1) “Big Brother” opener, 9 p.m., CBS. When “BB” (shown here in a previous year) began, strangers were in what seemed like a high-tech house, filled with cameras. But technology has expanded since then; ths edition is billed as “BB:AI.” Julie Chen Moonves hosts, episodes are also at 9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Read more…
While the broadcast networks get off to a semi-groggy start this fall, PBS will be busy quickly.
Its three-mystery Sundays will start Sept. 15, centering on “Moonflower Murders” (shown hare), witty sequel to the 2022 “Magie Murders.” Some of its non-fiction shows start that week, with an early emphasis on the elections.
A few hings will arrive even earlier, including a profile of writer-director Blake Edwards (“Pink Panther,” “10”) on Aug. 28. Like the late Edwards, it managed to be funny and joyous, with moments of morose depth.
And some will be late. Sara Bareilles will star in her “Waitress” musical on Nov. 15. Three days later, PBS starts Ken Burns’ “Leonardo Da Vinci,” a richly detailed, two-night, four-hour film Read more…
1) ”Judge Steve Harvey” return, 9 p.m , ABC.Tuesdays become Harvey’s night. At 8 p.m., he hosts “Celebrity Family Feud” (shown here in a previous episode); one round pits singers (Meghan Trainor vs. Tori Kelly), the other has alumni of “Bachelor” shows. At 9, he hears real-life conflicts, including a missing wedding officiant and a defamed pickleball player. Read more…
After rushing into a post-strike season this spring, CBS is taking a pause.
Its new season will officially start Oct. 14, three weeks later than usual. And its ratings-leaders – “Tracker” and “The Equalizer” –will wait until Oct. 27.
Those dramas usually dominate Sundays. This fall, however, the Sunday slot will be used for various things – advance previews of “Matlock” (shown here) and “The Summit,” a music special and “Big Brother,” a summer show that extends to Oct. 13. Read more…
1) Republican convention (shown here in a previous year). As the campaign grind speeds up, networks have varied approaches. PBS will be there from 8-11 p.m. ET … CBS and ABC will jolin at 10 … cable nnews channels will obsess. And in a late change, NBC will have two parts – at 9 p.m., Lester Holt’s interview of Joe Biden; from 9:40 to 11, convention coverage.
Read more…
“Shogun” and “Hacks” dominate this year’s Television Critics Association awards.
The top overall awards – program of the year and best new program– .go to “Shogun.” So do the two drama awards, for best show and best individual (Anna Sawai, shown here). The comedy ones go to “Hacks” and its star (Jean Smart).
There are also awards for the “Baby Reindeer” mini-series, some non-fiction shows and two Disney+ family shows, “Bluey” and “Doctor Who.”
Overall, the awards are a sign that traditional television – or semi-traditional – can still do well, if given some modern touches. Read more…
1) “Tulsa King” opener, 8 p.m., CBS. In the wobbly world of CBS and its owners (Paramount), Taylor Sheridan has been vital For Paramount Network, he made “Yellowstone”; for Paramount+, he made its prequels, plus “Mayor of Kingstown” and this show, with Sylvester Stallone (shown here) as a newly arrived mobster. Before its second season starts, the first reruns on CBS. Read more…
1) “Big Brother” opener, 9 p.m. Wednesday, CBS. This began in 2000 with a high-tech, futuristic notion: Strangers shared a house filled with cameras; the world could peek in at any time. Now life is even higher-tech and this edition is being dubbed “BB:AI.” Julie Chen Moonves (shown here) hosts, as always, with new hours also at 9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Read more…
1) Kids Choice Awards,” 8-9:30 p.m., Nickelodeon, CMT and TV. Land. The previous shows have had famous hosts, but none were cartoons – until now. SpongeBob Squarepants (shown here) and Patrick Star host; nominated for favorite movie: “Barbie,” “Wonka,” :”The Marvels,” “Little Mermaid” and sequels of “Aquaman,” “Ghostbusters,” “Transformers” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Read more…
It’s probably by accident, but the new Disney+ movie fits this campaign year.
“The Descendants: The Rise of Red” (shown here), arriving Friday, June 12, has two opposite forces. The Blue one wants kindness, warmth and inclusiveness; the Red wants power and revenge.
The Red leader underlines that with a song that savors the fact that “red” rhymes with “you’re dead” and “off with your head.”
The Blue is currently in charge, but then the Red thugs start to break in. “What?” their leader asks. “You’ve never heard of a coup?” Read more…
Best-bets for July 2: bison, “Bear,” baseball 
Best-bets for July 1: TV guns for holiday mood 
Best-bets for June 30: R.J., T and soccer 
