Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, August 26. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Mr. Robot (USA, 10 p.m.): We told you this would be the top pick. Mr. Robot’s season finale is titled “eps1.9_zer0-day.avi,” and just sounds all types of ominous. The show that easily could have been another Dig or Complications came out of nowhere, blowing audiences and critics away with its Fincher-esque style, compelling storytelling, and captivating lead in Rami Malek’s Elliot. Now it’s probably going to blow everything up with this season finale and not just to keep the Fight Club comparisons going.
For those of you who have yet to hop aboard the Mr. Robot bandwagon (which is a disappointing choice you have made), we’ll avoid episode spoilers except for the finale plot description:
“a brave new world. but where are mr. robot (Christian Slater) and tyrell (Martin Wallström)? & 1 of elliots (Rami Malek) past hacks comes back to haunt him. TEOTWAWKI?”
Oh wait, the plot descriptions aren’t really great for describing the plot, even if you have seen the episodes. Regardless, Alex McCown plans to crack this code. If none of this is enough to get you excited about Mr. Robot, then just keep in mind that Steven Soderbergh loves it:
Also noted
The Carmichael Show (NBC, 9 p.m.): Taking over for Mr. Robinson (and any secret NBC summer sitcoms that need to remind you of the star’s name), The Carmichael Show is premiering with two episodes. In the pilot, Jerrod moves in with his girlfriend, Maxine (Greek alum Amber Stevens West), which might not sit well with his “opinionated parents” (played by Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier, who have been known to have an opinion or two). Sounds simple enough. In episode two, “The Protest,” a protest in the community gets in the way of Jerrod’s birthday plans, as it causes “a divide in the family over social and political activism.” Um… It’s not just us, right? There is quite a leap in subject matter from episode one to episode two. All of a sudden we’re intrigued. So was Molly Eichel in her pre-air review of the first three episodes of the series.
Suits (USA, 9 p.m.): For the summer finale of Suits, Jessica and Louis team-up to take down Daniel Hardman (David Costabile) and Jack Soloff (John Pyper-Ferguson) once and for all, and we really just hope it doesn’t end with Louis being blamed for everything. Harvey already beat him up and his sister is Amy Acker, so this has not been a great self-esteem season for Louis. Actually, no season is a great self-esteem season for Louis. Why can’t Louis win? His suits are just as good as anyone else’s, Suits! In fact, knowing Louis, his suits might even be better! How many times do we have to say “shit” for Louis to win?! Because we’ll do it, Suits! We know how much you love the word “shit,” Suits! We’re sorry. Suits just riles us up sometimes. Speaking of, did you realize the show is called Suits because they wear suits and also because they work with lawsuits?
Regular coverage
Key & Peele (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
On any given day, Zack Handlen has a lot to say about the art of “cynical sincerity” in shows like Rick And Morty and BoJack Horseman. He’s always talking about it. It’s kind of his thing. Now, he has a proper medium for it, as his latest For Your Consideration piece is all about that type of programming. Dreams do come true, Zack.
Did you think we were done talking about Wet Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp? That’s cute. We’re not. In the first installment of the Cue & A feature, Joshua Alston speaks with composer Craig Wedren about all of his Wet Hot jams. (Not to be mistake with wet, hot jam or even hot, hot jam.)
What else is on?
America’s Next Top Model (The CW, 8 p.m.): “The Girl Who Has A Close Shave” sounds like a lost episode of Are You Afraid Of The Dark?, but it’s actually a Top Model episode. This week’s photo shoot is described as an “emotional” one “that honors war heroes,” but what really makes the models struggle is their brand new looks. One of the models even locks herself in the bathroom. War is hell, man.
MasterChef (Fox, 8 p.m): MasterChef has decided to give up this week, as it has titled its episode “The Restaurant Takeover.” “Each team must complete two appetizer and two entree dishes for the dining guests in a downtown Los Angeles restaurant.” We want terrible puns and we want them now, MasterChef!
Skin Wars: Fresh Paint (GSN, 8 p.m.): Skin Wars has a spin-off, and it’s one with a title that’s sure to make you less confused about whether or not Skin Wars is a show about race riots. In Skin Wars: Fresh Paint, the difference between it and the other show is that “three of the show’s most memorable former contestants will mentor artists who have never body painted before.” Oh, Skin Wars’ most memorable former contestants. You know, guys like… Jon? We want to say there was a Jon. Maybe a Rachel? Or a Stepanie (not Stephanie). Sadly, the novices aren’t just bored housewives or tourists who thought it would be cool to be on television—everyone competing in this show is an artist of some type. One of them is a 43-year-old man who goes by the name of “Ryno.” No last name. Guess we’ll just have to wait for Skin Wars: Fresher Paint.
Thrill Factor (Travel Channel, 8 p.m.): “Sky Jump Junkies.” Oh, that doesn’t sound too bad. “Surviving The Apocalypse.” Nope.
Kevin From Work (ABC Family, 8:30 p.m.): Despite the little fanfare surrounding ABC Family’s new single camera sitcom, Kevin From Work, there’s a strange Canadian charm that the show brings on a weekly basis. This is of course despite supposedly filming in Los Angeles—enough cast members are either Canadian or have worked mostly in Canada to bring the charm with them. This week, in America: “After receiving their performance reviews, Kevin volunteers to help under-performing Ricky ace a client presentation.” If it doesn’t all end with Ricky getting fired for being terrible (he’s so terrible), then we’re taking back everything we said about the faux Canadian charm.
Wahlburgers (A&E, 8:30 p.m.): Here at TV Club, all we care about is television. We care about it to such extremes that we were furious to learn that the latest episode of Wahlburgers is titled “New Kids On The Boardwalk.” Mark, what do you have to say about this?
Steampunk’d (GSN, 8:30 p.m.): GSN just throw competition shows at the wall and call it a day, don’t they?
Extant (CBS, 9 p.m.): “Following a near-death experience, Molly has a harrowing vision she can’t shake.” If they were to rename Extant with the obvious title of Molly, You In Danger, Girl, we don’t think anyone would object. Her life is the worst. Extant!
Celebrity Wife Swap (ABC, 10 p.m.): A Celebrity Wife Swap with CeCe Peniston and Kellie Williams? (Easy joke alert) Finally!
The Exes (TV Land, 11 p.m.): This week on The Exes— Wait, we’re sorry. The Exes is also on tonight.
Snakes On A Plane (IFC, 5:45 p.m.): When we say “IFC,” you say “Snakes On A Plane!” IFC! (Snakes On A Plane!) IFC! (Snakes On A Plane!) These are two things that go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong (also something that goes together).
Sports, sports, all type of sports
MLB Baseball: Pirates at Marlins (FSN, 7 p.m.)
Little League World Series: Southwest vs. Mid-Atlantic (ESPN, 8 p.m.)
MLB Baseball: Cubs at Giants (ESPN, 10 p.m.)
WWE NXT (WWE Network, 8 p.m.)
Impact Wrestling (Destination America, 9 p.m.)
Ring Of Honor (Destination America, 11 p.m.)
In case you missed it
Playing House: Is changing careers and taking care of poor, poor Mark!