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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Nature,” 7 p.m. on PBS — A a special on the continent’s most recognizable aerial predator, the bald eagle. Loyal readers may recall that I had to watch a trainer feed mice chunks to a bald eagle last summer at a PBS press conference in Los Angeles. Let’s hope the show will be less gruesome.
“Masterpiece Contemporary: Filth,” 9:30 p.m. on PBS — An intriguing insider drama about British morality crusader Mary Whitehouse and her David-and-Goliath struggle with the BBC in the 1960s.
“Sunday Night Football,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Aren’t we glad KXAN and Time Warner finally kissed and made up? Tonight is the showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins that we might have missed.
Monday
“Chuck,” 7 p.m. on NBC — In my humble opinion, “Heroes” is sinking, but “Chuck” remains wonderfully entertaining. Light-hearted and clever with a top-notch cast and smart writing, the comedy-spy saga is a nice antidote to Blue Mondays.
“Thanksgiving,” 8 p.m. on Food Network — As we gather our recipes old and new, it never hurts to check in on what this superb cable channel has to offer.
Tuesday
“The Shield,” 9 p.m. on FX — We’re getting close, Vic Mackey fans. Next Tuesday (Nov. 25) is the series finale, and anybody who’s ever seen this Michael Chiklis cop show knows Vic is going to pay for his sins. This week’s episode sets up the last chapter, so it’s a don’t-miss installment.
“Dr. G: Medical Examiner,” 9 p.m. on TLC — If you find yourself grossed out by all the slicing and dicing on the “C.S.I.” franchise, keep in mind they’re fiction. This documentary series follows the dead-body adventures of a real cop doc searching for clues and scientific evidence.
Wednesday
“Top Chef,” 9 p.m. on Bravo — The new season launched last week, but it’s not too late to get wrapped up in this excellent reality cooking show. You never know what’s going to happen with the kitchen divas.
“NBA Basketball,” 7 p.m. on ESPN — It’s an all-Texas night of round-ball, with the Dallas Mavericks dribbling up against the Houston Rockets.
Thursday
“Life on Mars,” 9 p.m. on ABC — Yes, I remember writing a negative review of this show when it debuted in September. I thought it was too gimmicky, having a cop hit by a car and getting knocked from 2008 to the 1970s. But surprise-surprise! The stories are really good. Last week it was a smackdown between blacks and Puerto Ricans, with Whoopi Goldberg in a terrific guest role. The regular cast? Fabulous — Jason O’Mara, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli and Gretchen Mol couldn’t be better.
Friday
“Ricky Gervais: Out of England,” 7:30 p.m. on HBO — The comedy genius who created and starred in the original British version of “The Office” performs at New York’s Madison Square Garden. This guy’s so funny it hurts.
Saturday
“Austin City Limits” 7 p.m. on PBS — KLRU brings Gnarls Barkley’s eccentric hip-hop and R&B sounds to the stage, followed by the psychedelic beat of Thievery Corporation’s new album “Radio Retaliation.”
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