TV best bets with ‘The Irishman’ on Netflix, Dolly Parton (again!), Lindsey Vonn, Thanksgiving delights

ajc.com

Originally posted Sunday, November 24, 2019 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog

Martin Scorsese on Wednesday brings Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci together for Netflix's "The Irishman," which is already getting rave reviews.

It has the sprawling feel of past Scorsese films like “Casino” and “Goodfellas.”

For lighter fare, NBC gets in on the recent Dolly Parton lovefest with the country legend's celebration of the Grand Ol' Opry on Tuesday, the same night HBO airs a documentary about the final competitive season for medal winner and alpine skier Lindsey Vonn.

“Dancing With the Stars” wraps up its 28th season Monday and on Thursday, the usual Thanksgiving fare will occur, including the big Macy’s parade in NYC, the National Dog Show and a grand Disney celebration.

While original Christmas movies have been airing for weeks, if not months, an original Christmas special debuts Friday on Amazon featuring country singer Kacey Musgraves.

This covers Monday, November 24 through Sunday, December 1, 2019

MONDAY

"The Neighborhood" 8 p.m. CBS — Gemma sets a reluctant Malcolm up on a blind date with a teacher at her school

"9-1-1" 8 p.m. Fox  The 118 responds to debris from a meteor shower crashing into an apartment building and a deadly fire caused by a hazardous waste truck crash inside a tunnel.

"Dancing With the Stars" 8 p.m. ABC (28th season finale) — The final four does not include James Van Der Beek, whose wife suffered a recent miscarriage. The others are Ally Brooke, Hannah Brown, Lauren Alaina and Kel Mitchell.

"The Voice" 8 p.m. NBC  Lithonia's Hello Sunday are in the top 11.

"His Dark Materials" 9 p.m. HBO  Lyra and the Gyptians arrive in the North and seek the help of the Witches' Consul, Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby and an armored bear in the service to the town.

"Prodigal Son" 9 p.m. Fox  Martin is locked away in solitary confinement and the FBI takes over the Junkyard Killer case.

"The Good Doctor" 10 p.m. ABC — Shaun is ready for the next step in his relationship with Carly.

TUESDAY

"NCIS" 8 p.m. CBS — The NCIS team investigates a petty officer's murder that was live-streamed on a popular gaming app.

"The Conners" 8 p.m. ABC— Jackie is faced with a difficult decision that brings the family and community together.

"The Resident" 8 p.m. Fox —Upon dubbing Thanksgiving "the most dangerous day of the year," Devon and Irving are inundated with patients in the ER.

"Empire" 9 p.m. Fox — Upon taking her first steps back into music, Cookie discovers an artist with raw talent when Lucious dismissed years ago

"Dolly Parton: 50 Years of the Opry" 9 p.m. NBC — ABC and Netflix have featured Dolly Parton the past two weeks. Now it's NBC's turn.

"Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season" 10 p.m. HBO — A look at four-time Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn's life and career chronicles her childhood in Minnesota, relocation to Colorado and rise to a global icon off the slopes with commercial endorsement and charitable organizations.

"NCIS: New Orleans" 10 p.m. CBS — Eddie Barrett provides an alibi witness. Now, Pride and the team are more determined than ever to find a break in the case and avenge Lasalle's murder.

WEDNESDAY

"The Irishmen" 3:01 a.m. Netflix — Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci star in this epic Martin Scorcese film.

"Survivor" 8 p.m. CBS — Atlanta native Missy Byrd got the boot last week. 

"Ellen's Game of Games" 8 p.m NBC — Contestants will play "Dizzy Dash," "Son Of A One Eyed Monster," "You Bet Your Wife" and "Blindfolded Musical Chairs."

"Almost Family" 9:01 p.m. Fox — Another Bechley baby comes to the clinic looking for information about Leon and then invites her new family over for Shabbat to get to know them.

"Seal Team" 9:01 p.m. CBS — While Jason is sidelined with an injury, Ray takes over as Bravo 1 and leads the team on a mission to rescue a marine pilot who was shot down in enemy territory.

"S.W.A.T.'" 10 p.m. CBS — The SWAT team joins forces with the Los Angeles Organized Crime division to recover an officer abducted during a failed undercover operation.

THANKSGIVING DAY

"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" 9 a.m. NBC — Appearances by Natasha Bedingfield, Black Eyed Peas, Chicago, Ciara, Celine Dion, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Debbie Gibson, Idina Menzel, Lea Michele, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Kelly Rowland, TLC and Chris Young.

"The National Dog Show" noon NBC — John O'Hurley and David Frei are back as hosts. Mary Carillo will report from inside the show ring and Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir will be backstage contributors.

"The Wonderful World of Disney Magical Holiday Celebration" 8 p.m. ABC — Performers to include Sting, Shaggy, Portugal. The Man, Pentatonix, Andy Grammer, Ingrid Michaelson, Ally Brooke and Grace VanderWaal.

"Garth Brooks Yankee Stadium Concert" 9 p.m. A&E  The title appears to pretty much describe this one.

"Almost Family" 9 p.m. Fox  In an attempt to start a new tradition, Julia hosts Thanksgiving dinner for her ever-growing family,

FRIDAY

"The Mandalorian 3:01 a.m. Disney+ — The Mandalorian teams up with an ex-soldier to protect a village from raiders.

"The Kacey Musgraves Christmas" 3:01 a.m. Amazon — Guests include Fred Armisen, Camila Cabello, James Corden and Kendall Jenner.

"American Housewife" 8 p.m. ABC  In an effort to stay connected, Katie and Greg look into activities that they can enjoy as a couple. Anna-Kat has her own hurdles to overcome when Franklin shines at square dancing and she fails miserably.

"Fresh Off the Boat" 8:30 p.m. ABC Louis starts to fantasize about passing the Cattleman's Ranch torch to Eddie but is worried about his menu choices.

WEEKEND

"Christmas in Rome" 8 p.m. Hallmark — Angela, an American tour guide in Rome, agrees to teach a culture-shocked businessman named Oliver about the heart of Rome at Christmas. In the process, both may find that Rome is where the heart is.

"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" 8 p.m. Sunday ABC — Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney are among those who lend their voices to this holiday tale, which explains the legend of Santa Claus.

"Ray Donovan" 8 p.m. Sunday Showtime — Ray gets closer with Molly Sullivan when he realizes their family connection. Claudette comes to New York and discovers that Daryll is on Detective Perry's radar.

"Shark Tank" 9 p.m. Sunday ABC — A patented system that easily helps decorate and set up a Christmas tree in a matter of minutes.

"Shameless" 9 p.m. Sunday Showtime— Frank and Mikey set off on a day of adventure around the city in pursuit of Mikey's dreams.

"Watchmen" 9 p.m. Sunday HBO — Under Lady Trieu's care, Angela undergoes an unconventional treatment while Agent Blake chases down a lead.

"NCIS: Los Angeles" 9:30p.m. Sunday CBS (250th episode) — A former black ops agent originally recruited and trained by Hetty Lange, returns to seek revenge on Hetty.

"Silicon Valley" 10 p.m. Sunday HBO — A major event puts PiperNet's capabilities to the test; Monica confronts Jian-Yang over his use of Pied Piper's name.

"The Rookie" 10 p.m. Sunday ABC— Officer Nolan's trust is tested when he tries to help the previous owner of his home reconnect with his family.

"Mrs. Fletcher" 10:30 p.m. Sunday HBO — Eve gets distracted by some flirtatious texts; Brendan and Chloe go on a study date.