A celebration of the life of Aretha Franklin, the return of Christine Baranski in The Good Fight, A Cirque du Soleil special, and if that’s not enough of a circus, Empire returns (I’m curious to see if the ratings spike in the aftermath of the Jussie Smollett scandal). Happy Viewing!
All times eastern; PBS schedules may vary.
Sunday
Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul – 9 to 11pm on CBS
The legendary musical talent is feted in a star-studded showcase of her work by stars including Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti Labelle, Rob Thomas, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams and more. Tyler Perry hosts.
The Case Against Adnan Syed – 9 to 10:10pm on HBO – Miniseries Premiere
This four-part documentary examines the case of a young man serving a life sentence for the murder of his 18-year-old girlfriend. Based on the popular audio documentary, “Serial”, this series updates the case and the media attention around it.
Monday
John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky – 9 to 11:04pm on A&E
This documentary looks at the making of the landmark 1971 John Lennon album, Imagine, featuring never-before-seen interviews and footage.
The Big Downsize – 9 to 9:30pm on Vision – Series Premiere
Self-proclaimed de-clutterer Jane Veldhoven helps people triage their belongings into a manageable way of life.
World’s Wildest Weather – 9 to 10pm on Cottage Life – 2nd Season Premiere
Tuesday
Master Chef (Junior Edition) – 8 to 10pm on Fox/CTV Two – 16th Season Premiere
Into Alaska – 8 to 9pm on Animal Planet – Series Premiere
This docuseries looks at the wildlife in Alaska, opening with the rescue of an injured bald eagle in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and a visit to the heart of bear country in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
Videos After Dark – 10 to 11pm (two episodes) on ABC – Series Premiere
Although it has no official time slot yet, this tryout gives an adult twist to America’s Funniest Home Videos. I can only imagine how they handle the inevitable golf ball to the mid-section. Bob Saget returns to host this new version.
Wednesday
Empire – 8 to 9pm on Fox/9 to 10pm on CHCH – Mid-Season Premiere
Star – 9 to 10pm on Fox – Mid-Season Premiere
Zombie House Flipping – 9 to 10:01pm on A&E – 3rd Season Premiere
Tiny House Nation – 10:01 to 11:05pm on A&E – 5th Season Premiere
Thursday
Garage Rehab – 8 to 10pm on Discovery – 2nd Season Premiere
The Good Fight – 9 to 10pm on W – 3rd Season Premiere
American Chopper – 10 to 11pm on Discovery – 12th Season Premiere
Project Runway – 10 to 11:30pm on Bravo – 17th Season Premiere
Are We There Yet? Ireland – 10 to 11pm on PBS – Spinoff Series Premiere
Friday
Under New Management – 8:30 to 9pm on CBC – 2nd Season Premiere
Saturday
One Night for One Drop: Imagined by Cirque du Soleil – 8 to 9pm on CBS
This one-night-only event presents a unique show from Cirque du Soleil to benefit One Drop, a charity that provides safe water around the world. This annual event has been held in Las Vegas for the past seven years, but this is the first time it will be seen on television. Hosted by Kevin Frazier and Tara Lipinski.
Help! My House is Haunted – 8 to 9pm on Travel + Escape – Series Premiere
A team of ghost searchers investigate a castle in Northumberland in the opener.
Trading Spaces – 8 to 9:01pm on TLC – 10th Season Premiere
While You Were Out – 9:01 to 10:04pm – Series Premiere
This renovation-reality series remodels homes while the owners are away. That should go well.
