Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
The Killing (Netflix, 12 a.m., Friday): Proving it’s impossible to kill The Killing, the crime drama is returning from the brink of cancellation for a second time. The former AMC program has officially moved over to Netflix for its fourth and final season which debuts on Friday. Although AMC is no longer involved, the creative staff and stars Joel Kinnaman and Mireille Enos all stuck around for one last hurrah. At only six episodes, it will be relatively easy to binge watch the season (which offers a brand new mystery) and still have time to go out and enjoy the sweltering heat of the first day of August.
ALSO NOTED
Gravity Falls (Disney, 9 p.m., Friday): In the Gravity Falls season two opener, the Pines throw a “Mystery Shack Is Back” party and a surprise guest crashes the event. We can only assume it’s Alasdair Wilkins trying to convince everyone to watch this charming Disney animated show. In the meantime, prepare for the return with our Walkthrough of the show’s first season with creator Alex Hirsch.
Hell On Wheels (AMC, 9 p.m., Saturday): With its former drama The Killing airing on Netflix, AMC can devote all its time to the fourth season of this nihilistic Western, Hell On Wheels. Cullen labors at Fort Smith, Durant deals with a railroad accident, and we hope someone gets a puppy or something to lighten the somber mood.
Power (Starz, 9 p.m., Saturday): This Starz drama about a drug kingpin fronting as a nightclub owner reaches the end of its first season. The 50 Cent-produced series has already been picked up for a second season so it’s time to say “see ya later” not “goodbye.”
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Legend Of Korra (Nickelodeon, 8 p.m., Friday)
TV CLUB CLASSIC
Blackadder (3 p.m., Friday): The Jane Austen-themed titles continue as Kate Kulzick takes a look at “Nob And Nobility” and “Sense And Senility.”
The Twilight Zone (1 p.m., Saturday): One of this week’s Twilight Zone episodes follows an astronaut in the “futuristic” year 1987 where humans have developed suspended animation technology. Zack Handlen wonders if they also invented shoulder pads in that timeline.
Doctor Who (Classic) (3 p.m., Saturday): As the massive marketing machine kicks off the introduction of Doctor Who’s 12th Doctor, Christopher Bahn takes us back in time to examine the Seventh Doctor’s adventure “Paradise Towers.”
ELSEWHERE IN TV CLUB
As we enter the hazy days of August, The A.V. Club staff share their favorite feel-good entertainment in a new AVQ&A. In terms of TV that includes a sci-fi classic, a reality show, a CW drama, and two animated comedies.
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
Masters Of Illusion (The CW, 8 p.m., Friday): The CW premieres a brand new series that showcases top magicians doing tricks. Sorry, illusions. A trick is something a whore does for money….or cocaine!
Curvy Brides (TLC 10 p.m., Friday): TLC Friday bride programming? Check. Representations of diverse body types? Check. Beautiful dresses? Sold!
David Bowie: Five Years (Showtime, 9 p.m., Friday): Showtime profiles David Bowie’s career during the five-year period in which he reinvented himself from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke.
Dudamel Conducts The Verdi Requiem at the Hollywood Bowl (PBS, 9 p.m., Friday): For those looking to enjoy a little high culture on a Friday evening, PBS is airing Verdi’s “Requiem Mass” as played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.
Sharktopus Vs Pteracuda (SyFy, 9 p.m., Saturday): Don’t ask us why Sharknado and its sequel caught the public’s attention in a way none of SyFy’s other B-movies have. All we know is that this tale of a shark-octopus hybrid battling a pterodactyl-barracuda features the gory death on Conan O’Brien.
Crossbones (NBC, 8 p.m., Saturday): Crossbones we hardly knew ye and already it’s time to say goodbye. NBC airs the final two episodes of this John Malkovich-helmed pirate drama.
The Great Martian War (BBC America, 9 p.m., Saturday): World War I is reimagined as a battle between humans and aliens, which runs the risk of being both terrible and in terrible taste.
Cat Ballou (TCM, 9:15 p.m., Friday): Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin star in this send-up of the Western genre that also gave the world this delightful song.
Apollo 13 (TNT, 10 p.m., Friday): Tom Hanks in space! This Ron Howard-directed film is one of the rare subset of movies we’re always in the mood to watch.
Elf (MTV, 8 p.m., Saturday): In our continuing tradition of pointing out bizarre programming choices, we noticed MTV is airing this Will Ferrell holiday classic on the second day of August.
MLS Soccer: Kansas City vs Philadelphia (NBC Sports, 8 p.m., Friday): Just because the World Cup is over doesn’t mean America has to lose its new-found love of soccer. New fans of the sport can check out this Kansas City vs Philadelphia matchup.
NASCAR Racing: Nationwide Series in Newton, Iowa (ESPN 8 p.m., Saturday): 39 racers complete 250 laps at the Iowa Speedway. We have to assume it looks something like this:
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The Quest: Genevieve Valentine donned her sword and shield to check out ABC’s new LARP-ing reality show.