Also on Friday: North to Alaska Again
Alaska remains the state of most fascination for reality producers. The latest to the crowded field follows coming of age stories in the tiny town of Tanana. The first task…
Thursday TV: Good VBS Substitute, ‘Louie’
Those who miss Vacation Bible School may be cheered by the premiere of a new Bible-based game show. Unfortunately, it is not “Swords Up!” in which kids raise their Bible…
‘Abandoned’ Enters Crowded Field
The latest iteration in the picking, bartering and reselling niche of cable TV is a group of people who pull salable items from old buildings. “Abandoned” (National Geographic Channel, 9…
Also on Monday: ‘NY Med’ Finale, Boo Boo
The finale of “NY Med” (ABC, 10 p.m.) concentrating on a risky cancer operation closes out the strong season of the documentary series. The 50th episode of “Restaurant: Impossible” (Food,…
TV Updates: New Ripa Partner, ‘Office’ Announces Its End, Kimmel Time Shift
In a newsy day for television, it looks as if Kelly Ripa has chosen her co-host after dragging out the who-will-replace-Regis bit beyond its breaking point. The apparent choice is…
Tuesday TV: ‘Do Something’ Awards, ‘Face Off’ Returns
The “Do Something Awards” (VH1, 9 p.m.) began as a way to salute ordinary young people doing extraordinary things in helping others. Celebrities helped out, but it was largely about…
Remembering Phyllis Diller, 1917-2012
With her shock of hair and cackling laugh, Phyllis Diller, who died Monday in Los Angeles at 95, was a gale force in comedy for nearly half a century. And…
‘Facts of Life’ Star in New ‘Survivor’ Cast
Who says acting careers are being hurt by reality shows? Lisa Whelchel, who played the peppy Blair Warner on “The Facts of Life” in the 1980s, is back on TV…
MTV Tries Another British Adaptation, ‘The Inbetweeners’
MTV hasn’t had any better luck adapting British hit series than network television has. Their version of “Skins” sank like a stone. Now here comes their version of another raunchy…
Also on Monday: Finales for First Season Series ‘Bunheads,’ ‘Glass House’
Amy Sherman-Palladino’s “Bunheads” (ABC Family, 9 p.m.) reaches a finale tonight of its summer episodes around the time the dancers are readying their performance of “The Nutcracker.” Fans will be…