Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Comedy Bang! Bang! (IFC, 10 p.m., Friday): If you’re still not watching this talk-show-like substance, can we entice you to take a look with some Rashida Jones? Because we tend to believe a liberal sprinkling of Rashida Jones makes most things better. David Sims is most excited to learn that the episode title promises she will wear a “black blazer and flowered pants.” He checks the episode titles before watching to be sure he’s wearing the proper attire to complement the guest. He is such a beautiful boy.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Legend Of Korra (Nickelodeon, 8 p.m., Friday): Emily Guendelsberger continues to be on her vacation to outer space (but which region of outer space?), so Oliver Sava is back to talk at you about this week’s episode. Fortunately, Oliver knows how to bend not just air but also space and time.
Grimm (NBC, 9 p.m., Friday): “Nick enjoys his newfound health” is one of this week’s plot threads, according to the TV Guide plot summary box, and we couldn’t be happier. Kevin McFarland hopes the whole episode consists of Nick just running around and trying out various sports he couldn’t play before.
Dracula (NBC, 10 p.m., Friday): If the question you’ve had all TV season long has been, “When will there be goblin merchant men?” well, you can stop asking, because this episode of Dracula is called “Goblin Merchant Men.” So this is apparently when Les Chappell will get his precious goblins who sell shit.
Borgen (LinkTV, 1 a.m., Saturday): We sure do enjoy Danish dramas like this one, but we’re wondering when we’re going to get some of that good, old-fashioned Norwegian “slow TV” we’ve been reading so much about. Todd VanDerWerff salivates at the prospect of train trips filmed and broadcast in real time.
TV CLUB CLASSIC
The X-Files (1 p.m., Saturday): Fox Mulder is back! Granted, he’s only back in some flashbacks, and David Duchovny would clearly rather be anywhere else, but Zack Handlen is glad that he’ll get to see his good ol’ buddy back in action one more time before the search for him gets really intense.
Doctor Who (Classic) (3 p.m., Saturday): We genuinely don’t know if this is one of those recovered episodes or not, because we refuse to look things up on Wikipedia like a normal person might do. But there’s definitely going to be an article this weekend, and Christopher Bahn will definitely be writing it.
WHAT ELSE IS ON
The Neighbors (ABC, 8:30 p.m., Friday): For a good time, watch the aliens of The Neighbors cross over with the rich businesspeople of Shark Tank and marvel at the way that both seem slightly detached and aloof from middle class society! Then, presumably, watch one of the aliens devour Mark Cuban whole.
America’s Next Top Model (The CW, 9 p.m., Friday): We hope you haven’t been putting off watching this season of America’s Next Top Model, because it’s about to end, and Tyra Banks and her coterie of co-ed models won’t be very happy if you don’t keep the promise you made to them back in August.
The Lylas (We TV, 9 p.m. Friday): If you’ve been wondering what the sisters of Bruno Mars have been doing in the wake of their brother’s musical success, congratulations! You might be a We TV executive who’s decided to bring a reality show about that very topic to the air! Good luck getting that bonus!
Filthy Gorgeous (Epix, 11 p.m., Friday): Like any self-respecting pay-cable movie channel, Epix is turning over its late-night Friday bloc to a heady exploration of the world of soft-core pornography in the most boring way possible, with a documentary about the founder of Penthouse. Horrifying and salacious!
Too Cute! (Animal Planet, 8 p.m., Saturday): We were so disappointed by that top 20 puppies countdown back in August that we’ve tried to forget this show even exists. But here it is, and we’re sure it will be filled with lots and lots of cute, baby animals. And we’ll be disgruntled by just the thought of it.
Miss Universe (NBC, 9 p.m., Saturday): Do you think we’ll open this pageant up to the residents of other planets once we’ve discovered them? If we’re going to give it a name like “Miss Universe,” then we’d better do so, don’t you think? Who will be the first Miss Universe to boast eight eyestalks?
The Awful Truth (TCM, 8 p.m., Friday): Have we recommended this movie a lot in this space over the last few years? You’re damn right we have. It’s one of the best comedies ever made, fast and sprightly with lots of great gags and a terrific central duo. It puts the “screw” in screwball, and you will love it.
Pitch Perfect (HBO2, 9 p.m., Friday): Or you could just watch Anna Kendrick and a team of TV comedy all stars sing a cappella music for a couple of hours. Hey, there are worse things to do to kill your Friday. Like listen to that single Kendrick cut for “Cups” on endless repeat through your headphones.
Firehouse Dog (Cartoon Network, 6:30 p.m., Saturday): Every so often, we forget this movie exists, and then it pops up on TV and reminds us why we’re glad it’s out there. We’ve never seen it, but we love so much about it. For one thing, it will take two-and-a-half hours to show. For another, we love that title.
College Basketball: Georgetown vs. Oregon (ESPN, 7:30 p.m., Friday): Hey, college basketball is creeping back into view, which means that winter is setting in, and all is right with the world. This game is the “Armed Forces Classic” and will be broadcast from South Korea, if that’s what you’re into.
College Football: Notre Dame at Pittsburgh (ABC, 8 p.m., Saturday): Meanwhile, college football is entering the home stretch of its season. Notre Dame beat Pittsburgh by a field goal last year after three overtimes. The odds are against this game being quite that good, but you never know, now do you?
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
White Collar (Thursday): It still feels a little wrong to us to have this show airing on Thursday nights, like it’s breaking some rule of TV physics that shouldn’t be breakable. Still, it’s nice to see Kenny Herzog’s reviews of the show continuing. He just really gets this show, man. More than you ever will!