Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, February 25. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.): The Big Bang Theory pulls out all the stops for its 200th episode, enlisting special guest stars like Christine Baranski, Sara Giblert, and Wil Wheaton to help party-phobic Sheldon celebrate his birthday for the first time. But the biggest draw is extra special guest star Adam West, who fulfills Sheldon’s dream of having Batman at his birthday (presumably Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck were all busy). Our own Boy Wonder, Kyle Fowle, is mostly just surprised that The Big Bang Theory hasn’t already reached its 200th episode, given that it feels like it’s been on TV forever. Nevertheless, he’ll be here at the same Bat-time, same Bat-channel to weigh in on the show’s monumental milestone.
Also noted
You, Me And The Apocalypse (NBC, 8 p.m.): Emily L. Stephens continues her weekly reviews of this quirky NBC apocalyptic comedy. While the show has wasted some of its initial promise over the course of its past two episodes, things could course correct tonight. After all the episode is called “Right In The Nuts” and if that kind of humor is good enough for Homer Simpson, it’s good enough for Emily L. Stephens.
DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow (The CW, 8 p.m.): The CW’s intrepid group of time-traveling heroes venture to the future for the very first time. As seen in the tail end of last week’s episode, they crash land in 2046 Star City where they get a glimpse of a horrific future in which they failed to stop Vandal Savage. Sara, in particular, takes it hard after learning what happened to Oliver Queen. But forget Old Man Oliver, our own Oliver Sava is mostly excited to learn more about this future’s brand new Arrow, Connor Hawke.
Portlandia (IFC, 10 p.m.): Continuing a trend it started last year, Portlandia has been switching up its format recently, zooming in on single, character-focused stories. Les Chappell particularly enjoyed last week’s episode, which devoted its time to a break-up storyline that played as much like a drama as a comedy. This week, however, the show returns to its sketch-based roots, with three separate storylines, including one in which Kath and Dave fight for the rights of the “temporarily disabled” (i.e. injured).
Prey (BBC America, 10 p.m.): BBC America begins airing this six-episode British crime thriller. The show is divided into two three-episode arcs, with police office Susan Reinhardt (Rosie Cavaliero) investigating both cases. Things kick off in the premiere when John Simms’ police officer is framed for murder. In her pre-air review, Kate Kulzick notes, “With its attention to character and visceral direction, Prey is a worthy addition to the wrong-man canon, and a series crime fans should seek out.”
Regular Coverage
The 100 (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Scandal (ABC, 9 p.m.)
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10 p.m.)
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.)
Baskets (FX, 10 p.m.)
Vikings (History Channel, 10 p.m.)
Workaholics (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.)
Idiotsitter (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
We have Kate Kulzick’s aforementioned pre-air review of BBC America’s Prey. She writes:
Prey benefits tremendously from its short episode order. While season-long crime serials are a popular genre, it’s rare to find one that doesn’t lose steam mid-season or take so many twists and turns it winds up a convoluted mess. With only a few episodes to fill per season, both mysteries remain tense throughout, each new wrinkle adding to the suspense before ultimately paying off nicely in the finale. Rather than a 10- to 22-episode marathon, these are three-episode sprints, and that pace is reflected in the energetic direction and performances.
Meanwhile those gearing up for this Sunday’s Oscars broadcast can check out our preview of what will win and what should win at this year’s Academy Awards.
What else is on?
We Bare Bears (Cartoon Network, 7 p.m.): Just a few weeks after its first season finale, We Bare Bears returns for a second season. Tonight the Bears buy “offbeat items” at a yard sale.
American Idol (Fox, 8 p.m.): Poor American Idol can’t even find cultural relevance in its farewell season. But those who are still watching can tune in tonight to see the Top 10 finalists revealed for the final time.
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 8 p.m.): In tonight’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, the show breaks with its usual format to chart Jackson and April’s relationship throughout the years. Beginning with their first meeting at Mercy West and moving forward to show other “unseen” moments from the past few seasons, the episode will presumably resolve their martial drama for good. Until, of course, Grey’s runs out of story ideas and decides to rehash their relationship woes all over again.
Join Or Die With Craig Ferguson (History Channel, 11 p.m.): In the third installment of Craig Ferguson’s new History Channel chat show, Craig sits down with Courtney Cox, Dan Soder, and Michael Ian Black to discuss “History’s Biggest Frenemies.” If Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s complicated relationship doesn’t make the list, expect Hamilton fans to riot.
Legally Blonde (Oxygen, 7:40 p.m.): Your What’s On Tonight Correspondent isn’t big on labeling films “feminist,” but she’ll make an exception for the feminist masterpiece that is Legally Blonde.
The Longest Day (TCM, 8 p.m.): Filmed in the style of a docudrama, this 1962 war film examines the days leading up to D-Day landings at Normandy via both the Allied and Axis perspectives. The film features a huge ensemble cast including John Wayne, Richard Burton, Sean Connery, Henry Fonda, Red Buttons, and dozens more. Above all the film strives for realism; original World War II locations were utilized for the film shoots, and the German and French characters speak in their native tongues with English subtitles.
College Basketball: Florida State at Duke (ESPN, 7 p.m.): Don’t let the Redskins take all the blame, the Florida State Seminoles are yet another offensively named sports team that shouldn’t get a free pass because of trumped up “tribal approval.” Naming controversy aside, however, they are playing the Duke Blue Devils tonight on ESPN.
In case you missed it
Black-ish: Pilot Viruet drops in to review a very special episode of Black-ish, which focuses on the Black Lives Matter movement and how public discussions of police brutality impact the Johnson family.