Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, February 11. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 8 p.m.): Proving the power of Shonda Rhimes knows no bounds, tonight’s midseason premiere of Grey’s Anatomy was directed by none other than Denzel Washington. While he’s directed two films (Antwone Fisher in 2002 and The Great Debaters in 2007), this is his first time helming a TV show and the first time directing something he doesn’t star in. And although the 12th episode of the 12th season of an over-the-hill medical drama is a rather random place for a movie star to launch his TV directing career, Rhimes at least gave Washington a major episode to sink his teeth into. In “The Sound of Silence” Meredith is brutally beaten by a patient and her friends have to race to save her life. Sure it’s a little creepy to see senseless violence turned into “must-see” TV, but since Meredith has already survived a bomb, a near-drowning, a gunman, and a plane cash (not to mention the emotional toll of losing her husband and raising three kids as single mom) this latest crisis is kind of par for the course. And hey, at least The Equalizer is on her side.
Also noted
Scandal (ABC, 9 p.m.): Shonda-night continues with a brand new episode of Scandal. Set six months after Fitz and Olivia’s winter finale break-up, the episode focuses on the two former love birds adjusting to single life. Elsewhere, Pope and Associates tackle a case with the potential to stir a “national crisis.” Gwen Ihnat hopes that crisis doesn’t affect red wine production or Olivia might not be able to make it.
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10 p.m.): And rounding out the Shonda-evening, How To Get Away With Murder centers on Annalise Keating’s road to recovery as she heals from her critical gunshot wound. Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya suggests Annalise take two aspirin and call her in the morning.
Those Who Can’t (TruTV, 10:30 p.m.): TruTv jumps into the scripted comedy game with this brand new series starring Denver comedy trio Grawlix. They play immature teachers who stir up trouble to relieve the monotony of their lives. In other words, it’s basically the male version of Teachers or the ensemble-version of Bad Teacher. In her pre-air review Allison Shoemaker notes, “It’s not subtle, it’s not realistic, and it’s not reinventing the wheel. It’s just plain old funny—relentlessly, defiantly funny.” Which is good news because TruTv has already renewed the show for a second season.
Regular Coverage
You, Me And The Apocalypse (NBC, 8 p.m.)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.)
DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow (The CW, 8 p.m.)
The 100 (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.)
Baskets (FX, 10 p.m.)
Portlandia (IFC, 10 p.m.)
Workaholics (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.)
Idiotsitter (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
It’s been three years, but we’re still feeling the sting of Bunheads’ cancellation (RIP Bunheads). Amy Sherman-Palladino’s post-Gilmore Girls dramedy never quite found its audience, despite receieving critical acclaim at The A.V. Club and elsewhere. So in a brand new One-Season Wonders, Weirdos, and Wannabes, Gwen Ihnat examines the appeal of the charming ballet-themed series:
After all, there’s a reason so many still-devoted fans are over-the-moon excited for the new Gilmore Girls chapter. But Bunheads expanded and grew from GG’s original premise, adding complexity and an inspired musical element. So while it’s great that there’s going to be a Gilmore Girls revival—a Bunheads revival might have been better.
In addition to our aforementioned Those Who Can’t pre-air review, we interview Misfits’ frontman Glenn Danzig about his guest spot on Portlandia. Then at 9 a.m. Nathan Rabin examines how a beloved ’80s cartoon became the cinematic flop that was Jem And The Holograms. And at noon Pilot Viruet shares a Love Week look at It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s surprise musical proposal.
What else is on?
Inside The Actor’s Studio (Bravo, 8 p.m.): The cast of The Walking Dead stop by the actor’s studio. Let’s hope James Lipton doesn’t ask to speak to their characters or he might wind up at the wrong end of Norman Reedus’ crossbow.
Democratic Presidential Debate (PBS, 9 p.m.): Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff moderate this Milwaukee debate. Watch as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders give your friends more ammunition for their impassioned Facebook posts.
Mom (CBS, 9 p.m.): Joe Manganiello guest stars as an attractive AA newcomer. Here’s hoping the show finds a way to put his Magic Mike skills to work:
Colony (USA, 10 p.m.): Colony reveals the identity of Geronimo. We’re guessing it was the 11th Doctor all along.
London Spy (BBC America, 10 p.m.): Danny learns information about Alex that makes him question his former lover. Which, to be fair, is basically what happens in every episode of London Spy. But who are we to say no to an hour of Ben Whishaw?
The Chronicles Of Riddick (IFC, 7:30 p.m.): Get your recommended daily dosage of Vin Diesel with this 2004 sci-fi follow-up to Pitch Black.
Gold Diggers Of 1933 (TCM, 10 p.m.): Four aspiring actresses need money to put on a show in this pre-code musical starring Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell, Aline MacMahon, Ginger Rogers, and Dick Powell. While we ain’t saying she’s a gold digger, we are saying this film was choreographed by the one and only Busby Berkeley.
Winter Sports (NBC Sports, 6 p.m.): Without the Winter Olympics to collect them all in one place, it’s a little hard to find winter sports on TV. Thankfully, NBC Sports has you covered this evening with luge at 6:30 p.m., snowboarding at 8:30 p.m., skiing at 10 p.m., and curling at 11 p.m.
In case you missed it
Black-ish: Black-ish is back with an episode that tackles stereotypes about black people not knowing how to swim. LaToya Ferguson is also back tackling Black-ish’s tackling of stereotypes.