SATURDAY
AUGUST 5
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is the last edition of Saturday night’s The Essentials series on TCM in which Alec Baldwin’s co-host is former 30 Rock co-star Tina Fey. Next week, William Friedkin takes over. But for now, Fey and Baldwin end their summer run by presenting a perfect movie musical: 1952’s Singin’ in the Rain, a joyous depiction of Hollywood during the transition from silent movies to the sound era. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and a young ingénue named Debbie Reynolds star.

 
  
 
 

BBC America, 10:00 p.m. ET

We’re so close to the end of Orphan Black, and the stakes are so high for all the remaining characters, that you can almost count on at least one death per week from now on. Last week’s episode delivered on that promise, or that threat – and it wouldn’t surprise me if tonight’s does as well.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

From the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., George Lopez presents his fourth standup comedy special for HBO. But this one is political, and it’s live – which, the way news is breaking these days, is the only way to deal with political humor these days. Current events, that’s one thing – but current events don’t begin to describe today’s pace of the daily news flow. It isn’t a current. It’s a tidal wave.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 10:00 p.m. ET

On The Essentials tonight, guest co-host Tina Fey admits to always having had a crush on Gene Kelly, star of Singin’ in the Rain. And Kelly’s on view in this movie that’s paired tonight with Rain, though it’s a very, very different type of film. Inherit the Wind, filmed eight years after Singin’ in the Rain, features Kelly in a dramatic role, a supporting but key player in this intense play inspired by the infamous Scopes “monkey trial.” Evolution, education and religion are argued before the bench, in a sweltering hot southern courtroom. Fredric March argues the conservative religious side, and Spencer Tracy argues in favor of science, and facts. You’re your own contemporary parallels – please. And the young teacher defended by Kelly and Tracy? He’s played by Dick York, TV’s original Darrin on Bewitched.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
BQUWJ
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 220  | Go to page: 
4396 Comments
 
 
A Secrets Tides Punta Cana Airport Transfer allows travelers to begin their vacation with comfort, convenience, and confidence. After arriving at Punta Cana International Airport, the last thing most visitors want is to spend time searching for transportation or waiting in long lines. Planning airport transportation before departure helps make the arrival process much easier and allows guests to continue directly to the resort.

Secrets Tides Punta Cana is situated in the beautiful Uvero Alto region, approximately 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Punta Cana International Airport. Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes around 45 to 55 minutes. Choosing a Secrets Tides Punta Cana Airport Transfer provides a direct route to the resort, avoiding unnecessary stops that are common with shared transportation.
Aug 7, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Phenomenal blog. I delighted in researching your articles. This is to an extraordinary degree an amazing examined for me. I have bookmarked it and I am suspecting inspecting new articles. Continue doing shocking
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
very good post, i definitely really like this fabulous website
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Superb article. Thanks to this blog my expedition has actually ended
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
So it is intriguing and great composed and see what they think about other individuals
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I see the best substance on your blog and I incredibly love understanding them
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Newport Residences presents an appealing blend of contemporary design, comfort, and convenient urban living. The development looks thoughtfully planned, with an attractive atmosphere that could suit modern homeowners. I enjoyed reading about Newport Residences and its lifestyle features.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 220  | 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.