Mad Men joins the prestige dramas in the sky
Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Sunday, May 17th.
Top pick
Mad Men (AMC, 10 p.m.): What is there to say that hasn’t been said? No seriously, we’re asking. We have no idea what to say, so we’ll start with the facts: tonight is the series finale of a landmark television drama. We do not envy John Teti. We are going to cry. We are grateful for whiskey.
While we’re ready to say goodbye to Don’s existential crisis forever, we’re crushed that after tonight, we’ll have seen all of Joan’s withering glares, Trudy’s fluorescent housecoats, Stan’s flowing locks and ascots, Roger’s inability to give a single shit, Peggy’s rise to boss bitch, and most of all, Sally Draper’s magnificent side-eye. So it’s with a heavy heart that we tell you once and for all:
Shut the door.
Have a seat.
(Chug a drink.
Rinse, repeat.)
Regular coverage: finale edition
The Simpsons (Fox, 8 p.m.): The 26th season comes to an end right as Harry Shearer’s probable departure throws future seasons into panic mode. Dennis Perkins isn‘t panicking yet, NO SIR.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9 p.m.): It’s crunch time for both the Holt versus Wuntch rivalry and the Santiago plus Peralta possibility. LaToya Ferguson is reporting for duty/all of Holt’s glorious deadpan burns.
Bob’s Burgers (Fox, 9:30 p.m.): When his tenants organize a rent strike, eccentric landlord Mr. Fischoeder (Kevin Kline) organizes a fight to the figurative death, i.e. “The Oeder Games.” Watch this space for more thoughts on the inevitable fracas from District Three’s Alasdair Wilkins.
Regular coverage: regular edition
Game Of Thrones (HBO, 9 p.m.)
Happyish (Showtime, 9:30 p.m.)
Silicon Valley (HBO, 10 p.m.)
Penny Dreadful (Showtime, 10 p.m.)
Veep (HBO, 10:30 p.m.)
Salem (WGN, 10 p.m.)
Also noted: finale edition
America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC, 7 p.m.)
Family Guy (Fox, 8:30 p.m.)
Call The Midwife (PBS, 8 p.m.)
Mr. Selfridge (PBS, 9 p.m.)
Is Your Dog A Genius?: Talk Doggy To Me (NatGeo Wild, 10 p.m.)
Tomorrow in TV Club
The countdown to Letterman’s last day kicks off with Noel Murray taking a look at Late Night en masse.
What else is on?
I Love Lucy Superstar Special (CBS, 8 p.m.): Have you ever wanted to see two classic episodes of I Love Lucy “colorized, with a vintage feel”? No? Too bad!
2015 Billboard Music Awards (ABC, 8 p.m.): Red carpet! Performances! Forced hashtag trends! Award show!
Texas Rising (History, 9 p.m.): A new miniseries that insists “the Alamo was just the beginning” features Bill Paxton, Brendan Fraser, Thomas Jane, Crispin Glover, Chad Michael Murray, Ray Liotta, and Kris Kristofferson. We can’t decide whether we want to see this cast on Hollywood Squares or in a messy bar fight.
Keeping Up With The Kardashians (E!, 10 p.m.): Tonight’s episode is the first in a two-part special on how the Kardashians are feeling “About Bruce.” While the Kardashains are usually a steady source of absurdist selfie slapstick, an early clip warns that you might actually catch some Feelings as the family learns how to accept and support Bruce’s transition.
NBA Playoff (ABC, 3:30 p.m.):
Stanley Cup Playoff (NBC, 3 p.m.): IRL, we feel like Blackhawks versus Ducks would be a pretty straightforward fight.
Shaun Of The Dead (BBC America, 4 p.m.): We’ve always had a fondness for this movie, which gives us hope that we could accidentally survive a zombie apocalypse.
Submissive Wives’ Guide to Marriage (TLC, 9 p.m.): This is more of a warning than a recommendation.
Isabella Rosselini’s Green Porno Special Live! (Ovation, 8 p.m.): We refuse to justify putting this here, because you already read the title.
In case you missed it
Grimm: The fourth season wrapped up on Friday, and Les Chappell has some thoughts (and even some hi-res pictures!) for you.