Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, August 5. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Mr. Robinson (NBC, 9 p.m.): “A musician takes a day job as a substitute teacher in the premiere of this sitcom.” If that sounds like a more legit version of School Of Rock, then you might have seen a movie (just the one) in your day. Good for you. But that’s just the premise of the pilot—what about episode two, which airs right after it? “Principal Taylor’s old groupie habits resurface when Craig, hoping to win a record deal for Nasty Delicious, invites a rock legend she once dated to speak at school.” That is… a lot. Craig Robinson has a new TV show, everybody. Get with it. (Or just read Dennis Perkins’ pre-air review, which has a harder time saying something flattering than we do.)
Also noted
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp (Netflix): Joshua Alston is taking it day by day with his Wet Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp coverage, and today is episode four, “Auditions.” Psst, don’t tell Craig Robinson, but this is our real top pick.
Lucha Underground (El Rey, 8 p.m.): Consider this all a public service announcement: Ultima Lucha hours two and three are tonight. If you didn’t watch hour one last week, do yourself a favor and get to it. Get to it! LaToya Ferguson will be right here waiting for your reactions.
Deutschland 83 (Sundance, 11 p.m.): In the season finale of Deutschland 83, “the West continues with its nuclear war game, and Martin, unwelcome on both sides of the border, contemplates a way to keep the East from making a devastating mistake.” Ah, so this is going to be a light finale, Brandon Nowalk.
Also noted
Key & Peele (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.)
Mr. Robot (USA, 10 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
Hedgehogs, man. What’s up with them? Read this latest Inventory from Becca James for Pets Week and find out.
Snoopy, man. What’s up— Alright, that one doesn’t work as well. Still, check out Evan Rytlewski’s For Our Consideration piece on the powerful friendship between Snoopy and Charlie Brown, also for Pets Week.
And if you’re not a fan of pets but enjoy a good Random Roles, then you’re in luck: Gwen Ihnat spoke to singer/actor Rick Springfield for the latest edition of Random Roles. No hedgehogs allowed.
What else is on?
Melissa & Joey (ABC Family, 8 p.m.): Melissa & Joey is ending. In fact, this is the series finale of Melissa & Joey. “Just as Mel is gearing up for a senate campaign, she gets some shocking news.” So, she’s pregnant, right? Sorry for the deductive spoilers.
America’s Next Top Model (The CW, 8 p.m.): There are now 22 seasons of America’s Next Top Model. There are now 22— No. This will not happen again.
MasterChef (Fox, 8 p.m): “Find out whose cooking will go south and who will continue in the competition in the all-new ‘A Little Southern Flare’ episode of MasterChef.” We don’t take too kindly to demands around these parts, MasterChef. A simple please and thank you would suffice.
America’s Got Talent (NBC, 8 p.m.): America’s Got Talent doesn’t appear to be looking for any of that talent lately. In fact, it only appears to be looking for reasons to remind America that it exists. This week’s episode is another “special” (clip show), this time focusing on the show’s most memorable “acts from around the globe.”
Life On The Reef (PBS, 8 p.m.): Life On The Reef still sounds pretty awesome. But sadly, its season is ending afer a whopping three episodes. There’s a category five cyclone heading toward the reef—how will humans and animals alike cope? If this is a cliffhanger, we’re going to be really miffed, Life On The Reef.
Baby Daddy (ABC Family, 8:30 p.m.): Hey, Reba fans! Baby Daddy’s season (not series—always a bridesmaid, never a bride, you know?) finale is here, and what perfect way to get those ratings than by busting out the Reba reunion. Reba McEntire guest stars as Bonnie’s (Melissa Peterman) best friend Charlotte, and boy does she just Reba everything up. You know what we mean: “when Charlotte takes over and everything starts going wrong, Tucker does some digging and discovers that her intentions aren’t totally pure; turns out she has revenge on her mind for a long-ago grievance.” A single mom who works too hard? Sure, Reba.
Extant (CBS, 9 p.m.): Back-to-back new episodes of Extant! Extant! The first one is titled “You Say You Want An Evolution,” so you better prepare your slow clap right now. Extant!
Why? With Hannibal Buress (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.): It’s true that Why? With Hannibal Buress has been pretty shaky so far, not quite knowing what sticks and letting certain bits go on for far too long. But isn’t that kind of the fun part? Seeing all of the growing pains? Just us? Fine then.
America’s Best Dance Crew (MTV, 11 p.m.): Apparently America’s Best Dance Crew is still on and it just started its eighth season last week. Technically, the show was cancelled back in 2012, but it’s back now, with an all-star (?) judging panel of T-Pain, Teyana Taylor, and (alliteration ruiner) Frankie Grande. The season is basically product placement for the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, and as such, each episode is a VMA-themed one—this particular episode is “VMA Icons.”
The Exes (TV Land, 11 p.m.): The Exes is also on tonight.
Kung Fu Panda (ABC Family, 6 p.m.): It’s Pets Week!
Sports, sports, all type of sports
MLB Baseball: Red Sox at Yankees (ESPN, 8 p.m.)
MLS Soccer: Toronto FC vs. Orlando City SC (Sun Sports, 8 p.m.)
MLB Baseball: Mets at Marlins (FSN, 7 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 back!