1) “Independent Lens,” 10-11:30 p.m., PBS. Here is a joyous journey through the world of libraries. We see grand temples in big cities … tiny oases in small towns (an example is shown here) … and a bookmobile roaming Baton Rouge. We hear of crises – tax revolts, segregation, book-banning – and heroes who brought books to everyone from inner-city kids to rural Wisconsinites. Read more…
(This is the newest chapter of a book-in-progress, “Television, and How It Got That Way.” For the full book (so far) in order, click “The Book” under “categories.”)
Ted Turner’s business philosophy – and maybe his life – can be summed up in one word: “more.”
That’s an approach that took him through big gambles, big movies (including “Gone With the Wind,” shown here) and big changes in the cable-TV world.
Turner had one cable channel (TBS) and wanted many more. “It’s all about shelf space,” he told the Television Critics Association.
More channels mean more places to sell ads and (eventually) more money in per-subscriber fees. The catch is that you have to fill those shelves with things people want. You need programs and a purpose. Read more…
1) “NCIS: Origins” season-finale, 10 p.m., CBS. The bad news for Gibbs (shown here) is that he’s being investigated for murder; the worse news is that he and others know he did it. That adds up to a tense hour that we see through Cecelia (known as Lala), his steely colleague. It’s a gripping hour with a closing jolt. Read more…
The Fox network will stuff its summer with reality shows in general and Gordon Ramsay in particular.
We kind of thought it would. But Fox will also offer a surprise – new cartoon episodes (including “The Great North,” shown here) every Thursday, starting May 29 Read more…
1) “Dark Winds” season-finale, 9 p.m., AMC. Four potent stories wrap up in a deeply moving hour. Joe (shown here) chases the killer who haunts a terrified teen. He agonizes over the FBI agent pursuing him … and over his wife, who left when his agony became overwhelming. Also, his ex-deputy is on a one-person battle with a cartel. It’s a superb finish. Read more…
1) “NCIS: Origins,” 10 p.m. today, CBS. It’s tough when you’re investigated for murder … and tougher when you actually did it. That’s the situation for Gibbs, after what he considered a righteous killing. Now we see the crisis through the eyes of Cecelia (known as Lala, shown here), his intense colleague. It’s a gripping and well-made hour that includes a closing jolt. Read more…
After a two-week pause, the 50th “Saturday Night Live” season is ready for its big finish.
Beginning May 3, it will have new episodes hosted by Quinta Brunson, Walton Goggins and Scarlett Johansso (shown here). Details include: Read more…
1) “I Am Burt Reynolds” (2020), 8 p.m., CW. Reynolds (shown here) chose Florida State because it matched his prime interests – girls and football. He excelled at both, until two injuries forced a detour. He transformed into an action hero with a breezy sense of humor; for five straight years, he was No. 1 at the box office. It was a fascinating life, skillfully described here. Read more…
When TV was in its glory days, powerhouse dramas would collide – especially on Sundays.
Now we get a reminder: At 9 p.m. April 27, two shows have superb finales.
It’s the season-finale for AMC’s “Dark Winds,” which will be back, and the series-finale for PBS’ “Wolf Hall” (shown here), which won’t. Both are worth catching: Read more…
This is one of those small miracles of democracy,
“In the library,” Crosby Kemper said, “everyone is equal.”
The concept is wondrously simple: You find books and take them home. “Riches that were not ordinarily available to the common man” are there for anyone, Abby Van Slyck said.
Kemper (a librarian) and Van Slyck (a historian) are among the people in a compelling documentary. “Free For All: The Public Library” airs at 10 p.m. Tuesday (April 29) on PBS, under the “Independent Lens” banner Read more…
