There are moments in the new “American Gypsies” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.0 when you may actually learn something about the colorful and until recently, quite closed culture of the Romani people in the U.S. For example: You can’t open a fortune teller’s shop within two blocks of another.
But staged as this one is, focusing on one family bent on quarrelling and retribution, it comes off more as a second hand depiction of mob culture – with a family of Joe Pescis all throwing accusations and fists.
True it’s not a “big fat” depiction in the manner of the series on the Irish travelers, but it’s not completely credible either. Like the fascinating and strange Hutterites that formerly filled the time slot, the message is: Look at these weird subcultures on our shores. But how much of what they do is pushed by producers?
Here’s a story I wrote on the Romani reflected in contemporary culture for the Washington Post earlier this year.
Just as you thought you were through with Ricky Gervais’ high pitched laughter with the finale of his cartoon show last week, he’s back as a subject on the second of two episodes of “Trust Us With Your Life” (ABC, 9 and 9:30 p.m.). On the first: Mark Cuban.
They’re looking for a liver transplant on “NY Med” (ABC, 10 p.m.). And someone gets hit in the liver on “Wipeout” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Paula Deen pops up on “MasterChef” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
After a few weeks of reruns, the second season starts for “L.A. Complex” (The CW, 9 p.m.), one of the lowest rated shows on network TV.
This revolution has moved back to England: “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (BBC America, 9 and 10 p.m.).
Last night’s musical moves into prime time: “Carol Channing: Larger Than Life” (Showtime, 8:30 p.m.).
“Our America with Lisa Ling” (OWN, 10 p.m.) looks into arranged marriages in America.
They can sing, but can they act? That’s the question on “The Glee Project” (Oxygen, 10 p.m.).
“The Deadliest Catch” (Discovery, 9 p.m.) is the latest show to warrant its own post talk show, “After the Catch” (Discovery, 10 p.m.).
Another 12 perform for votes on “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.), in Newark, N.J. so as to accommodate the schedule of their newest judge Howard Stern.
Leslie Howard is featured again on Turenr Classic Movies with “Romeo and Juliet” (8 p.m.), “A Free Soul” (10:15 p.m.), “Smilin’ Through” (midnight), “Outward Bound” (1:45 a.m.) and “Captured!” (3:15 a.m.).
Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp is interviewed on a new “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (HBO, 10 p.m.).
In golf, the British Open (ESPN, 5 a.m.) gets under way.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Gary Oldman, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Josh Groban. The View: Mike Tyson, Chris Colfer. The Talk: Brooke Shields, Jamie Krell, Guy Fieri. Ellen DeGeneres: Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Jamar Rogers, Giorgio Fareira (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Roseanne Barr, Aubrey Plaza, Jeff the Brotherhood. Jay Leno: Kate Beckinsale, Adam Carolla, Lionel Richie. Jimmy Kimmel: Thomas Haden Church, Olivia Munn, Matisyahu. Jimmy Fallon: Heidi Klum, Chris Colfer, Best Coast. Craig Ferguson: Cedric the Entertainer, Ari Graynor. Tavis Smiley: Jimmie Walker. Carson Daly: Geoff Boucher, Neon Hitch, Melvins (rerun). Jon Stewart: Victor Cruz. Stephen Colbert: Nas. Conan O’Brien: Elijah Wood, Claire Smith, Kip Moore. Chelsea Handler: Gustavo Arellano, Ali Wong, Fortune Feimster, Ross Mathews.