Here’s what’s happening in the world of television for Wednesday, August 16. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Broadchurch (BBC America, 10 p.m.): After a disappointing second series (and its regrettable U.S. remake), Chris Chibnall’s British crime drama found a renewed urgency in its third and final round, bolstered as ever by the teaming of David Tennant and Olivia Colman in the roles of D.I. Alec Hardy and D.S. Ellie Miller. Tonight, Hardy and Miller’s final investigation comes to its conclusion, as the long list of suspects in the rape of Trish Winterman (Julie Hesmondhalgh) narrows to one guilty party. Prior to the premiere, assistant editor Gwen Ihnat wrote:
Over the course of its three seasons, the series has been expert at drawing out a single case over eight episodes. But with this one, Broadchurch accomplishes the whodunit in a wholly engaging, yet socially aware manner, anchored by its devotion-inspiring leads. The saddest shot of the the entire series may be the final one, as we know that we’re saying goodbye to this seaside town forever—yet remain grateful that it’s going out on a such a high note.
Gwen says one final, fond farewell to Hardy and Miller following the finale.
Wild card
Marlon (NBC, 9 p.m.): The most important thing to know about NBC’s new Marlon Wayans sitcom, Marlon—in which the youngest Wayans brother plays a divorced social media influencer named Marlon—is that there’s only one word to the show’s theme song. And that word is “Marlon,” recited at a rapid-fire clip. It’s incredible, and it’s a travesty that it hasn’t already been posted to YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, or any of the websites and apps that Marlon is ostensibly posting to on the show. Marlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlonmarlon—MARLON!