Originally posted Sunday, February 2, 2020 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Besides the Oscars, this is actually a crazy busy week in the TV world.
Some shows are coming back like Andy Samberg's "Brooklyn Nine Nine" on NBC, Jim Carrey's "Kidding" on Showtime, Claire Dane's eighth and final season of "Homeland" on Showtime, CBS's fourth season of "MacGyver" and the third season of USA's "The Sinner" with Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman.
Others are new with major names attached. Lucy Hale has a "Riverdale" spinoff on the CW called "Katy Keene." Edie Falco leads a medical drama on CBS called "Tommy," Rosario Dawson stars in an anthology series "Briarpatch" on USA. Fran Drescher is back in sitcom land with "Indebted" on NBC.
Starz' biggest show "Power" is also ending while RuPaul hosts "Saturday Night Live" for the first time. And HBO not only highlights Shakira but debuts a fascinating documentary series about the dude who ripped off the McDonald's Monopoly game for years.
Plus, Shia LaBeouf introduces a film on Amazon Prime loosely based on his life called "Honey Boy."
This covers Monday, February 3 through Sunday, February 9, 2020.
MONDAY
"9-11 Lone Star" 8 p.m. Fox — A massive tornado sweeps through Austin, as Owen, Michelle and their teams races to save those in its path.
"America's Got Talent: The Champions" 8 p.m. NBC — The semifinals.
"The Bachelor" 8 p.m. ABC — The remaining women follow Peter to Costa Rica and are stunned when they see the scar on his forehead,
"The New Pope" 9 p.m. HBO —Following an audience with Marilyn Manson, Brannox decides to pay a visit to Pius XIII, and is confronted with the intensity of his predecessor's followers.
"Prodigal Son" 9:01 p.m. Fox — Malcolm takes a detour from his mandated vacation time when he finds out a killer on the loose is mimicking homicides from one his favorite children's books, "The Count of Monte Cristo."
"McMillion$" 10 p.m. HBO (new series) — In 2001, FBI Agent Doug Mathews in Jacksonville clocks an intriguing post-it note that piques his interest. The anonymous tip speaks of a con surrounding the McDonald's Monopoly game and a mysterious mastermind behind it all.
"Bull" 10 p.m. CBS — Bull and Benny represent a couple being sued by their baby's biological father for custody after a fertility clinic mistakenly used the wrong man's sample
"Manifest" 10:01 p.m. NBC — When Grace and Cal are involved in a suspicious hit-and-run, Ben is determined to get to the bottom of it.
TUESDAY
"Ellen's Game of Games" 8 p.m. NBC — Ellen puts contestants to the test with a brand-new game called "Buckin' Blasters," along with "Mount Saint Ellen," "See You Later Alligator" and "Aww Snap."
"Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back" 8 p.m. Fox — Gordon Ramsay's "Hell On Wheels" travels to Seafarer's, a seafood restaurant located in Manquin, VA. Chef Ramsay and his crew find a restaurant in a prominent location that should be doing well and is instead tearing apart the family.
"State of the Union" 9 p.m. ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, GPB, PBA — Trump will certainly tout the economy.
"Shakira in Concert" 10 p.m. HBO — Featuring Colombian singer Shakira's trajectory to the top of the music charts and a behind-the-scenes look at her return to the stage during the 2018 El Dorado World Tour.
"Miracle Workers" 10:30 p.m. TBS — Al lands an impressive new job, and Prince Chauncley loses one of his favorite ducks.
WEDNESDAY
"The Pharmacist" 3:01 a.m. Netflix — After his son's tragic death, a Louisiana pharmacist goes to extremes to expose the rampant corruption behind the opioid addiction crisis.
"Survivor at 40" 8 p.m. CBS — A clip show highlighting the first 39 seasons of "Survivor" and previewing the 40th featuring 20 former winners.
"Criminal Minds" 9 p.m. CBS — A former foe of the BAU returns with very specific demands for Dr. Reid after a father and daughter are kidnapped.
"Chicago Fire" 9 p.m. NBC — The surprising arrival of a new fire truck brings both joy and chaos to members of Firehouse 51.
"Lego Masters" 9:01 p.m. Fox (new series) — Join 20 men and women, selected to showcase their expert LEGO experience, as they embark on an unforgettable LEGO adventure.
"Vikings" 10 p.m. History — Ivar and Igor may be plotting against Oleg, but they're still part of the force that departs Kiev to invade Scandinavia.
THURSDAY
"Station 19" 8 p.m. ABC — While Pruitt grieves a monumental loss, Andy refuses to do the same and, instead, throws herself into work.
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" 8 p.m. NBC (seventh season debut) — Jake leads a manhunt after an assassination attempt on a city councilor. Holt adjusts to his new position as a uniformed officer.
"Young Sheldon" 8 p.m. CBS — Sheldon and Georgie mine for platinum in roadside gravel.
"Katy Keene" 8 p.m. the CW (new series) — Katy Keene struggles to manage the pressures of her day job at Lacy's Department Store and her very demanding boss, Gloria, who is a legendary personal shopper.
"Last Man Standing" 8 p.m. Fox — Mike and Vanessa each try to influence Jen's career path, while Kristin uses her pregnancy to her advantage with Outdoor Man customers.
"Deputy" 9 p.m. Fox — A gunman walks into the medical wing of the L.A. Correctional Facility, where Paula is volunteering. Bill has the entire Sheriff's department look for a way to get her out.
"30 for 30: Vick" 9 p.m. ESPN (part 2) — The dogfighting scandal upends Vick's career and how he resurrects his career and reputation.
"Will & Grace" 9 p.m. NBC — Will and Grace decide to intervene when they discover Grace's niece is dating a bisexual man.
"Grey's Anatomy" 9 p.m. ABC — Jackson creates an uncomfortable situation when he invites new girlfriend, Vic, to what he thinks is Richard and Catherine's anniversary celebration, only to discover the dinner was called for different reasons.
"The Sinner" 9 p.m. USA (third season debut) — Detective Ambrose investigates a tragic yet suspicious car accident on the outskirts of Dorchester.
"Indebted" 9 p.m. NBC (new series) — Young parents Dave and Rebecca end up having to take care of Dave's parents, who have mishandled their finances and need help to pay down a sizable debt. Fran Drescher makes her sitcom return.
"Briarpitch" 10 p.m. USA (new series) — Allegra Dill (Rosario Dawson) returns to Texas after her sister is murdered.
"Tommy" 10 p.m. CBS (new series)—Multiple Emmy Award-winner Edie Falco stars as a former high-ranking NYPD officer who becomes the first female chief of police for Los Angeles.
"Law & Order: SVU" 10 p.m. NBC — When an actress accuses a high-powered media mogul of attempted rape, Benson finds herself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
"A Million Little Things" 10 p.m. ABC — Gary takes a big step and confronts his past, while Maggie finally talks to Eric.
FRIDAY
"Honey Boy" 3:01 a.m. Amazon Prime — Based on Shia LaBeouf's life, Honey Boy traces the life of child actor Otis Lort as he rises from early success to a self-destructive Hollywood star.
"Locke & Key" 3:01 a.m. Netflix (new series) — After their dad's murder, three siblings move with their mom to his ancestral estate, where they discover magical keys that unlock.
"MacGyver" 8 p.m. CBS (fourth season debut) — Henry Isan Cusick joins the cast as a billionaire arms dealer who resurrects the Phoenix Foundation.
"The Democratic Debate" 8 p.m. Sunday ABC — Seven candidates qualify this time, including Andrew Yang.
"Hawaii Five-O" 9 p.m. CBS — When Grover's niece goes missing from the police academy, Adam may be her only hope of rescue.
"Mo'Nique & Friends" 10 p.m. Showtime — Mo'Nique brings some of her favorite comics along for the ride in a special shot at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta.
WEEKEND
"Saturday Night Live" 11:29 p.m. Saturday NBC — RuPaul hosts; Justin Bieber performs.
"92nd Annual Academy Awards" 8 p.m. Sunday ABC — "1917" is the favorite to win best motion picture.
"The Aquarium" 8 p.m. Sunday Animal Planet (second season debut) — The Georgia Aquarium returns front and center.
"Power" 8 p.m. Sunday Starz (series finale) — Loose ends are tied up.
"Homeland" 9 p.m. Sunday Showtime (eighth season debut) — Carrie recovers in Germany; and Saul negotiates. Max, meanwhile, has a new mission.
"The Outsider" 9 p.m. Sunday HBO — Holly presents her unusual theory about the connection between two other mysterious child murders and the Frankie Peterson case.
"Avenue 5" 10 p.m. Sunday HBO — With Judd worried about his reputation, Iris arranges a meet-and-greet with several passengers in his luxury suite.
"Kidding" 10 p.m. Sunday Showtime (second season debut) — Jeff realizes that if he can tell a lie he'll get everything he's ever wanted.
