TV or not TV
Scott D. Pierce
RECENT POSTS
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TV
This weekend on TV: ‘Twin Peaks’ restarts, but keep your expectations in check
“Twin Peaks” returns on Sunday (10 p.m., Showtime), and I can’t tell you if it’s good. I can’t tell you what’s going on. I can’t tell you much of anything. Showtime and series creators David Lynch and Mark Frost haven’t screen any episodes for anybody. They haven’t told us what characters the new ca... “Twin Peaks” returns on Sunday (10 p.m., Showtime), and I can’t tell you if it’s good. I can’t tell you what’s going on. I can’t tell you much of anyt... -
TVThursday on TV: ‘Grey’s Anatomy, ‘MasterChef Junior,’ ‘Supernatural,’ ‘Scandal’ and ‘Blacklist’ all wrap it upThere are five season finales tonight — all for shows that have been renewed for next season, so there will be resolutions to whatever cliffhangers they leave us with. • College baseball (6 p.m., BYUtv): Portland at BYU • “Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): A dangerous patient escapes his hospital... There are five season finales tonight — all for shows that have been renewed for next season, so there will be resolutions to whatever cliffhangers th...
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TV
The CW addds 2 fall shows — including a reboot of ‘Dynasty’
The CW is adding two new fall series — and neither one of them is based on a comic book, although one of those is coming at midseason. Instead, the network is reaching into ABC’s past for a re-imagined “Dynasty,” and stepping out of its mold with a military show, “Valor.” From the producers of “The ... The CW is adding two new fall series — and neither one of them is based on a comic book, although one of those is coming at midseason. Instead, the ne... -
TV
Wednesday on TV: Sit! Stay! Watch ‘Downward Dog’!
I don’t beg (all that often), but please watch “Downward Dog” (8:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4). It’s a very charming, highly amusing new half-hour comedy about a dog and his owner. Yes, the dog — Martin — talks. But only sort of. We hear his thoughts. He occasionally speaks to the camera (like on “Modern Fami... I don’t beg (all that often), but please watch “Downward Dog” (8:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4). It’s a very charming, highly amusing new half-hour comedy about ... -
TV
CBS adds 6 shows for fall, and it’s really excited about ‘Young Sheldon’
CBS — which remains America’s most-watched and most-stable network — is shaking things up a bit this fall. A bit more than usual. Nothing dramatic, but the network is adding six new fall series and moving four returning series to new time slots. CBS execs are most excited about the debut of “Young S... CBS — which remains America’s most-watched and most-stable network — is shaking things up a bit this fall. A bit more than usual. Nothing dramatic, bu... -
TV
KUTV’s Shauna Lake had to apologize — and she was contrite and sincere
KUTV-Ch. 2 anchorwoman Shauna Lake returned to the air on Tuesday, offering a heartfelt apology to viewers after she was arrested on drunk driving charges a week earlier. (A transcript of her statement is below.) I’m not entirely sure what to write about this. For 27 years, I’ve made my living criti... KUTV-Ch. 2 anchorwoman Shauna Lake returned to the air on Tuesday, offering a heartfelt apology to viewers after she was arrested on drunk driving cha... -
TV
Tuesday on TV: ‘Frontline’ reports on Bundys’ armed standoffs — and their Mormonism is mentioned
Tonight, “Frontline” (9 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7) looks inside look inside the Bundy family’s armed standoff with the federal government — and the family’s Mormon beliefs play into it just a bit. Midway through the hour, as Ammon Bundy is trying to recruit followers, the narrator says, “He and his family ar... Tonight, “Frontline” (9 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7) looks inside look inside the Bundy family’s armed standoff with the federal government — and the family’s Mo... -
TV
‘Roseanne’ is returning to ABC in 2018
More than two decades after it ended its turn on ABC, the sitcom “Roseanne” will return to the network in 2018 — and Utah native Roseanne Barr will be joined by the entire original cast. ABC has ordered eight episodes, which will feature Barr (as Roseanne), John Goodman (Dan), Sara Gilbert (Darlene... More than two decades after it ended its turn on ABC, the sitcom “Roseanne” will return to the network in 2018 — and Utah native Roseanne Barr will be... -
TVABC will add 5 shows this fall, ‘Idol’ in January — and a ‘Roseanne’ rebootABC announced a fall schedule that features five new shows, moves five returning shows to new timeslots, holds seven returning shows for midseason — and then adds “American Idol” in January. When, exactly, “Idol” will air is still up in the air. ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey deflected ... ABC announced a fall schedule that features five new shows, moves five returning shows to new timeslots, holds seven returning shows for midseason — a...
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TV
Big ‘Will & Grace’ returns video is big disappointment
Call me crazy (you won’t be the first), but I was actually looking forward to the return of “Will & Grace” to NBC this fall. Yes, I was anxious to see new episodes 11 years later ... even though, after a couple of good seasons, the quality dropped off precipitously the first time around. But then I... Call me crazy (you won’t be the first), but I was actually looking forward to the return of “Will & Grace” to NBC this fall. Yes, I was anxious to se... -
TV
Monday on TV: Cat Grant returns to ‘Supergirl,’ and she’s been sorely missed
When “Supergirl” (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30) moved from CBS to The CW this season, it also moved production from Los Angeles to Vancouver. And, as a result, it lost Calista Flockhart, who starred as Cat Grant — Supergirl/Kara’s boss and sort-of mentor — in Season 1. And this has proven to be very bad indeed... When “Supergirl” (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30) moved from CBS to The CW this season, it also moved production from Los Angeles to Vancouver. And, as a result, i... -
TV
Fox revamps schedule as ‘Idol’ heads for ABC
Fox announced a fall schedule that includes two new dramas and one new comedy, along with four new midseason series and a pair of live musical events. But network executives spent a big chunk of a teleconference with the press addressing questions about a show that isn’t on Fox any more — “American ... Fox announced a fall schedule that includes two new dramas and one new comedy, along with four new midseason series and a pair of live musical events.... -
TV
NBC taking a big risk this fall — ‘This Is Us’ is moving to Thursdays
NBC is making a big push to re-ignite “Must-See TV” on Thursday nights — and it’s doing it with a risky move of “This Is Us.” A break-out hit on Tuesday nights, the critical darling will be preceded by a revival of “Will & Grace” and “Great News” and followed by a true-crime drama about the murderou... NBC is making a big push to re-ignite “Must-See TV” on Thursday nights — and it’s doing it with a risky move of “This Is Us.” A break-out hit on Tuesd... -
TV
Ratings are rising for made-in-Utah ‘Andi Mack’
The made-in-Utah series “Andi Mack” hasn’t been renewed for a second season yet, but that’s looking more likely as ratings for the Disney Channel show come in. According to Disney, last week’s episode was the highest-rated to date, and was No. 1 with kids and tweens — kids ages 2-11, 6-11 and 6-14.)... The made-in-Utah series “Andi Mack” hasn’t been renewed for a second season yet, but that’s looking more likely as ratings for the Disney Channel show... -
TV
This weekend on TV: Spicer, beware! Melissa McCarthy is hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’
Melissa McCarthy is hosting “Saturday Night Live” this week (Saturday, 10:30 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5) — so how far into the show do you think it will be before she appears as White House press secretary Sean Spicer hiding in the bushes? I’m guessing it will probably be the cold open of the show. But we’ll s... Melissa McCarthy is hosting “Saturday Night Live” this week (Saturday, 10:30 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5) — so how far into the show do you think it will be befor... -
TV
Thursday on TV: ‘Big Bang’ season finale is really good — and don’t miss the end
In the 10th-season finale of “The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2), Sheldon is trying to adjust while Amy is on the other side of the country — working at Princeton — for a few months. Enter Dr. Ramona Nowitszki, last seen way back in Season 2, when she was a grad student who had a crush on Shel... In the 10th-season finale of “The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2), Sheldon is trying to adjust while Amy is on the other side of the country — wo... -
TV
Utah is the only state that loves Jimmy Fallon the most ... based on Google searches
Utah has always been kind of a different place. Peculiar in many ways. And distinctive. Including our preference in talk-show hosts, if the folks at Reviews.org are to be believed. The staff at that website teamed with Cabletv.com and, using “Google trends data over the last five years … to see who ... Utah has always been kind of a different place. Peculiar in many ways. And distinctive. Including our preference in talk-show hosts, if the folks at R... -
TVWednesday on TV: This might be the end for ‘Underground’It’s possible that tonight’s Season 2 finale of “Underground” (11 p.m., WGN) could also be the series finale. Because it’s almost certainly not returning to WGN. That’s because Sinclair (which owns KUTV, KJZZ and KMYU) is buying Tribune Broadcasting (which owns KSTU and WGN). And Sinclair management... It’s possible that tonight’s Season 2 finale of “Underground” (11 p.m., WGN) could also be the series finale. Because it’s almost certainly not return...
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TV
Tuesday on TV: Can Jazz beat the Warriors? Game 1 is tonight in Oakland
Having eliminated the L.A. Clippers, the Utah face a much tougher task in the second round of the NBA playoffs — the Golden State Warriors, who had by far the best record in the league this season. The Jazz lost two out of three to Golden State in the regular season, but split a pair of games on the... Having eliminated the L.A. Clippers, the Utah face a much tougher task in the second round of the NBA playoffs — the Golden State Warriors, who had by... -
TV
Monday on TV: ‘King of Queens’ stars reunite on ‘Kevin Can Wait’
For nine seasons and more than 200 episodes, Leah Remini played Kevin James’ TV wife on “King of Queens.” Remini guest stars in James’ new sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait” (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2), and she’s playing his ex-partner. His ex-police partner, that is. In the first half of a two-part season finale, Ke... For nine seasons and more than 200 episodes, Leah Remini played Kevin James’ TV wife on “King of Queens.” Remini guest stars in James’ new sitcom, “Ke... -
TVThis weekend on TV: Jazz-Clippers goes to Game 7; ‘Dear White People’ and ‘American Gods’ premiereHaving failed to eliminate the Clippers at home on Friday, the Utah Jazz have one last chance to win their first-round series in Los Angeles. Somebody will win on Sunday (1:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4), because it’s Game 7. Logic tells us that the Clippers will have the advantage because they’re playing at h... Having failed to eliminate the Clippers at home on Friday, the Utah Jazz have one last chance to win their first-round series in Los Angeles. Somebody...
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TV
Thursday on TV: ‘The President Show’ uses faux Trump to mock real Trump
So, what will Donald Trump do when he’s no longer in the White House? How about … host a late-night talk show? Comedy Central gives us a taste of what that might be like with “The President Show,” which premieres Thursday/early Friday at 12:30 a.m. — after “The Daily Show.” Comedian Anthony Atamnuik... So, what will Donald Trump do when he’s no longer in the White House? How about … host a late-night talk show? Comedy Central gives us a taste of what... -
TV
Wednesday on TV: Utahn is still trying to outwit, outplay and outlast on ‘Survivor’
And Utahn Sierra Dawn-Thomas has been in the thick of the plotting lately. She’s still there, but her plans have exactly worked out. This week, friends become enemies when one castaway is caught trying to sabotage another’s game. • Also today, the first three episodes of “The Handmaid’s Tale” begin ... And Utahn Sierra Dawn-Thomas has been in the thick of the plotting lately. She’s still there, but her plans have exactly worked out. This week, friend... -
TV
Tuesday on TV: ‘Great News’ isn’t great, but it’s not bad
The new NBC sitcom “Great News” (8 and 8:30 p.m., Ch. 5) comes to us from the producers of “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” — and shares a certain sensibility with those shows. Katie Wendelson (Briga Heelan, “Undateable”) is a harried producer on a cable news show. And her stress level shoo... The new NBC sitcom “Great News” (8 and 8:30 p.m., Ch. 5) comes to us from the producers of “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” — and shares a ce... -
TVMonday on TV: ‘Gotham’ is back, and the Riddler emerges“Gotham” (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13) returns tonight after a three-month hiatus (really!), and Ed Nygma starts introducing himself as The Riddler. Also, Bullock and Lucius Fox get caught up in Nygma’s mind games, while Gordon learns troubling news about his father’s death. Meanwhile, the Court of the Owls ... “Gotham” (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13) returns tonight after a three-month hiatus (really!), and Ed Nygma starts introducing himself as The Riddler. Also, Bull...
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TV
This weekend on TV: Utah Jazz can take commanding lead over L.A. Clippers
The Utah Jazz will have two chances this weekend to do something they haven’t done since April 30, 2010 — win a playoff game at home. (It’s not like they’ve played a lot of playoff games since then; but they’re 0-4 in what is now Vivint Arena since then.) Jazz fans are, of course, hoping that the lo... The Utah Jazz will have two chances this weekend to do something they haven’t done since April 30, 2010 — win a playoff game at home. (It’s not like t... -
TV
Thursday on TV: They’re spring-cleaning at Cloud 9 on ‘Superstore’
Glenn mandates a spring cleaning this week at the “Superstore” (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5), and Amy and Garrett find a trove of abandoned photos — which prompts them to undertake an investigation. That’s not all, of course. As the wedding approaches (it’s next week), Cheyenne’s fiancé, Bo, starts working at... Glenn mandates a spring cleaning this week at the “Superstore” (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5), and Amy and Garrett find a trove of abandoned photos — which promp... -
TV
Wednesday on TV: ‘Fargo’ gets off to a great restart; ‘The Expanse’ ends an excellent season
One really good show starts its third season and another really good show ends its second season tonight. • In the third-season premiere of “Fargo” (11 p.m., FX) — which tells a completely different story each season — a petty sibling rivalry between two brothers (both played by Ewan McGregor) set... One really good show starts its third season and another really good show ends its second season tonight. • In the third-season premiere of “Fargo” (... -
TVTuesday on TV: Pretty people in ‘Famous in Love’ are pretty boringIf I tell you that “Famous In Love” (10 p.m., Freeform) is a new series from the I. Marlene King, the producer of “Pretty Little Liars,” you probably won’t be surprised to learn that it’s about mostly vapid, impossibly pretty people in iver-the-top, impossible-to-believe situations. Bella Thorne sta... If I tell you that “Famous In Love” (10 p.m., Freeform) is a new series from the I. Marlene King, the producer of “Pretty Little Liars,” you probably ...
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TV
Monday on TV: ‘The Voice’ live (but not here) shows begin; Utahn is still in the competition
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