Category Archives: General

New from Ken Burns is a two-night, four-hour documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings). About the crisis among American youth, with nearly two dozen first person accounts of struggles. It concludes Tuesday. Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan star in the new drama “The Split” (BBC America, 10 […]

Much to celebrate on this June day. Juneteenth for one, made a federal holiday only last year. But it’s also the 80th birthday of Brian Wilson who brought so much more artistry, harmony and joy than one would expect from a band named The Beach Boys.  There were also a whole lot of great shows […]

We’re not one to take many days off here, but we do so now for a brief hiatus through May 17. I’m sorry I’ll miss the Yvette Mimieux retrospective Wednesday on Turner Classic Movies, but that’s how things sometimes go! See you mid-month!

Emmanuel Macron’s decisive win for French president over his right wing opponent is all it took to celebrate France, Paris and the French language for an hour or so. When you’re playing French pop, I learned very quickly, there’s no getting away from Serge Gainsbourg and Françoise Hardy. Then, building off of last week’s emphasis […]

Three years after its first season got some attention and Emmy nominations “Russian Doll” (Netflix, streaming) is back for a second season and a new concept as Natasha Lyonne’s character Natasha and Alan (Charlie Barnett) find a way to time travel to 1982 via the Astor Place subway.  Held 30 years ago tonight in London […]

There may be no slaps but plenty of slime as Miranda Cosgrove and Rob Gronkowski host the 32nd Kids Choice Awards (Nickelodeon 7:30 p.m.) are held in Santa Monica. Kid Cudi and Jack Harlow are slated to perform. Celebrities set to appear include Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Terry Crews, Simon Cowell, Ralph Macchio, Howie […]

The sharply-written “Black Lady Sketch Show” (HBO, 11 p.m.), with (from left to right) Skye Townsend, Ashley Nicole Black, Robin There and Gabrielle Dennis,, returns for a third season. Guest stars this time around include Ava DuVernay, Davide Alan Grier, Jemele Hill, Wayne Brady, Vanessa Williams and Holy Robinson Pete. The clack and white “C’mon […]

Amy Schumer finally has a property that best shows off her comic persona by writing, producing and starring in “Life & Beth” (Hulu, streaming) about a woman who breaks up with her boyfriend and meets a vinter. The series has a swell cast that includes Michael Cera, Laura Benanti, Michael Rapport and Susannah Flood.  “Human […]

Eight home cooks compete (and maybe speak in a funny accent) in the new culinary competition, “The Julia Child Challenge” (Food, 9 p.m.). Antonia Lofaso is head judge. The new four-part true-crime documentary series “Secrets of the Chippendale Murders” (A&E, 10 p.m.) follows tonight’s episode of “Secrets of Playboy” (A&E, 9 p.m.), which was the […]

An early February day began with the installation of the Artist Calls the Song, from the Clash (choosing Sam the Sam) and Arthur Conley (presenting a handful of sweet soul greats). Presented my five votes for 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (and played a few other women nominated this year). There were […]