New to Reality TV: ‘All-American Muslim’
If TLC has any connection whatsoever to its original initials – The Learning Channel – it might be to let us learn about unusual people. Part of its approach echoes…
Also on Sunday: ‘Song of Lunch,’ Silicon Valley
The productions for “Masterpiece Contemporary” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) have generally been very good. But here’s something that’s very unusual as well – a very literary, funny and…
‘SNL’ Debate Sketches Write Themselves
Things have been so strange in the political world lately that “Saturday Night Live” was able to stage a sketch that barely wavered from the actual event. Just as with…
Saturday TV: Politicians, Pit Bulls & Parolees
Let’s see if anybody forgets anything in the South Carolina Republican Debate (CBS, 8 p.m.), the first on a broadcast network, but the second in four days. But don’t worry,…
Bill T. Jones Reanimates Lincoln
The PBS Arts Fall Festival reaches a high note with an inside look at how an artist creates a major dance and theater piece in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial.…
Also on Friday: Hero Dogs, Shea’s Last Stand
Here’s an awards show that stands out from the rest, on its hind legs. On the first ever American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards (Hallmark, 8 p.m.), eight canines from…
Another Paula Act Axed from ‘X Factor’
When it comes to the acts mentored by the judges on “The X Factor,” those under the tutelage of Paula Abdul continued to crumble this week, just as she did…
He Looks Maaavhelous
Think of your potential Oscar hosts in their former “Saturday Night Live” characters. Fernando Lamas is in; Gumby and Mr. Robinson are out. The best thing: Neither was James Franco…
Why Students Rioted
Some were perplexed to see college students at Penn State University rioting last night. They weren’t even part of Occupy State . They were reacting to the firing of Joe…
Thursday TV: Getting Ready for Veterans’ Day
Filmmaker Heather Courtney returned to her hometown of Hancock, Mich., in the state’s snowy Upper Peninsula to follow a group of childhood friends who go from sleds and graffiti art…