TV Best Bets

Wednesday, Nov. 6: ‘Life From Above’ Reveals Reveals Earth’s Weird and Wonderful Shapes

Courtesy of ESA/NASA

ALSO SEE: NFL 2019 TV Schedule

All Times Eastern.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Life From Above: “Patterned Planet”
PBS, 10pm

Discover the weird and wonderful shapes that cover Earth’s surface — as seen from space. The Australian Outback is covered in pale spots thanks to digging wombats, and hundreds of elephants tear into the endless green of the Congo forest canopy.

NBA Basketball
ESPN, beginning at 7:30pm Live

A star-studded NBA doubleheader on ESPN has the Golden State Warriors vs. James Harden and the Rockets in Houston, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks vs. the Clippers — who will be without Kawhi Leonard due to “load management” — in Los Angeles.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey: “Sex, Lies and Video Debates”
Bravo, 8pm
Season Premiere!

Teresa awaits Joe’s release from prison and transfer to an immigration detention facility as rumors swirl that she is having an affair with a 20-something-year-old boy toy. Meanwhile, Jennifer posts a nasty video about Jackie on Instagram, and Teresa and Jackie spar when Jackie says she believes the cheating rumors.

Chicago Med: “Who Knows What Tomorrow Brings”
NBC, 8pm

Drs. Charles (Oliver Platt) and Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss) sink their teeth into a bloodthirsty case. Dr. Marcel (Dominic Rains) and Maggie (Marlyne Barrett) throw a traditional crawfish boil for the staff. A new relationship blossoms while another is left on rocky ground.

NHL Hockey: Detroit at N.Y. Rangers
NBCSN, 8pm Live

Anthony Mantha leads the Detroit Red Wings into New York City’s Madison Square Garden for this Wednesday Night Hockey matchup against Mika Zibanejad and the Rangers.

Image Makers: The Adventures of America’s Pioneer Cinematographers
TCM, 8pm

As part of the network’s monthlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the American Society of Cinematographers, Michael McKean narrates this documentary that showcases some of the most pivotal personalities in filmmaking, including trailblazing cameraman Billy Blitzer, silent star Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo and her personal lensman William Daniels, and more.

Modern Family: “A Game of Chicken”
ABC, 9pm

Gloria (Sofía Vergara) is using her alone time with the twins as an opportunity to secretly baptize them before Haley (Sarah Hyland) and Dylan (Reid Ewing) get home. Meanwhile, Claire (Julie Bowen) is still dealing with the fallout from the smart closet fiasco, and Cam (Eric Stonestreet) is at war with his school’s mascot, who is threatening his chance at securing a new college coaching job.

Almost Family: “Risky AF”
FOX, 9pm

Julia (Brittany Snow) is forced to make a drastic decision when she finds out that Isaac (Mustafa Elzein) has been secretly working with Leon (Timothy Hutton) for advice on his current patients in the new episode “Risky AF.”

The Apollo
HBO, 9pm

This look at the unique history and contemporary legacy of New York City’s legendary, star-making Apollo Theater features interviews with such artists as Common, Jamie Foxx, Savion Glover, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson and Pharrell Williams.

Chicago Fire: “Welcome to Crazytown”
NBC, 9pm

Severide (Taylor Kinney) must make a tough decision about the future of his career at Firehouse 51. Herrmann (David Eigenberg) deals with the consequences of his temper after a run-in with a Chicago police officer. Cruz (Joe Minoso) is excited to demonstrate the Slamigan at the Firefighting Expo. Commissioner Grissom (Gary Cole) returns.

Stumptown: “Dex, Drugs and Rock & Roll”
ABC, 10pm

When Dex’s (Cobie Smulders) ex Fiona (guest star Ioanna Gika), a famous musician, comes into town for a performance, Dex must protect her from a stalker. Meanwhile, Grey (Jake Johnson) continues to receive the cold shoulder from Dex, and Tookie (Adrian Martinez) and Lt. Cosgrove (Camryn Manheim) develop a new friendship.

S.W.A.T.: “Kingdom”
CBS, 10pm

In the new episode “Kingdom,” the Harrelsons have a tense family reunion when Hondo’s (Shemar Moore) older sister, Winnie (guest star April Parker Jones), begrudgingly arrives in Los Angeles to see their sick father (Obba Babatundé) for the first time in decades.

Back in the Game
CNBC, 10pm
New Series!

Former NFL star Michael Strahan is an executive producer of this series hosted by former MLB star Alex Rodriguez. In each episode, A-Rod offers guidance to fellow celebrities hoping to get back on the path of financial stability. In the series premiere, Rodriguez enlists the help of Marcus Lemonis (host of CNBC’s The Profit) to help former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield take control of his financial future.

South Park
Comedy Central, 10pm
Season Finale!

The Mayor has evidence that Randy blew up his neighbors’ yards in protest over homegrown weed and then blamed it on a Mexican Joker. Now the citizens of South Park have had enough of Randy and Tegridy Farms and they just want to lock him up.

Chicago P.D.: “Informant”
NBC, 10pm

Voight (Jason Beghe) pulls Darius (Michael Beach) in after Crawford (Paul Adelstein) asks Intelligence to investigate a dangerous drug, but there is little trust in the relationship. When their plan to nail a dealer goes awry and another CI is murdered, the team must make a tough decision about Darius.

Thursday, Nov. 7

Grey’s Anatomy: “Papa Don’t Preach”
ABC, 8pm

Catherine (Debbie Allen) is back in town and has no idea what’s been going on between Jackson (Jesse Williams) and Maggie (Kelly McCreary), while her relationship with Richard (James Pickens Jr.) has become distant. Maggie is shocked to learn about some of Richard’s relatives who are seeking help.

Young Sheldon: “A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm”
CBS, 8pm
Guest Star Alert!

A church carnival leads Missy (Raegan Revord) to try out for the baseball team. Craig T. Nelson guest-stars as Coach Dale in the new episode “A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm.”

College Football: Temple at South Florida
ESPN, 8pm Live

The South Florida Bulls host this Thursday primetime game vs. the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

NFL Football: L.A. Chargers at Oakland
FOX & NFL Network, 8pm Live

This AFC West rivalry game has Philip Rivers and the L.A. Chargers in Oakland to face Derek Carr and the Raiders on Thursday Night Football.

Superstore: “Shoplifter Rehab”
NBC, 8pm

Amy (America Ferrera), Jonah (Ben Feldman) and Glenn (Mark McKinney) hatch a plan to make Amy look like a tough boss after she loses face in front of the district manager (Justina Machado). Dina (Lauren Ash) recruits Mateo (Nico Santos) to help her run Cloud 9’s shoplifter rehabilitation program — with a few of Dina’s personal tweaks.

NBA Basketball
TNT, beginning at 8pm Live

TNT’s NBA doubleheader has the Boston Celtics at the Charlotte Hornets, followed by the Portland Trail Blazers at the L.A. Clippers.

The Unicorn: “Three Men Out”
CBS, 8:30pm

In the new episode “Three Men Out,” Forrest (Rob Corddry) and Ben (Omar Miller) decide to be “wing men” when Wade (Walton Goggins) visits a local hot spot to meet people instead of using a dating app.

Perfect Harmony: “Rivalry Week”
NBC, 8:30pm

After Pastor Magnus (John Carroll Lynch) invites the Second First Choir to perform at the Church of Perpetual Praise, Arthur (Bradley Whitford) resolves to sound better than ever to spite him. But when he adds a new singer to the choir — a woman from Ginny’s (Anna Camp) past — Ginny spirals over how to coexist with a choir member she hates.

Mom: “Wile E. Coyote and a Pretentious Douche”
CBS, 9pm

Christy (Anna Faris) tries to embrace positivity after having a meltdown. Guest star Rainn Wilson returns as Bonnie’s (Allison Janney) therapist in the new episode “Wile E. Coyote and a Pretentious Douche.”

A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, 9pm
Original Film!

Hotel manager Willow (Rachael Leigh Cook) returns to her stunning Virginia hometown to help her sister plan a Christmas wedding at the inn her family once owned. She must work with the inn’s current owner David (Benjamin Ayres), who wants to let go of the past.

The Good Place: “Help Is Other People”
NBC, 9pm

On the last day of the experiment, Chidi (William Jackson Harper) is faced with one final ethical dilemma.

Carol’s Second Act: “Game Changer”
CBS, 9:30pm
The hospital is abuzz when Carol (Patricia Heaton) is assigned to care for a star college football player with a broken rib in the new episode “Game Changer.”

Will & Grace: “With Enemies Like These”
NBC, 9:30pm

Will (Eric McCormack) discovers a way to finally get back at Jack (Sean Hayes) for years of relentlessly mocking his hairline. Grace (Debra Messing) is determined to prove to Mrs. Timmer (guest star Livia Treviño) she’s strong enough to handle the challenges of being a single mother. Karen (Megan Mullally) gets an invite to Stan’s old poker game and squares off against Stanley’s brother, Danley Walker (guest star Patton Oswalt).

Evil: “790”
CBS, 10pm

In the new episode “790,” the team is asked to assess the veracity of a local prophetess, Grace Ling (guest star Li Jun Li), and they are shaken when they see one of her visions come to life.

Law & Order: SVU: “Counselor, It’s Chinatown”
NBC, 10pm

The SVU joins an undercover task force in busting a human trafficking ring.

Friday, Nov. 8

Green Eggs and Ham
Netflix
New Series!

Based on the beloved book by Dr. Seuss, this animated series follows opposites Guy and Sam as they venture out on a road trip to save an endangered animal from a far-off zoo. Along the way, they learn to try new things like hope, friendship and, of course, a certain delectable dish.

The Great British Baking Show: Holidays
Netflix
Season Premiere!

In Season 2, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith again judge festive treats baked by some favorite former competitors.

Let It Snow
Netflix
Original Film!

A group of high school seniors find their friendships and love lives colliding thanks to a stranded pop star, a stolen keg, an epic party and more. Notable stars include Joan Cusack and Kiernan Shipka.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
ABC, 8pm
Sneak Peek!

In a tip of the Wildcat hat to fans of High School Musical, three television networks — ABC, Disney Channel and Freeform — will present the first episode of this upcoming Disney+ show for one night only.

Was I Really Kidnapped?
LMN, 8pm
Original Film!

Inspired by a true story. After suffering torment and abuse at the hands of her abductor, Elle (Michelle Mylett) is released on the side of the road with no explanation. Her boyfriend Billy (Jacob Blair) and sister Jen (Anna Hardwick) rush to her aid after she’s found, but the reunion is derailed by detectives who doubt her story, leading her to clear her name and identify her attacker. Kyle Buchanan also stars.

The Blacklist: “Dr. Lewis Powell”
NBC, 8pm

Red (James Spader) alerts the FBI to the suspicious death of a scientist specializing in artificial intelligence research. Meanwhile, Francesca Campbell (guest star Natalie Paul) further entangles herself in Red’s criminal activities.

Magnum P.I.: “The Man in the Secret Room”
CBS, 9pm
Guest Star Alert!
In the new episode “The Man in the Secret Room,” Magnum (Jay Hernandez) investigates the death of a hotel guest who was thrown from her room’s balcony while working on a secret investigation of her own. Lee Majors guest stars in the new episode “The Man in the Secret Room,” which also features returning guest stars Corbin Bernsen and Larry Manetti.

Holiday for Heroes
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, 9pm
Original Film!
After exchanging long-distance letters for a year, a soldier and a woman meet in real life and try to decide if their friendship can exist off the page. Stars Marc Blucas, Melissa Claire Egan and Patti Murin.

Great Performances: “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I”
PBS, 9pm

Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe star in a Tony Award-winning revival of the beloved musical about a British schoolteacher instructing the royal children of the King of Siam.

College Basketball: Armed Forces Classic: Baylor vs. Washington
ESPN, 9:30pm Live

ESPN’s Armed Forces Classic celebrates Veterans Day weekend with this college basketball game in partnership with the U.S. military’s Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The game features the Baylor Bears vs. the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.

Blue Bloods: “Higher Standards”
CBS, 10pm

Frank (Tom Selleck) and Jamie (Will Estes) are at odds over the public’s treatment of cops after rowdy teens pour water on two rookies in the new episode “Higher Standards.”

Gold Rush: White Water
Discovery Channel, 10pm
Season Premiere!

The Gold Rush spinoff returns for its third season, which finds the father-and-son team of Fred and Dustin Hurt splitting up and working on separate claims to double their chances of striking it rich. The race is on as they uncover more gold than any other season before.

In Search Of: “The Bermuda Triangle”
History, 10pm

In this episode, host Zachary Quinto enters the mysterious Bermuda Triangle by sea and by air and learns a shocking theory that could completely redraw the map of this infamous area that has seen numerous disasters and disappearances.

Long Lost Family: “Are They Looking for Me?”
TLC, 10pm

Hosts Chris Jacobs and Lisa Joyner join forces attempting to solve the childhood mystery of why a woman was separated from her birth family at the age of 2. The miraculous journey resolves multiple family mysteries and reveals the most unexpected guest at a family funeral.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Picture a Perfect Christmas
Hallmark Channel, 8pm
Original Film!

Merritt Patterson stars as a photographer who travels the world and takes a few days off around the holidays to care for her grandmother. While there, she meets her neighbor (Jon Cor), who needs help watching his 7-year-old nephew.

Radio Christmas
Lifetime, 8pm
Original Film!

When her Philadelphia radio station is closed for repairs during the holidays, DJ Kara Porter (Keshia Knight Pulliam) is forced to broadcast from the small town of Bethlehem. Desperate to get promoted outside of the year-round holiday station Radio Christmas, Kara attempts to uncover the identity of the town’s Secret Santa, who has saved Bethlehem’s Christmas festivities. Along the way, she discovers the true meaning of family, community, love and Christmas. Michael Xavier, Tim Reid and Belinda Montgomery also star.

Amish Abduction
LMN, 8pm
Original Film!

Annie (Sara Canning) faces a crisis when her husband leaves their Amish world to live among “normal Americans” and seeks custody of their son. Steve Byers, Ryan Bruce and Gabrielle Rose also star.

Blue Planet Now
BBC America, 9pm
New Series!

This four-part series, a follow-up to the critically acclaimed landmark series Blue Planet II, explores the health of our oceans and marine life across the globe. The premiere episode, “Whale Sanctuary,” visits the world’s biggest whale nursery for gray whales and their young.

Sea of Shadows
National Geographic, 9pm

This stunning documentary chronicles the race to save the vaquita, a small species of porpoise (type of whale) found in the Sea of Cortez.