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All Times Eastern. PBS programming varies regionally.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Big Cats 24/7
PBS, 8pm
New Series!
Over six episodes, the expert wildlife filmmakers in this coproduction of PBS and the BBC use the latest filming technology — including military-grade thermal imagery — to follow lions, leopards and cheetahs in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and reveal details of their lives like never before. The camera teams document individual big cats for six months, over two extreme seasons, all day and all night, as the creatures battle to survive dramatic changes within their families and their home. Two hourlong episodes premiere tonight.
What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates
Netflix
New Series!
Across five episodes, Bill Gates delves into the pressing issues facing our world today, including the promise and risks of artificial intelligence, the pervasive challenge of misinformation, and the scale of the climate crisis and potential of cutting-edge technologies to solve it. Among the contributors to the series are Anthony Fauci, Bono, James Cameron, Lady Gaga, Sen. Mitt Romney and more.
TCM Spotlight: Studio Directors
TCM, beginning at 6am
Catch a Classic!
Turner Classic Movies monthlong Wednesday marathon of films from noted directors who worked for particular studios during the golden age of Hollywood continues today with 13 more titles, mostly from the 1940s but starting to creep into the ’50s: Nothing but Trouble (1944), a Laurel and Hardy feature film directed by Sam Taylor; the musical romantic comedy It Happened in Brooklyn (1947), directed by Richard Whorf and led by Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, Peter Lawford and Jimmy Durante; The Story of Seabiscuit (1949), a drama about the famed racehorse of the title directed by David Butler, whose human cast is led by Shirley Temple and Barry Fitzgerald (with Seabiscuit portrayed by two of his family members); director John Cromwell’s romantic fantasy The Enchanted Cottage (1945), starring Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young; the mystery film The Woman in White (1948), directed by Peter Godfrey; My Reputation (1946), a romantic drama directed by Curtis Bernhardt and headlined by Barbara Stanwyck; director George Sidney’s Judy Garland-led musical The Harvey Girls (1946), which featured the Oscar-winning song “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe”; White Heat (1949), director Raoul Walsh’s iconic gangster drama led by James Cagney and Virginia Mayo; director Tay Garnett’s legendary film noir The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946), starring Lana Turner and John Garfield; Born to Kill (1947), director Robert Wise’s first of several films noir; the Best Picture-nominated drama Kings Row (1942), helmed by Best Director nominee Sam Wood and starring Ann Sheridan, Robert Cummings and Ronald Reagan; director Irving Rapper’s tear-jerking drama Now, Voyager (1942), led by Best Actress nominee Bette Davis and Paul Henreid; and director Charles Walters’ Easy to Love (1953), one of Esther Williams’ last big-screen musicals.
The Golden Bachelorette
ABC, 8pm
New Series!
The franchise’s first Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos, the vivacious 61-year-old school administrator from Rockville, Maryland, who exited Golden Bachelor Gerry’s season early following a family medical matter, will get a chance to find love again in this new series from the Bachelor universe.
Survivor
CBS, 8pm
Season Premiere!
It’s a two-hour premiere tonight as host Jeff Probst welcomes a diverse batch of Survivors to the mix for Season 47. Comedian/podcaster Jon Lovett, who knows little about surviving in the wilderness (or so he claims), should add some humor as one of the castaways.
MasterChef: Generations
FOX, 8pm
Season Finale!
Find out which chef wins the opportunity of a lifetime as the culinary competition series concludes its “Generations” season in a two-hour finale tonight.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
Bravo, 9pm
Season Premiere!
“This season is unexpected and full of twists and turns. Our friendships are back in full bloom with plenty of drama but even more fun,” shares Heather Gay, who dropped the news last season that fellow housewife Monica Garcia was behind the Instagram troll account that was bashing the ladies. Garcia won’t be a part of Season 5.
Agatha All Along
Disney+, 9pm
New Series!
Jac Schaeffer, the creative force behind the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe series WandaVision, is showrunner for and directed the pilot episode of this nine-episode follow-up series that focuses on Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness, who was introduced in that earlier show. Here, the infamous Agatha finds herself down and out of power after Joe Locke’s character, goth teen Billy Kaplan (who in the comics becomes the magically powered superhero known as Wiccan), helps break her free from a distorted spell. Her interest is piqued when the young man begs her to take him on the legendary Witches’ Road, a magical gauntlet of trials that, if survived, rewards a witch with what they are missing. Together, Agatha and this mysterious youngster pull together a desperate coven and set off down the road. The first two episodes drop today; new episodes will be available Wednesdays.
Like a Girl
Fuse, 9pm
Wimbledon doubles champion Taylor Townsend discusses the hard-hitting subjects of body image and pregnancy for professional women athletes.
Wild West Chronicles: “Bronco Bill’s Treasure”
INSP, 10pm
When Bronco Bill and his gang are robbing trains at will, two veteran lawmen join forces to stop the violent outlaws once and for all. Years later, gunfighter-turned-reporter Bat Masterson (Jack Elliott) hears the story from the last surviving member of the gang.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Netflix
New Series!
Following Dahmer, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s true-crime anthology series Monster returns, this time focusing on multiple monsters as it dramatizes the case of real-life brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez (portrayed by Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch), who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez (Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny). Nathan Lane costars as journalist Dominick Dunne, who covered the trials for Vanity Fair.
The Queen of Villains
Netflix
New Series!
This five-episode series unveils the story of Dump Matsumoto (Yuriyan Retriever), the most terrifying “heel” during the golden age of women’s pro wrestling in Japan during the 1970s and ’80s. As pro-wrestling tag teams like the “Crush Gals” became national icons, there was Matsumoto, their sworn rival. She made all of Japan her enemy, wreaking havoc in and outside of the ring. But once upon a time, young Dump Matsumoto was told she was too kind to be a villain. What events made her into one of the most disliked figures in Japanese wrestling history?
Twilight of the Gods
Netflix
New Series!
Zack Snyder is an executive producer of this animated vision of Norse mythology that is billed as a “heroic story of love, loss and revenge … and wars waged against gods and demons.” In this world, Leif (voice of Stuart Martin), a mortal king, is saved on the battlefield by Sigrid (Sylvia Hoeks), an iron-willed warrior with whom he falls in love. On their wedding night, Sigrid and Leif survive an attack from Thor (Pilou Asbæk), which sets them — and a crew of crusaders — on an against-all-odds and merciless mission for vengeance.
MLB Baseball
FOX, 7pm Live
Thursday night MLB regional action on FOX features either the Philadelphia Phillies at the N.Y. Mets or the Arizona Diamondbacks at the Milwaukee Brewers.
Technology in the Movies — Part 2
TCM, beginning at 8pm
Catch a Classic!
The second of two nights devoted to notable depictions of technology in films concludes with five titles tonight. Given that many of the movies spotlighted so far have been set in future dystopias and/or featured psychotic computers, you might be surprised to find a Spencer Tracy/Katharine Hepburn-led romantic comedy leading things off tonight. But Desk Set (1957) does indeed deal with technology, and in fact might have been one of the earliest films to look at how computers could impact everyday work and life, with Tracy and Hepburn playing two strong-willed personalities clashing over the potential computerization of a television network’s research department via an “electronic brain” known as the EMERAC (“Emmy,” for short). Next, in the famed comedy Modern Times (1936), writer/director/star Charlie Chaplin’s “Little Tramp” character struggles to survive as a factory worker in an increasingly industrialized world. Following that is Westworld (1973), written and directed by Michael Crichton, about an amusement park with different themed “worlds” where visitors interact with lifelike androids (including Yul Brynner’s Gunslinger), who unfortunately begin to malfunction. The lineup concludes in late night with director Fritz Lang’s silent sci-fi masterpiece Metropolis (1927) and THX 1138 (1971), a film set in a future dystopia that was expanded by cowriter/director George Lucas from a student film.
NFL Football: New England at N.Y. Jets
Prime Video, 8:15pm Live
Week 3’s Thursday Night Football matchup has the New England Patriots against Aaron Rodgers and the N.Y. Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Lucky 13
ABC, 9pm
Season Finale!
The debut season ends with two episodes. In “Playing to Win,” a consultant takes on a sales manager, and in “High Stakes,” a stay-at-home dad and a marketer compete.
The Penguin
HBO, 9pm
New Series!
Colin Farrell reprises his role as the Penguin (also known as Oz Cobb) in this spinoff from the hit 2022 film The Batman. The new DC Universe series will take place a week after the events of The Batman but is intended to be a stand-alone story that is more about the American dream than heroes vs. villains, exploring the disfigured criminal’s rise to power in Gotham City’s underworld and bringing some humanity to the supernatural character.
Friday, Sept. 20
His Three Daughters
Netflix
Feature Film Exclusive!
In this tense, touching and funny portrait of family dynamics, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen and Carrie Coon play three estranged sisters who return to their father’s home to prepare for the worst, as his health is failing and his time is running out. As they wait at his bedside, old resentments rise to the surface, and the sisters’ relationships face new strains. Will their father’s imminent death bring them closer together — or push them apart for good?
Just Ask: Vivek Ramaswamy
FOX Nation
In the lead up to the premiere of FOX Nation’s new series Truths With Vivek Ramaswamy on Sunday, FOX Nation presents this one-hour special in which Ramaswamy answers questions from an audience, with nothing off the table. The one-hour forum, filmed in Philadelphia, will be moderated by Fox & Friends Weekend cohost and FOX Nation personality Pete Hegseth.
Strangers on a Train
TCM, 9am
Catch a Classic!
Robert Burks rightly earned an Oscar nomination for his black-and-white cinematography in this 1951 suspense classic based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, but how Alfred Hitchcock did not receive a directing nod, nor Robert Walker an acting nomination for his chilling performance as Bruno Antony, is beyond us. Either way, it is a thrilling watch, as pro tennis player Guy Haines (Farley Granger) has the bad luck of happening to sit next to Walker’s Antony on a train, and their conversation turns toward Antony “jokingly” suggesting that the two men “trade murders” — Antony will kill Haines’ wife if Haines kills Antony’s father. Unfortunately for Haines, the deranged Antony is not joking at all; he proceeds with his end of the deal, and makes life increasingly terrifying for Haines in order to get him to hold up his. The film’s classic climax aboard an out-of-control carousel isn’t the only way in which the Master of Suspense delivers a memorable thrill ride with this production. Strangers on a Train is a highlight among other train-based thrillers that TCM is airing starting earlier this morning and continuing through this afternoon. Other notable titles you might want to get onboard for include Shanghai Express (1932), Avalanche Express (1979) and Berlin Express (1948).
College Football
ESPN, FOX & The CW, beginning at 7:30pm Live
Friday night college football kicks off on ESPN with Stanford at Syracuse in an ACC game. FOX airs a Big Ten matchup with Illinois at Nebraska, and The CW carries San Jose State at Washington State.
Secret Celebrity Renovation: “Mookie Betts”
CBS, 8pm
In this special new episode of the home makeover series, L.A. Dodgers star Mookie Betts trades in his baseball bat for a sledgehammer as he returns to his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, to surprise his father, Willie, with a much-needed house renovation.
Making Change: The Most Significant Political Films of All Time
TCM, 8pm
The third night of this series in which TCM host Ben Mankiewicz and notable guests explore the most impactful political movies of all time features six titles, the first three introduced with guests: Dr. Strangelove (1964), cohosted by Spike Lee; Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), cohosted by politician/lawyer Stacey Abrams; Hearts and Minds (1974), cohosted by CNN correspondent Phil Mattingly; The Lives of Others (2006); Born in Flames (1983); and Bicycle Thieves (1948).
20/20
ABC, 9pm
Season Premiere!
The 47th season of this long-running investigative series featuring unforgettable true-crime mysteries begins airing tonight.
Deadlock
PBS, 9pm
Aaron Tang of the UC Davis School of Law guides a panel of thought leaders through complex, ethical dilemmas based on real-life scenarios. The special encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.
Saturday, Sept. 21
College Football
CBS, The CW, FS1, NBC & truTV, beginning at 3:30pm Live
Catch USC at Michigan (CBS), Miami (Ohio) at Notre Dame (NBC), UTEP at Colorado State (truTV), Purdue at Oregon State (The CW), Fresno State at New Mexico (truTV) and Portland State at Boise State (FS1) in Saturday’s college football action.
Jeremiah Johnson
TCM, 5:45pm
Catch a Classic!
If all you’ve seen of Robert Redford’s 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson is the ubiquitous “bearded guy nodding approvingly” clip that has been used as a popular internet reaction meme for a while now, here’s your chance to check out its full, compelling source material. In director Sydney Pollack’s film — the first Western to ever be accepted into the Cannes Film Festival, where it was in competition for the highest prize, the Palme d’Or — Redford plays the title character, a veteran of the Mexican-American War who becomes an isolated mountain man enduring cruel winters alone in the Rockies, supporting himself as a trapper while engaged in personal war with the Crow warriors responsible for the deaths of his common-law wife and adopted son. Based partly on the life of real-life mountain man John Jeremiah Johnson, the film features terrific location filming shot in many areas across Utah.
NASCAR Cup Series: Bass Pro Shops Night Race
USA Network, 7:30pm Live
Four drivers will be eliminated from the Cup Series playoffs following tonight’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Tennessee’s famous Bristol Motor Speedway.
Falling Together
Hallmark Channel, 8pm
Original Film!
Natalie (Ashley Williams) tries to bring feuding neighbors together in her new condo building, and unexpectedly finds an ally in the building’s superintendent (Paul Campbell), who prefers to avoid getting involved.
Buried Alive & Survived
Lifetime, 8pm
Original Film!
Inspired by a true story, this horrifying tale follows a woman named Alicia (Eva Marcille) who is trapped underground by her ex-husband (Tyler Lepley) after he gets out of prison and must claw her way to freedom in order to save herself and her son.