FRIDAY
AUGUST 11
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Netflix, 3:00 a.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: This new Netflix series stars Jennifer Jason Leigh as a mother fiercely determined to help her teen child, who’s autistic, navigate the world. Keir Gilchrist plays Sam, an 18-year-old on the higher end of the autism spectrum, and Michael Rapaport and Brigette Lundy-Paine play his father and sister, respectively. Tonally, Atypical is a comedy with sharp edges, closest on the TV comedy spectrum to ABC’s Speechless, which is about the supportive yet barely functional family of a nonverbal high school boy with cerebral palsy. For a full review, see David Hinckley's All Along the Watchtower.
 
  
 
 

ABC, 11:00 a.m. ET

Today is the 20th anniversary of this daytime ABC talk show. To mark the occasion, David Hinckley analyzes its history and legacy in a new All Along the Watchtower column. And ABC, to mark the same occasion, today is repeating the original, inaugural View installment from Aug. 11, 1997. Barbara Walters is there, along with Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, Debbie Matenopoulos, and Star Jones.
 
  
 
 

CBS, 10:00 p.m. ET

SPECIAL: In the mid-1970s, David Berkowitz terrorized New York City with a series of random shootings. He remains in prison – and on the 40th anniversary of his capture, the self-described “Son of Sam” killer is interviewed by Maurice DuBois.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

Quite a lineup tonight: Bill Maher’s scheduled guests include Richard Dawkins, Jim Parsons, Jon Meacham, and Fareed Zakaria.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 10:00 p.m. ET

Today is Ginger Rogers day on TCM – and included in the movies showcasing her is the ultimate movie musical pairing her with Fred Astaire, 1935’s Top Hat. It’s a black-and-white study in sheer opulence and grace and class, and not only when Rogers and Astaire are on the dance floor. Top Hat has some great Irving Berlin songs, including the title number and “Cheek to Cheek,” as well as some fairly sophisticated and sexy comedy, particularly for the era. And TV fans get a special brief treat: Watch for the unnamed flower shop clerk. She’s played by a young actress named Lucille Ball.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
UHTHJ
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 191  | Go to page: 
3808 Comments
 
 
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
 
 
Sialan para penipu ini karena telah mencuri uang dan kepercayaan orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 191  | 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.