Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, December 4. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Mob City (TNT, 9 p.m.): In his pre-air review, Todd VanDerWerff called Frank Darabont’s latest drama “a waste of a great premise,” but he isn’t the only one who got a sneak peek at TNT’s latest drama. The show’s official Twitter account is currently releasing the first episode’s script one tweet at a time, leading up to tonight’s premiere. It’s TNT’s attempt to turn a holiday burn-off of this six-episode series into an “Epic Three-Week Event.” So far the script has hit all the usual noir beats—from “wry glances” to “knowing looks” to a “dense haze of cigarette smoke.”
REGULAR COVERAGE
Arrow (The CW, 8 p.m.): Starling City gets a visit from a police scientist named Barry Allen—better known as his alter-ego, Flash. Alasdair Wilkins will be wearing his Flash onesie to mark the occasion.
The Middle (ABC, 8 p.m.): Frankie and Mike house-sit in a home full of computerized features. Will Harris hopes this episode is secretly a prequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie Smart House.
Survivor (CBS, 8 p.m.): This week’s episode is called “Rustle Feathers.” Carrie Raisler now has The Blues Brothers’ “Shake A Tail Feather” stuck in her head. Thanks Survivor.
Modern Family (ABC, 9 p.m.): Cam coaches a big football game this week, which seems fitting since our own team of A.V. Club all-stars are stepping up to cover Modern Family. Go team go!
American Horror Story (FX, 10 p.m.): The Marie Laveau and Delphine rivalry finally comes to a head this week. Todd VanDerWerff might even say the cauldron is about to reach a boiling point. In other words, someone’s going to draw the short end of the broomstick. In fact, it’s going to be a supernatural showdown. (We’ll stop now.)
South Park (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.): South Park brings its Black Friday trilogy to an end with the final installment, “Titties And Dragons.” Ryan McGee will be sad to say goodbye to the show’s excellent Game Of Thrones parody.
Top Chef (Bravo, 10 p.m.): Restaurant Wars is back! The men face off against the women, but the real winner will be Sonia Saraiya who gets to watch the best elements of The Food Network and HGTV combined into one glorious hour.
Key And Peele (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.): This week Wendell makes a music video! Brandon Nowalk hopes it’ll be an ode to cheesy crust and/or Gollum.
MONTHLY COVERAGE
The Tomorrow People (The CW, 9 p.m.): It’s time for our monthly drop-in on the goings-on and shenanigans among The CW’s wacky teenage superhero sorts. Rowan Kaiser will have the goods.
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
Christmas In Rockefeller Center (NBC 8 p.m.): The 81st annual tree-lighting ceremony in Manhattan features Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and the Goo Goo Dolls butchering everyone’s favorite Christmas songs.
State Of Play: Trophy Kids (HBO 9 p.m.): HBO’s latest documentary series follows parents who are obsessed with pushing their children to earn athletic scholarships. Think of it as Real Sports meets Toddlers And Tiaras, with just a hint of Game Of Thrones.
Super Fun Night (ABC 9:31 p.m.): Super Fun Night is finally airing its previously unaired pilot—in the middle of its first season. The episode is still called “Pilot,” but it’s technically “new” and it’s airing in December. Good luck explaining that one to the casual Super Fun Night fan in your life.
Kirstie (TV Land, 10 p.m.): Kirstie Alley’s new sitcom about a Broadway diva becoming a reluctant mother premieres in TV Land’s coveted 10 p.m. slot—following a strong lead-in of Everybody Loves Raymond reruns.
Rudy (CMT, 8 p.m.): Some people claim this sports underdog story is a tearjerker, but we have to disagree. Who would cry over a few jerseys… no… those aren’t tears… we just have allergies… RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!
Flying Down To Rio (TCM, 8 p.m.): This 1933 film was the first on-screen pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and the only time Rogers was billed above Astaire. Billed above both, however, was Dolores del Río, the first Latin American actress to achieve international success.
NHL Hockey: Flyers at Red Wings (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.): When it comes to the NHL, all we want to do is make Mighty Ducks jokes. Are Flyers and Red Wings close enough to ducks? Quack! Quack! Quack!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The Mindy Project: Gwen Ihnat checks in on Mindy’s “Christmas Party Sex Trap” as the show heads towards its imminent hiatus.