Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, February 4. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Fresh Off The Boat (ABC, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.): Based on the early childhood of chef Eddie Huang, ABC’s already much-talked-about new family sitcom Fresh Off The Boat premieres tonight. In her pre-air review, Caroline Framke writes “provides a perspective that’s long overdue on television in a way that’s at once smart, sweet, and funny.” The series kicks off with a two-episode premiere, bookending Modern Family, and then moves to Tuesday nights next week.
Also noted
Nashville (ABC, 10 p.m.): Nashville returns with cancelled-wedding drama. Rayna confronts her feelings about Deacon. People kiss; people fight; people sing! Nashville is back to business as usual.
Empire (Fox, 9 p.m.): Until this point, Hakeem and Jamal Lyons have been trying their best to make their own decisions and try not to let their parents’ puppeteering come between them. But as the stakes continue to raise for both of them, the wedge starts to do its work. This week, Jamal, recently cut off from his father’s financial support, has to record in a less-than-lush studio, while Hakeem meanwhile shoots his first music video. Tensions rise between the brothers when Jamal accuses Hakeem of being behind the robbery during his studio session.
Regular coverage
Top Chef (Bravo, 9 p.m.)
The 100 (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Arrow (The CW, 8 p.m.)
Workaholics (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.)
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (FXX, 10 p.m.)
Broad City (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.)
Man Seeking Woman (FXX, 10:30 p.m.)
What else is on?
American Idol (Fox, 8 p.m.): It’s Hollywood Week on American Idol, and some contestants just can’t handle the pressure of competing for those top 24 spots.
Baby Daddy (ABC Family, 9 p.m.): Danny gets a cameo role on “General Hospital,” but has to ask Riley—a soap opera superfan—for help when nerves get the best of him.
Earth: A New Wild (PBS, 9 p.m.): Learn more about the planet we inhabit on PBS’s new series about “humankind’s relationship to the planet’s wildest places and most fascinating species.” The wildlife series kicks off with a two-part premiere tonight.
Suits (USA, 10 p.m.): In “Respect,” a Harvard ethics professor enlists the help of Harvey…specifically, he needs Harvey’s rather questionable regard for (slash dismisal of) ethics to help win the case.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Syfy, 6 p.m.): Let’s get into it: What’s the best Terminator movie in your opinion? If you answered T2, well congratulations, Syfy seems to be catering directly to you tonight by airing the 1991 sequel on its own tonight. If you answered Terminator, get out of here, purist! If you answered Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines, congratulations. This is the correct answer, determined entirely by the personal preferences of your What’s On Tonight correspondent, who will now make their very succinct case for why T3 is the best: Kristanna Loken. We have, however, never met her on a penguin beach like a certain special someone.
Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (AMC, 5:30 p.m.): And we’re in luck, folks! AMC is airing the third and best, as arbitrarily decided by your What’s On Tonight correspondent, Terminator film. You have a choice to make for real now. Will you watch T2 or T3 tonight, because the schedule does not allow for both! Here, we’ll help you decide:
NBA Basketball: Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets (ESPN, 8 p.m.): The Bulls bested Houston 114-105 on January 5, with Pau Gasol securing 27 points and 14 rebounds.
In case you missed it
Kroll Show: We’ve heard through the grapevine that Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya is traumatized by a few harrowing karaoke experiences, but fortunately, she has lots of good vibes about this week’s Kroll Show.