Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, September 19, and Saturday, September 20. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
On The Run: Beyoncé and Jay Z (HBO, 9 p.m., Saturday): If the VMAs were any indication, this HBO presentation of Beyoncé and Jay Z’s On The Run Tour will likely be the must-watch, must-tweet event of the weekend. During the almost three-hour concert, Mr. and Mrs. Carter perform over 40 songs and share personal and cinematic videos. The special was filmed in Paris where the duo’s sold-out stadium tour wrapped up with a surprise appearance from Nicki Minaji (to duet with Bey on “Flawless”). The concert likely won’t stop rumors that Beyoncé and Jay Z are alternately getting a divorce, having a second baby, and/or recording another album, but it will be a solid chunk of entertainment from two musical legends. Go ahead and cancel your Saturday night plans, we won’t blame you.
Also noted
Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories (Adult Swim, 12:15 a.m., Friday): Tim Heidecker & Eric Wareheim—who recently chatted with The A.V. Club—debut a brand new horror-comedy anthology show. In his pre-air review, Erik Adams found Bedtime Stories disgusting and confusing in the best way possible.
The Knick (Cinemax, 10 p.m., Friday): Each week Brandon Nowalk dissects The Knick with the kind of skill and precision that would have been useful in a turn-of-the-century hospital. This week Thackery and Bertie test a new operating-room procedure.
The Roosevelts (PBS, 8 p.m., Saturday): After focusing on WWII in its penultimate segment on Friday, Ken Burns’ 14 hour documentary reaches its conclusion on Saturday. Burns ends his study of an American political dynasty by detailing the years 1944-1962. Spoiler alert: FBR wins a fourth term but dies in office; the allies win WWII; and Eleanor becomes a civil rights activist.
Regular coverage
Doctor Who (BBC America, 9 p.m., Saturday)
Outlander (Starz, 9 p.m., Saturday)
Elsewhere in TV Club
Sonia Saraiya has a pre-air review of CBS’ new Téa Leoni-vehical Madame Secretary. She felt the pilot’s optimism and female-driven perspective (Leoni plays a newly appointed Secretary of State and obvious Hillary Clinton stand-in) show “seeds of something excellent.” Meanwhile, Will Harris has a brand new Random Roles interview with Leoni’s co-star, Tim Daley.
Elsewhere, John Teti previews the upcoming weekend of NFL Footbal in Block & Tackle while the staff share their personal pop culture one-hit wonders in a new AVQ&A.
What else is on?
Big Brother (CBS, 8 p.m., Friday): New night. Same Big Brother.
Fashion Police: Celebrating Joan (E!, 8 p.m., Friday): E! is dedicating an entire day of programing to Joan Rivers with a marathon of Fashion Police followed by an extra long special featuring Joan’s daughter Melissa Rivers. In many ways, this feels like the perfect tribute to the latter portion of Rivers’ career.
Please Like Me (Pivot, 10:30 p.m., Friday): Josh and his mom go hiking and get stoned.
Sold On The Spot (HGTV, 1 p.m., Saturday): On HGTV’s newest show, house hunting couples canvas a desirable neighborhood and try to convince homeowners with no previous intention of selling to part with their homes within 24 hours. Why anyone would ever agree to his proposition is beyond comprehension. Maybe the TV cameras help.
The Assault (Lifetime, 8 p.m., Saturday): As discussions of domestic abuse and sexual assault become more and more mainstream, Lifetime inadvertently has its finger on the pulse with this story of a high school cheerleader fighting for justice after she is sexually assaulted by the football team.
The Chair (Starz, 11 p.m., Saturday): The directors deal with casting this week as they take divergent paths towards turning the same script into two distinct films.
Ocean’s Eleven (AMC, 10 p.m., Friday): Enjoy this movie the way it was meant to be seen: on television one random Friday night.
Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (BBC America, 8 p.m., Friday): Bad accents and a really campy Alan Rickman come together in this much-maligned take on Robin Hood starring Kevin Kostner.
His Girl Friday (TCM, 8 p.m., Saturday): Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell star as fast-talking reporters trying to get the scoop of the century. This oft-parodied screwball comedy deserves to be seen, not just referenced.
MLB Baseball: Tigers at Royals (ESPN2, 8 p.m., Friday): Tigers may be GRRRRRREAT but they’ll never be royals (royals).
College Football: Clemson at Florida State (ABC, 8 p.m., Saturday): Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has been suspended for half of this game following some lewd public behavior. Winston has previously been investigated for sexual assault and accused of shoplifting, which up until now hasn’t stop him from missing a minute of game time or winning last year’s Heisman Trophy.
In case you missed it
Married: Dennis Perkins calls the last scene in this season finale the “anticlimactic summation of the first season of Married.” And he means that as a compliment.