Network and cable channels seem to be taking a cue from the binge-watching trend, doubling up on episodes this almost-summer. There are some very good shows ahead this week, so—as always—happy viewing!
Sunday
The Last Ship – 9 to 11pm on Space (two episodes) – 3rd Season Premiere
Still The King – 9 to 10pm on CMT (two episodes) – Series Premiere
Billy Ray Cyrus stars as Burnin’ Vernon Brown in this sitcom about a former country star, fake preacher and Elvis impersonator who’s paroled from jail to find out that he owes 15 years of child support to pay for a daughter he never knew he had. Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy) and Lacey Chabert (Party of Five) also star. (This is CMT’s initial foray into the world of scripted TV, hot on the heels of news this past week that it is picking up Nashville from ABC.)
Ride with Norman Reedus – 10pm on AMC – Series Premiere
Better known as Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead, Norman Reedus is also a motorcycle enthusiast who hits the open road in this reality travelogue to discover America’s bike culture one city at a time.
Monday
BrainDead – 9:59pm on CBS/10pm on Global – Series Premiere
The creators of The Good Wife, Robert and Michelle King, are behind this political comedy thriller about an alien invasion in Washington DC, where the brains of members of Congress and their staff are being eaten by the visitors. And then, the fun begins!
Tuesday
Uncle Buck – 9 to 10pm on ABC (two episodes) – Series Premiere
Mike Epps takes on the role that John Candy had in the 1989 movie (and Kevin Meaney played in a short-lived 1990 sitcom), playing a wacky uncle who becomes a “manny” to his brother’s three kids.
To Tell The Truth – 7pm on City/10pm on ABC – Game Show Revival
Anthony Anderson hosts this revival of the classic game show where celebrities (including Betty White, who has been a panelist in every network incarnation of the show, dating back to the 1950s) have to guess which of three contestants are telling the truth about who they are.
Still Standing – 9pm on CBC – 2nd Season Premiere
Comedian Johnny Harris travels to small and struggling towns across Canada to get to know the people, ending his visit with a standup performance tailored to all of the people he has met. (If you’re like me, you’ll get hooked on the people and their stories. The first season was outstanding.)
Baroness Von Sketch Show – 9:30 on CBC – Series Premiere
Carolyn Taylor, Meredith MacNeill, Jennifer Whalen and Aurora Browne headline this sketch comedy series.
Animal Kingdom – 9 to 11pm on Bravo – Series Premiere (Two-hour opener)
Ellen Barkin headlines this TNT drama series about a crime family who takes in her 17-year-old grandson after his mother dies of a heroin overdose. Young Joshua Cody has no idea what he’s in for as he tries to start a new life with relatives he has never known before.
Wednesday
Jay Leno’s Garage 10pm on CNBC – 2nd Season Premiere
Thursday
Aquarius – 9 to 11pm (two episodes) on NBC – 2nd Season Premiere
David Duchovny’s crime drama set in the late 1960s continues to follow the crimes of real-life cult leader Charles Manson.
Saturday
Follow the Money – 9 to 11pm (two episodes) on CBC – Series Premiere
This Danish thriller (with dialogue in English, Danish and Swedish, subtitled) begins with a police investigation into a body that has washed ashore, and leads to the world of high finance and renewable energy.
All times are eastern.
