat out and I usually go to a restaurant for dinner with my family twice a month., The food is delicious so we enjoy it very much. The service is also quick and friendly.
Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Teaching English online has become a flexible, rewarding career path—and you don’t need a university degree to get started. By focusing on the right certifications, tools, and platforms, anyone with strong English skills can build a thriving online teaching business.
Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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
 
 
 
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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.