Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Sunday, Jan. 1. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Angry Boys (HBO, 10 p.m.): Hey, everybody! Happy motherfuckin’ New Year! You all had a good time ringing it in? We hope so, because HBO is giving you no let-up, debuting its latest new series, Chris Lilley’s follow-up to his hilarious Summer Heights High, Angry Boys. Now, this has already aired in most of the world, but HBO co-funded it, so you knew it would end up here eventually. And even if the rest of the world has already passed judgment, hope springs eternal for all of us and for Claire Zulkey, who will have an early review up this afternoon.
REGULAR COVERAGE
Leverage (TNT, 9 p.m.): In tonight’s caper, Nate and the team infiltrate the cash-for-gold industry, and we’re hoping this all ends with Timothy Hutton in a shot-for-shot remake of one of those infernal ads. Phil Nugent is selling his teeth for $25.
Hell On Wheels (AMC, 10 p.m.): Somebody in programming central hates Phil Nugent, as this one’s back after taking but one week off. Also, the show was renewed this week, so somebody up there really hates Phil Nugent. Sorry about all that, Phil.
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
Drugs, Inc. (National Geographic, 8 p.m.): Rowan Kaiser checks into the premiere of this new series about the ins and outs of the drug trade. Tonight’s topic? Crack. Clearly and sadly, we’re a long ways away from illegal Pepto Bismol smuggling.
Rachael Vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off (Food, 9 p.m.): Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri compete in a new reality show that sounds sort of like The X Factor with cooking. Or, quite possibly, the most irritating show any network has ever conceived of.
Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks (ESPN Classic, 9 p.m.): If you haven’t seen this one, one of the crowning moments of ESPN’s 30 For 30 series, here’s another chance for you to check it out. It’s ridiculously fun to watch.
Finding Bigfoot (Animal Planet, 10 p.m.): Bigfoot week concludes on Animal Planet with the second season premiere of this one, which is entitled “Baby Bigfoot.” We’re willing to bet the Bigfoot hunters find a baby Bigfoot and name it Lil’ Squatch.
A Christmas Tale (Sundance, 7:25 p.m.): You might say it’s too late for this wondrous French family saga, one of our favorite films of recent years. We say it’s never too late for a great movie, and the 12 days of Christmas are still ongoing.
The Empire Strikes Back (Spike, 9 p.m.): Looks like Spike is airing the original trilogy for most of the day today, but here’s the primetime airing of the best film of those original three films, if you’re looking to watch just one. Hoth forever!
Sunday Night Football: Cowboys at Giants (NBC, 8:15 p.m.): We won’t lie. We’re kind of pissed about the most significant bowl games getting bumped from this date. At the same time, it’s nice there’s a game with playoff significance in primetime.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Best Of The Best-Ofs (Saturday): We sent Phil Nugent on an odyssey through the many “best of 2011” specials that aired on cable over the past week, including some show on TLC about the best weddings. Somehow, he lived to file this piece for you.