Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, April 16. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
The Americans (FX, 10 p.m.): In one of the best episodes of this show yet, Philip buys a new car, and then everything starts to go to Hell. You should also watch it for the first appearance of super evil Ronald Reagan, who will hopefully become a recurring character, staring down at Philip and Elizabeth from Jumbotrons, spouting folksy wisdom, and making them curdle with anger. “Ohhhhh that Reagan!” Elizabeth might curse. “How I hate him!” Genevieve Koski and Todd VanDerWerff have prepared for this occasion by watching old footage of the Great Communicator’s CPAC speeches.
ALSO NOTED
Arrow (The CW, 8 p.m.): A member of Team Arrow goes to the hospital, warns the TV Guide write-up for this episode, and we hope it’s not Arrow himself! Or, for that matter, Pup Arrow, the superpowered dog we just invented for this show. Alasdair Wilkins refuses to turn his review into Pup Arrow fan-fiction.
Survivor (CBS, 8 p.m.): With ABC out of commission again, it’s another slow night for TV that we cover. Fortunately, Survivor is always there for us, and we’ve officially reached the point where the TV Guide capsules are just “Another castaway is voted out of the game.” Carrie Raisler wonders who it will be!
Workaholics (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.): The guys learn that they’re in what’s basically a common-law marriage, in a premise that sounds like a good central hook for a Workaholics episode. Dennis Perkins pleads with the show to please, please not screw this one up.
TV CLUB CLASSIC
Band Of Brothers (1 p.m.): Somehow, nearly everybody survived last week’s assault on the Bréton Court guns, which we’d probably call unbelievable in a war movie but which happened in real life, so we can’t say anything. Anyway, now, they begin their long slog through Europe. Todd VanDerWerff slogs along.
ELSEWHERE IN TV CLUB
Have you been wondering whether Stephen Colbert jumping ship to host The Late Show will end up being a demotion for one of TV’s most inventive hosts? Well, Mike Vago has, too, and now he’s got a For Our Consideration essay on just that idea.
WHAT ELSE IS ON
HGTV Smart Home 2014 (HGTV, 8 p.m.): Honestly, if this special doesn’t end with the smart home killing everybody who walks across its threshold, we’ll consider it a failure of imagination. C’mon, HGTV! Program the smart science fiction we know you’re capable of!
The 100 (The CW, 9 p.m.): Look, we like this show well enough, but you have to admit it would be a lot better if it was just every member of the 100 locked into a pitched battle to the death in the middle of an outdoor arena. Really lean into that Hunger Games influence, CW! We know you want to!
Unusually Thicke (TV Guide Network, 10 p.m.): Finally, someone has listened to our prayers and made a reality show starring Alan Thicke! Is that someone Kirk Cameron? We’re not going to say it’s not Kirk Cameron. Let’s just put it that way.
Jobs That Don’t Suck (MTV, 11:30 p.m.): Presumably, this new show won’t be about attempting to write the Wednesday What’s On Tonight in the hour before it’s due, swearing frequently as both TV Guide and The Futon Critic refuse to load because this coffee shop’s wireless connection is balls.
The Remains Of The Day (TCM, 8 p.m.): Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson star in this beautiful adaptation of the Kazuo Ishiguro novel, which is well worth watching for anyone who’s fans of any of those people and/or the whole “British country house” mini-genre.
The Rundown (Spike, 8 p.m.): The Rock and Seann William Scott star in this agreeably dumb throwback to the ‘80s buddy action movies that you didn’t even realize you’d missed until you see this one. More witty banter, The Rock! More more!
Stanley Cup Playoffs: To be announced (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.): Already?!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Inside Amy Schumer (Tuesday): So What’s On Tonight’s wife isn’t the biggest fan of this program, so What’s On Tonight was trying to explain why What’s On Tonight liked it to her. But every sketch What’s On Tonight described sounded like a horror film. Kate Knibbs agrees that’s a frequent problem.