TV Best Bets

Wednesday, Nov. 16: A Life Comes Undone in BBC America’s Undercover

Undercover © BBC 2015

All Times Eastern.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Undercover
BBC America, 8pm
New Series!
In this six-part drama, Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) plays Maya, a lawyer who is about to break a social barrier as England’s first black director of public prosecutions. She has worked tirelessly to help her friend and wrongfully imprisoned client, Rudy (Dennis Haysbert). But as Maya’s life becomes public, she discovers that her husband, Nick (Adrian Lester, Red Band Society), is harboring secrets that threaten to destroy her life, family and career.

Arrow: “Vigilante”
The CW, 8pm
Guest Star Alert!
Rocky IV bad guy Dolph Lundgren guest-stars as Konstantin Kovar, who finally gets a flashback sit-down with Oliver (Stephen Amell).

Total Divas
E!, 8pm
Season Premiere!
Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Eva Marie, Naomi (Trinity), Natalya (Nattie) and Paige will continue to give viewers an inside glimpse at the nonstop action of their professional careers and the drama of their everyday lives. In addition, Season 6 will introduce fans to WWE Superstars Lana and Maryse and WWE announcer Renee Young. This season, emotions are at an all-time high as all of the ladies come face-to-face with adversity and must grapple with separating their real-life dilemmas from their in-ring careers.

Blindspot: “Why Let Cooler Pasture Deform”
NBC, 8pm
After Jane (Jaimie Alexander) discovers that Sandstorm is gearing up for an imminent attack, she risks everything to send a secret SOS to her FBI team.

Nightcap: “Babymaker”
Pop, 8pm
New Series!
Ali Wentworth stars in this satirical comedy as a talent booker for the late-night talk show Nightcap With Jimmy. Viewers get an eyeful of the show’s behind-the-scenes tomfoolery, and at the cavalcade of stars who appear as the show’s celebrity guests. In the premiere episode, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are on the hunt for a surrogate to carry a child for them, and Sarah Jessica Parker forms an unlikely bond with an old “friend” on the staff.

Polar Bear Town: “Welcome to Churchill”
Smithsonian Channel, 8pm
New Series!
Churchill, Manitoba, is known as “the polar bear capital of the world,” and every fall, approximately 10,000 tourists arrive in the small Hudson Bay town hoping to see polar bears in action as they migrate through Churchill waiting for the Bay ice to return. This new six-episode series offers an up-close view of the enormous creatures and the local guides who try to keep the peace between man and bear. In tonight’s episode, the town prepares for the bears’ annual visit. Tensions are higher than usual after an event last year when a late-night encounter between a bear and a local woman left the bear dead and the woman seriously injured.

Speechless: “T-H-A—THANKSGIVING”
ABC, 8:30pm
The DiMeos make a plan to avoid another horrible Thanksgiving with Jimmy’s (John Ross Bowie) brother Billy’s (guest star Rob Corddry) family, but it backfires when the clan shows up anyway. While Kenneth (Cedric Yarbrough) and Ray (Mason Cook) destroy the turkey, the rest of the family creates a game that involves checking off particular annoyances their relatives are known for. But when Jimmy and Billy’s rivalry spills out into the street, the family discovers that Billy’s family is not as perfect as it seems.

Criminal Minds: “Elliott’s Pond”
CBS, 9pm
In the new episode “Elliott’s Pond,” the BAU investigates when three children disappear while riding their bikes on the same path as a similar unsolved disappearance 30 years ago.

Empire: “Chimes at Midnight”
FOX, 9pm
Empire’s servers are hacked and the leak creates feuds between artists and among the Lyon family.

Going Si-ral
A&E, 9:30pm
New Series!
Duck Dynasty’s Si Robertson is ready to take on the internet to see what all the fuss is about. In this new series, which combines original segments, games and their own versions of viral videos, Si and his “Si-Kick” Willie Robertson offer their unique perspective on the best the web has to offer.

black-ish: “Auntsgiving””
ABC, 9:30pm
Pops’ (Laurence Fishburne) older sister Almaviligerais (guest star Lorraine Toussaint) pays a surprise Thanksgiving visit, much to everyone’s delight — everyone except Ruby (Jenifer Lewis), who can’t stand her former sister-in-law. With Bow and Dre (Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson) away on one last vacation before the baby arrives, the kids try to figure out why Ruby hates Almaviligerais so much.

Designated Survivor: “The Traitor”
ABC, 10pm
An American track coach’s visit to Russia lands President Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) in a hostage exchange involving the CIA and the Russian government. Meanwhile, Agent Wells (Maggie Q) and Deputy Director Atwood’s (Malik Yoba) investigation into the Capitol bombing uncovers information that puts Atwood and his family at risk.

The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands
AXS TV, 10pm Live
Season Finale!
The season comes to a close with Kiss the Sky out of New York performing a tribute to Jimi Hendrix.

Code Black: “What Lies Beneath”
CBS, 10pm
In the new episode “What Lies Beneath,” Willis (Rob Lowe) and Campbell (Boris Kodjoe) are sent to a Russian submarine in U.S. waters to treat a sailor badly wounded during an explosion.

Jay Leno’s Garage
CNBC, 10pm
Five new episodes are planned for the remainder of the season, which will feature celebrity appearances by Jerry Seinfeld, Caitlyn and Kendall Jenner, Kelly Rowland, Patrick Dempsey, Brad Paisley, NASCAR driver Joey Logano and others as Leno continues his quest to uncover the most outrageous, spectacular and unique vehicles, and meet people who share his automobile obsession.

Soundbreaking: “The Human Instrument”
PBS, 10pm
Celebrate the most essential part of a song and the most challenging to capture — the vocal track. Consider the ineffable emotional quality that makes a vocal track truly great, and examine the work of Adele, Amy Winehouse and Christina Aguilera.

Cutthroat Kitchen: “Fowl Play”
Food Network, 11pm
Alton Brown hosts this special Thanksgiving episode that pits family against family. First, the teams find the kitchen a little too crowded for comfort. Then, one team has to master leftovers using ingredients from a giant cranberry mold. Finally, unwieldy balloons rain on one team’s parade as they try to make a pumpkin pie.

Thursday, Nov. 17

Lovesick
Netflix
Season Premiere!
Formerly known by the more awesome title Scrotal Recall, this series embarks on its second season of eight episodes, following a man who must get in touch with every girl he’s ever had sex with to let them know that he has an STD.

Unichef
TLC, 7pm/Discovery Family Channel, 9pm
Celebrity chef Sandra Lee recently had a life-changing experience while on a UNICEF mission to Haiti when she helped care for premature twin infants. The visit reconfirmed Lee’s commitment to UNICEF and the importance of creating nutritional well-being around the world. Lee’s trip is featured in this one-hour special that spotlights the different ways three successful chefs give back — and how their early lives have influenced their philanthropy. Along with Lee, who is one of the founding board members of the Los Angeles chapter of UNICEF, restaurateur and Iron Chef America judge Donatella Arpaia and cooking show host Ming Tsai are also profiled. Featured charities are Family Reach, City Harvest and God’s Love We Deliver.

Grey’s Anatomy: “You Haven’t Done Nothin’”
ABC, 8pm
Believing he is going to jail, Alex (Justin Chambers) makes a major decision about his future. While the hospital is overrun with victims of a building collapse, Richard (James Pickens Jr.) demands answers from Bailey (Chandra Wilson) about Eliza’s (Marika Dominczyk) presence at Grey Sloan.

NBA Basketball
TNT, beginning at 8pm Live
T.J. McConnell and the Philadelphia 76ers head to Minneapolis for a game against Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves, followed by Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls in Salt Lake City to take on George Hill and the Utah Jazz.

NFL Football: New Orleans at Carolina
NBC & NFL Network, 8:20pm Live
Thursday Night Football makes its NBC debut tonight with an NFC South matchup featuring Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints heading to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., to take on Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

Mom: “Curious George and the Big Red Nightmare”
CBS, 9pm
In the new episode “Curious George and the Big Red Nightmare,” Bonnie (Allison Janney) and Christy (Anna Faris) worry that Roscoe (Blake Garrett Rosenthal) has a drug problem when he’s caught smoking pot.

Life in Pieces: “Cheap Promotion Flying Birthday”
CBS, 9:30pm
In the new episode “Cheap Promotion Flying Birthday,” Colleen (Angelique Cabral) teaches Matt (Thomas Sadoski) her frugal ways, and he gets hooked when he realizes how much saving money turns her on.

How to Get Away With Murder: “Who’s Dead”
ABC, 10pm
Annalise (Viola Davis) gets a tip about A.D.A. Atwood (Milauna Jackson) that leads to a heated confrontation with Nate (Billy Brown). Meanwhile, the deadly events leading up to Annalise’s house fire reveal who’s under the sheet.

Pure Genius: “Not Your Grandmother’s Robotic Surgery”
CBS, 10pm
When James’ (Augustus Prew) beloved elementary school teacher is diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, he tries to employ a risky robotic surgery to save her in the new episode “Not Your Grandmother’s Robotic Surgery.”

Soundbreaking: “Going Electric”
PBS, 10pm
From the electric guitar to synthesized music, learn how innovators used electricity to unleash new sounds. Evaluate the power of technology to continuously redefine music, from Delta blues style to the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder and Devo.

Falling Water: “The Swirl”
USA Network, 10pm
Certain that Charlotte (Trudie Styler) is complicit in the taking of her son, Tess (Lizzie Brocheré) trespasses in her mother’s dreams. Meanwhile, Ann-Marie Bowen (Melanie Nicholls-King) tries to recruit Taka (Will Yun Lee), and Burton (David Ajala) learns new secrets.

Friday, Nov. 18

Beat Bugs
Netflix
Season Premiere!
The animated series returns for Season 2, again inspired by the songs of the Beatles as its characters discover life’s most important lessons.

Divines
Netflix
One of the most critically acclaimed and talked-about films at this year’s Cannes Film Festival (it was awarded the Caméra d’Or prize) comes to Netflix exclusively. Set in a ghetto near Paris, where drugs and religion reign supreme, the funny, suspenseful and often emotional drama tells the story of Dounia, a tough but naive teenager who sees getting rich or dying trying as her most viable option in life. Dounia is hungry for her share of power and success. Enlisting the help of her best friend, she decides to follow in the footsteps of a respected and successful neighborhood dealer. But when Dounia meets a strong-willed and sensual dancer, her life takes a surprising turn.

Colin Quinn: The New York Story
Netflix
Colin Quinn delivers a taping of his sold-out off-Broadway show for his latest standup special. In front of a crowd of fellow locals, Quinn presents the history of New York and the different groups who shape the personality of the city. Quinn’s show was filmed at the Schimmel Center in New York City and directed by Jerry Seinfeld.

“Gilmore Girls” Binge-a-Thon
UP TV, 6pm
Before you check out Netflix’s new Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life on Nov. 25, you can get up to speed by watching all seven seasons of the original Gilmore Girls series during this 153-hour marathon during which the episodes will air 24 hours a day.

MacGyver: “Chisel”
CBS, 8pm
MacGyver (Lucas Till) and the team must defend themselves and the U.S. embassy workers in Latvia from extremists in the new episode “Chisel.”

NBA Basketball
ESPN, beginning at 8pm Live
ESPN’s Friday night NBA doubleheader has Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors heading to TD Garden to take on Amir Johnson and the Boston Celtics, followed by Chris Paul and the L.A. Clippers heading north to face Darren Collison and the Sacramento Kings.

Hawaii Five-0: “’Elua lā ma Nowemapa (Two Days in November)”
CBS, 9pm
The new episode “’Elua lā ma Nowemapa (Two Days in November)” revisits one of history’s pivotal moments, as Five-0 investigates a conspiracy theorist with compelling evidence that President John F. Kennedy’s cabinet ordered his assassination.

Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs
PBS, 9pm
Get out your tissues and experience what The New York Times called an “emotional firestorm” as the award-winning television and Broadway star brings down the house with his acclaimed cabaret show.

Z Nation: “They Grow Up So Quickly”
Syfy, 9pm
Doc (Russell Hodgkinson) and Addy (Anastasia Baranova) try to convince Lucy’s family to follow them; Murphy (Keith Allan) tests 10K’s (Nat Zang) allegiance.

Blue Bloods: “Confessions”
CBS, 10pm
Frank (Tom Selleck) is left with minimal information to find a missing boy when a conflicted priest won’t break the seal of confession in the new episode “Confessions.”

Soundbreaking: “Four on the Floor”
PBS, 10pm
Chart the progression of the beat from drum and bass to beatbox and beyond — from Little Richard and James Brown to the Bee Gees and Beyoncé, covering musical styles from disco to EDM. Witness the endless experimentation that transformed the bedrock of all music.

Saturday, Nov. 19

College Football: Virginia Tech at Notre Dame
NBC, 3:30pm Live
The Virginia Tech Hokies head to Notre Dame Stadium for a Saturday afternoon clash with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on NBC.

Futurama: “The Beast With a Billion Backs”
Comedy Central, beginning at 3:35pm
Comedy Central airs all four parts of the Futurama epic “The Beast With a Billion Backs,” in which Fry (voice of Billy West) and the Planet Express crew discover a giant hole in the universe and an unusually seductive, one-eyed alien on the other side.

21 Jump Street
FXX, 5:30pm
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum star in this irreverent revival of the 1980s cop show as two mismatched partners who are sent on an undercover assignment to a local high school to root out a synthetic drug ring. FXX airs the 2012 movie, followed by its 2014 sequel 22 Jump Street.

My Christmas Dream
Hallmark Channel, 8pm
Original Film!
Christina Masters (Danica McKellar), the manager of McDougal’s flagship department store, is determined to land the manager position for their new Paris location. She sets out to impress the store’s owner (Deidre Hall) by creating an eye-popping holiday display. But Christina is out of inspiration, and turns to a recently fired store employee (David Haydn-Jones) for help. As the twosome work side-by-side, they find themselves falling in love.

Autopsy: The Last Hours Of…
Reelz, 8pm
Season Premiere!
New hourlong episodes show the final days and events of Steve Jobs, Chris Farley, Casey Kasem, Cory Monteith, Richard Pryor, Corey Haim, Janis Joplin, Bruce Lee, Steve McQueen, Judy Garland and Bob Marley.

Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks
BBC America, 8:25pm
New Series!
BBC Worldwide and BBC America teamed up to restore one of the great lost classics of the Doctor Who series, The Power of the Daleks, which will air as a six-part series 50 years after its only U.K. broadcast on BBC One. The program’s only known film negative was destroyed in 1974, and this brand-new animation is based on original audio recordings, surviving photographs and film clips. Producer and director Charles Norton says, “The Power of the Daleks animation is the most ambitious Doctor Who archive restoration ever attempted, and we’re all very honored to be a part of such an exciting project. Intelligent, suspenseful and magnificently staged, The Power of the Daleks is one of the great lost classics of 1960s television and a superb example of the black and white era at its finest.” The series features the “renewal” of the first Doctor, William Hartnell, into the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, as the Time Lord and his companions Polly (Anneke Wills) and Ben (Michael Craze) do battle with the Daleks on the planet Vulcan.

Versailles: “Etiquette”/“Bring the Garden Here”
Ovation, 10pm
Season Finale!
In the first episode of the two-hour Season 1 finale, Henriette takes the lead in negotiations with her brother King Charles II, while Montespan gains power in the court as she wins over Louis’ heart and Fabien plans his revenge. Then, in the second episode, as Henriette’s health rapidly declines, Claudine works feverishly to save her patient. When the palace is put on lockdown, Louis is determined to save his son from the oppressive atmosphere of the court.