Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, December 19. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
The Sopranos (1 p.m.): Since the summer of 2010, Todd VanDerWerff has slowly picked his way through all six seasons of The Sopranos, and now, he’s finally at the end, the thing he’s tried so valiantly not to make his entire discussion of the show about. And just in time, like a magical holiday gift, David Chase has given his most forthcoming interview yet about What It All Means, so Todd will have very little work to do, because everybody can agree on exactly what David Chase’s words mean. Todd hopes you join him before these reviews cut to black. Something something don’t stop believing.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Hour (BBC America, 9 p.m.): This episode is so solid that it made our “best episodes of 2012 (from shows not in our top 30)” list, which we suppose spoils both that the show isn’t on the top 30 and that it has a good episode. But Todd VanDerWerff hasn’t even watched it yet, so how would he know?!
Top Chef (Bravo, 10 p.m.): An entire pantry gets wrapped in aluminum foil, in a prank that seems worthy of the first day of culinary school. Why, we remember the time we wrapped all of Chef Bartram’s knives in foil, then cut tiny holes in all of his glasses! Emily Withrow thought that was the bee’s knees.
WHAT ELSE IS ON
A Home For The Holidays With Rascal Flatts (CBS, 8 p.m.): Just in case you needed to be made aware adoption existed, Rascal Flatts is here to sing a few songs at you and remind you there are children who need adopting. Not that any What’s On Tonight commenters should be made responsible for children!
Miss Universe Pageant (NBC, 8 p.m.): Finally, women can be judged not on the content of their character, but on the awesomeness of their bodies, which is something we’ve been waiting for for a long, long time. We’re pulling for Miss USA but would not object to a win by Miss Burkina Faso.
WWE Tribute To The Troops (USA, 9 p.m.): For 10 years now, the good men and women of professional wrestling have been celebrating the U.S. military, and this year, they’re joined by Kid Rock, Flo Rida, and the Muppets, as you typically are when celebrating the armed forces. We hope Kermit wins the match.
Cheer Perfection (TLC, 10 p.m.): You know what? Of course the country needs multiple shows about cheerleaders working to accomplish their dreams, and of course they all need to be reality shows. Because for whatever reason, the world just wasn’t ready for the wonder of The CW’s Hellcats. Boo!
Double Indemnity (TCM, 8 p.m.): In one of the greatest films ever made, Ashley Judd finds out that her husband—whom she was accused of murdering—is still alive, so she decides to get rid of him once and for… wait… it’s not that movie? Well, excuse us for having this one on our top 10 list all these years!
White Christmas (AMC, 8 p.m.): There’s a plot here—about two friends trying to open a resort—but for the most part, it’s just a flimsy excuse to hang Bing Crosby songs off of. And, honestly, when you have Bing Crosby singing Christmas tunes, do you really need a strong plot? We didn’t think so either.
NBA Basketball: Bucks at Grizzlies (ESPN, 9:30 p.m.): Seeing the Bucks play always reminds us of when we worked in downtown Milwaukee, right next to the Bucks’ arena, but somehow never took in a game. Anyway, the Grizzlies are probably going to destroy them, so it was likely best not to get too attached.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Arrested Development (Tuesday): TV Club Classic is going on hiatus for the holidays at the end of the week, but that makes it the perfect time to catch up on Noel Murray’s take on the Bluth family’s shenanigans. This week, he tackles one of the most meta episodes the show ever came up with.