TV or not TV
Scott D. Pierce
RECENT POSTS
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TVNBC should air Megyn Kelly’s interview with Alex Jones — but only if it’s real, hard-hitting journalismAlex Jones is a documented liar whose conspiracy theories have long since crossed the line from ridiculous to dangerous. But not only does he have millions of listeners, he also has the ear of Donald Trump. So, yes, he’s newsworthy. I completely sympathize with the parents of the children killed at ... Alex Jones is a documented liar whose conspiracy theories have long since crossed the line from ridiculous to dangerous. But not only does he have mil...
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TV
This weekend on TV: Watch the ‘British Baking Show’ while it’s still ‘Great’
“The Great British Baking Show” returns to PBS (Friday, 8 and 9 p.m., Ch. 7) in its original form. This is the most recent season, which aired last fall in the U.K. and features judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood and hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. And only Hollywood will return for the next s... “The Great British Baking Show” returns to PBS (Friday, 8 and 9 p.m., Ch. 7) in its original form. This is the most recent season, which aired last fa... -
TV
Thursday on TV: AFI honors Diane Keaton, which is great. Woody Allen is there, which is not.
The American Film Institute honors Diane Keaton with its lifetime achievement award (8 p.m., TNT). The event, taped last week, features a lot of big stars. Folks like Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda, Al Pacino, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Sarah Silverman, Morgan Freeman and Warren Beatty are there to fete ... The American Film Institute honors Diane Keaton with its lifetime achievement award (8 p.m., TNT). The event, taped last week, features a lot of big s... -
TV
Wednesday on TV: Big things are happening as ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ ends Season 1
If you’ve been keeping up with “Handmaid’s Tale,” the 10th and final episode of Season 1 is now streaming on Hulu. If you haven’t been keeping up with it, well, all 10 episodes are streaming on Hulu. In the season finale of this excellent series based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, there’s a big event ... If you’ve been keeping up with “Handmaid’s Tale,” the 10th and final episode of Season 1 is now streaming on Hulu. If you haven’t been keeping up with... -
TVTuesday on TV: The CW makes like Fox News Channel — ‘iZombie’ is all about conspiracy theoriesThe CW invades the Fox News Channel’s turf tonight with an episode of “iZombie” (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30). Zombies Liv (Rose McIver) and Blaine (David Anders) consume the brains of a conspiracy theorist — and paranoia ensues. As they continue to search for conspiracy theories that may or may not exist, Li... The CW invades the Fox News Channel’s turf tonight with an episode of “iZombie” (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30). Zombies Liv (Rose McIver) and Blaine (David Ander...
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TV
Monday on TV: Golden State can send Lebron James and the Cavaliers packing in Game 6 of the NBA Finals
It’s sort of the second match point for Golden State tonight in Game 5 of the NBA Finals (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4). The Warriors had a chance to complete a sweep of the best-of-seen series in Cleveland on Friday, but the Cavaliers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1, but the Cavaliers breezed to a 137-116 w... It’s sort of the second match point for Golden State tonight in Game 5 of the NBA Finals (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4). The Warriors had a chance to complete a ... -
TV
This weekend on TV: The Tonys will be a really big Broadway show!
For those of us who enjoy live theater but can’t make the trek to New York City every year, the Tony Awards (Sunday, 7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) offer us a glimpse inside Broadway. This year’s show will feature performances by the casts of Tony-nominated shows “Bandstand,” “Come From Away,” “Dear Evan Hanse... For those of us who enjoy live theater but can’t make the trek to New York City every year, the Tony Awards (Sunday, 7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) offer us a gli... -
TV
Thursday on TV: Comey hearing is all over broadcast and cable TV
For those of us old enough to remember when the Watergate hearings were all over TV, there’s a bit of an echo of that on Thursday morning. Former FBI director James Comey is testifying before Congress, and he’s expected to talk about Donald Trump’s efforts to influence — maybe obstruct — the FBI inv... For those of us old enough to remember when the Watergate hearings were all over TV, there’s a bit of an echo of that on Thursday morning. Former FBI ... -
TV
Thursday on TV: Can LeBron and the Cavs turn things around in the NBA Finals — again?
Will Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals take a turn, as did Game 3 of the 2016 NBA Finals? A year ago, Golden State easily beat Cleveland in Games 1 and 2, winning at home by 15 and 33 points, respectively. Then they went to Cleveland and lost Game 3 by 30. This year, the Warriors easily beat the Cavalie... Will Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals take a turn, as did Game 3 of the 2016 NBA Finals? A year ago, Golden State easily beat Cleveland in Games 1 and 2,... -
TV‘American Pickers’ are coming to Utah, and they want your ‘rusty gold’“American Pickers” is returning to Utah in July, and if you’ve got some really great stuff they want to know about it. The History Channel show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. The production company wants me to alert you that they’re on their way... “American Pickers” is returning to Utah in July, and if you’ve got some really great stuff they want to know about it. The History Channel show follow...
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TV
Tuesday on TV: There’s canine insecurity on ‘Downward Dog’
This week on “Downward Dog” (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4), Nan meets someone (guest star Timothy Odmundson) who seems like the kind of guy she’d like to date. He’s successful, secure and his dog is really well behaved. Martin, however, doesn’t know what to make of that really well-behaved dog. And his insecur... This week on “Downward Dog” (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4), Nan meets someone (guest star Timothy Odmundson) who seems like the kind of guy she’d like to date. H... -
TV
Monday on TV: KUED takes us on a trip down Lagoon’s memory lane
KUED-Ch. 7 takes a look at a Utah institution in “Lagoon: Rock and Rollercoasters” (7 p.m., Ch. 7). It’s a bit heavy on talking heads, but this relatively brief (about 39 minutes) documentary about the Farmington amusement park is filled with some nice photos, video, some interesting history and som... KUED-Ch. 7 takes a look at a Utah institution in “Lagoon: Rock and Rollercoasters” (7 p.m., Ch. 7). It’s a bit heavy on talking heads, but this relati... -
TV
This weekend on TV: Ariana Grande’s Manchester benefit will air live on Freeform — with highlights on ABC
American TV viewers can tune into Ariana Grande’s One Love Manchester benefit concert on Sunday on a couple of channels. Cable’s Freeform will air the event live beginning at noon MT — and it’s a big event. In addition to Grande, scheduled performers include Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Mil... American TV viewers can tune into Ariana Grande’s One Love Manchester benefit concert on Sunday on a couple of channels. Cable’s Freeform will air the... -
TV
Thursday on TV: It’s an ‘Amazing Race’ to the finish; the NBA Finals begin
“The Amazing Race” ends and the NBA Finals begin tonight on TV. Season 29 of “The Amazing Race” (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) has turned out to be a pretty good one. The racers have gone to some cool places, done some cool things, and the episodes have been, as always, well edited and (for the most part) fun ... “The Amazing Race” ends and the NBA Finals begin tonight on TV. Season 29 of “The Amazing Race” (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2) has turned out to be a pretty good... -
TV
Wednesday on TV: ‘Carmichael Show’s’ jokes about rape are uncomfortable, but sitcom makes some excellent points
A few months ago, I attended a read-through for tonight’s season premiere of “The Carmichael Show” (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5), and it made me wildly uncomfortable. The subject for this deliberately provocative episode is what constitutes rape. And some of the excuses for why men might have sex with a woman... A few months ago, I attended a read-through for tonight’s season premiere of “The Carmichael Show” (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5), and it made me wildly uncomfor... -
TV
Tuesday on TV: ‘House of Cards’ is back on Netflix; ‘Prison Break’ is done
If you’re sick and tired of the scandal-ridden Trump administration, lose yourself in the utterly crazy Underwood adminstration — which returns today as Season 5 of “House of Cards” starts streaming on Netflix. It isn’t easy to compete for fiction to compete with real life, but “House of Cards” does... If you’re sick and tired of the scandal-ridden Trump administration, lose yourself in the utterly crazy Underwood adminstration — which returns today ... -
TV
Monday on TV: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ producer tries to improve on Shakespeare
If you’re the producer of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” apparently ABC just can’t tell you “No.” That’s the only plausible explanation for how “Still Star-Crossed” ended up on the ABC schedule. Because it comes to us from executive producer Shonda Rhimes. The hourlo... If you’re the producer of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” apparently ABC just can’t tell you “No.” That’s the only plau... -
TV
This weekend on TV: Hot mess that is ‘Twin Peaks’ continues; ‘Bloodline’ returns and concludes
After watching the first four hours of the new season of “Twin Peaks” (Sunday, 9 p.m., Showtime), here’s what I’ve learned: • Season 2 — way back in 1991-92 — was not a fluke. Season 3 is equally baffling, incomprehensible, aggravating, ambling and just plain weird. It’s a hot mess. • If you love Da... After watching the first four hours of the new season of “Twin Peaks” (Sunday, 9 p.m., Showtime), here’s what I’ve learned: • Season 2 — way back in 1... -
TVThursday on TV: ‘Grey’s Anatomy, ‘MasterChef Junior,’ ‘Supernatural,’ ‘Scandal’ and ‘Blacklist’ all wrap it upThere are five season finales tonight — all for shows that have been renewed for next season, so there will be resolutions to whatever cliffhangers they leave us with. • College baseball (6 p.m., BYUtv): Portland at BYU • “Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): A dangerous patient escapes his hospital... There are five season finales tonight — all for shows that have been renewed for next season, so there will be resolutions to whatever cliffhangers th...
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TV
The CW addds 2 fall shows — including a reboot of ‘Dynasty’
The CW is adding two new fall series — and neither one of them is based on a comic book, although one of those is coming at midseason. Instead, the network is reaching into ABC’s past for a re-imagined “Dynasty,” and stepping out of its mold with a military show, “Valor.” From the producers of “The ... The CW is adding two new fall series — and neither one of them is based on a comic book, although one of those is coming at midseason. Instead, the ne... -
TV
Wednesday on TV: Sit! Stay! Watch ‘Downward Dog’!
I don’t beg (all that often), but please watch “Downward Dog” (8:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4). It’s a very charming, highly amusing new half-hour comedy about a dog and his owner. Yes, the dog — Martin — talks. But only sort of. We hear his thoughts. He occasionally speaks to the camera (like on “Modern Fami... I don’t beg (all that often), but please watch “Downward Dog” (8:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4). It’s a very charming, highly amusing new half-hour comedy about ... -
TV
CBS adds 6 shows for fall, and it’s really excited about ‘Young Sheldon’
CBS — which remains America’s most-watched and most-stable network — is shaking things up a bit this fall. A bit more than usual. Nothing dramatic, but the network is adding six new fall series and moving four returning series to new time slots. CBS execs are most excited about the debut of “Young S... CBS — which remains America’s most-watched and most-stable network — is shaking things up a bit this fall. A bit more than usual. Nothing dramatic, bu... -
TV
KUTV’s Shauna Lake had to apologize — and she was contrite and sincere
KUTV-Ch. 2 anchorwoman Shauna Lake returned to the air on Tuesday, offering a heartfelt apology to viewers after she was arrested on drunk driving charges a week earlier. (A transcript of her statement is below.) I’m not entirely sure what to write about this. For 27 years, I’ve made my living criti... KUTV-Ch. 2 anchorwoman Shauna Lake returned to the air on Tuesday, offering a heartfelt apology to viewers after she was arrested on drunk driving cha... -
TV
Tuesday on TV: ‘Frontline’ reports on Bundys’ armed standoffs — and their Mormonism is mentioned
Tonight, “Frontline” (9 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7) looks inside look inside the Bundy family’s armed standoff with the federal government — and the family’s Mormon beliefs play into it just a bit. Midway through the hour, as Ammon Bundy is trying to recruit followers, the narrator says, “He and his family ar... Tonight, “Frontline” (9 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7) looks inside look inside the Bundy family’s armed standoff with the federal government — and the family’s Mo... -
TV
‘Roseanne’ is returning to ABC in 2018
More than two decades after it ended its turn on ABC, the sitcom “Roseanne” will return to the network in 2018 — and Utah native Roseanne Barr will be joined by the entire original cast. ABC has ordered eight episodes, which will feature Barr (as Roseanne), John Goodman (Dan), Sara Gilbert (Darlene... More than two decades after it ended its turn on ABC, the sitcom “Roseanne” will return to the network in 2018 — and Utah native Roseanne Barr will be... -
TVABC will add 5 shows this fall, ‘Idol’ in January — and a ‘Roseanne’ rebootABC announced a fall schedule that features five new shows, moves five returning shows to new timeslots, holds seven returning shows for midseason — and then adds “American Idol” in January. When, exactly, “Idol” will air is still up in the air. ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey deflected ... ABC announced a fall schedule that features five new shows, moves five returning shows to new timeslots, holds seven returning shows for midseason — a...
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TV
Big ‘Will & Grace’ returns video is big disappointment
Call me crazy (you won’t be the first), but I was actually looking forward to the return of “Will & Grace” to NBC this fall. Yes, I was anxious to see new episodes 11 years later ... even though, after a couple of good seasons, the quality dropped off precipitously the first time around. But then I... Call me crazy (you won’t be the first), but I was actually looking forward to the return of “Will & Grace” to NBC this fall. Yes, I was anxious to se... -
TV
Monday on TV: Cat Grant returns to ‘Supergirl,’ and she’s been sorely missed
When “Supergirl” (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30) moved from CBS to The CW this season, it also moved production from Los Angeles to Vancouver. And, as a result, it lost Calista Flockhart, who starred as Cat Grant — Supergirl/Kara’s boss and sort-of mentor — in Season 1. And this has proven to be very bad indeed... When “Supergirl” (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30) moved from CBS to The CW this season, it also moved production from Los Angeles to Vancouver. And, as a result, i... -
TV
Fox revamps schedule as ‘Idol’ heads for ABC
Fox announced a fall schedule that includes two new dramas and one new comedy, along with four new midseason series and a pair of live musical events. But network executives spent a big chunk of a teleconference with the press addressing questions about a show that isn’t on Fox any more — “American ... Fox announced a fall schedule that includes two new dramas and one new comedy, along with four new midseason series and a pair of live musical events.... -
TV
NBC taking a big risk this fall — ‘This Is Us’ is moving to Thursdays
NBC is making a big push to re-ignite “Must-See TV” on Thursday nights — and it’s doing it with a risky move of “This Is Us.” A break-out hit on Tuesday nights, the critical darling will be preceded by a revival of “Will & Grace” and “Great News” and followed by a true-crime drama about the murderou... NBC is making a big push to re-ignite “Must-See TV” on Thursday nights — and it’s doing it with a risky move of “This Is Us.” A break-out hit on Tuesd...
