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.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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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
 
 
 
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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.