TV Picks - Week of November 28

Maybe life isn't too short after all.

The BBC comedy Life's Too Short aired on HBO for one season and a special roughly a decade ago. The comedy created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant revolved around the life of a little person in show business. The star of the show is Warwick Davis, who is best known for the 1988 film Willow.

Life's Too Short is jam-packed with celebrity cameos and provides a poignant often hilarious look at Davis' life.  The series concluded with the real Val Kilmer asking Warwick to shoot a modern-day Willow sequel but finance it all himself.

This Wednesday, Warwick's dream comes true on Disney+ with the premiere of Willow, an eight-part TV series sequel to the original film starring… you guessed it… Warwick Davis. Talk about life imitating art (or is art imitating art here?).

Warwick reprises his role years later as Willow Ufgood, now a great sorcerer who leads a quest taking place decades after the original film. It's an all-new cast and story, and Warwick once again displays the charm that made him so effective in the original film. Speaking of the original, let's remember that Willow is a creation of George Lucas and Ron Howard who never lost their passion for the project. Showrunner Jon Kasdan, son of The Empire Strikes Back co-writer Lawrence Kasdan, keeps the flame alive with this new series for Disney+ that doesn't feel dated at all.

This new incarnation of Willow threads the needle in satisfying old fans while also pleasing newcomers in this mystical world. Some characters from the film return, and the new characters don't feel forced and ring true to the universe. Disney+ has done well following the sci-fi formula of bringing back a classic title while updating it with fresh characters and different takes on a tried-and-true story. Willow follows this path, providing a nice nostalgic trip as it introduces a new adventure for all viewers to enjoy.

Holiday specials are coming fast and furiously. Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week:

PREMIERES

Slow Horses (Apple TV+) Season 2
Friday, December 2 

The not-so-typical MI5 gang is back for a second season in this foreign spy thriller. Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas continue to show the young kids how it's done when it comes to keeping Britain safe. The tension and sense of humor is still intact with Sherlock director Jeremy Lovering at the helm.

George & Tammy (Showtime)
Sunday, December 4 at 9:00 PM ET

This is one of those programs that you watch just to see what great actors can do. Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain star as George Jones and Tammy Wynette in this biographical tale of two country superstars. Even if you despise country music, you'll love the performances of these two performers at the top of their respective games. 

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Irreverent (Peacock)
Wednesday, November 30

A Chicago criminal messes up a gig and is forced to go on the run, so he heads to Australia where he disguises himself as a reverend. The search goes on as he adapts to his new life and surroundings. 

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

Branson (HBO): Four-part documentary about a very wealthy British man who never shies away from his success. Wednesday at 10:00pm ET.

Firefly Lane (Netflix): Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke return for a second and final season of this tale of two BFFs who support each other through good and bad times. Friday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Life's Too Short (HBO Max). In honor of Willow, I'm recommending this comedy that briefly aired on HBO. Warwick Davis pokes fun at himself while running a talent agency that specializes in small people. This mockumentary seems all too real as Davis struggles to maintain his pride and dignity in some funny situations. 

Previous Picks:
Narcos (Netflix)
The Newsroom (HBO Max)
Homeland (Showtime)
Warrior (HBO Max)
Oz (HBO Max)
Fauda (Netflix)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!

TV Picks - Week of November 21

Welcome to the week where we gather to give thanks for all that we have. It's all about the three F's — family, food and football — but this week includes a little bit extra for me.

I have detailed my Thanksgiving tradition before in this column. Parade, Dog Show, Family, Football and Food. But the added wrinkle this year is that I will turn 55 on Thanksgiving Day. My birthday just happens to land on Turkey Day every few years or so.

So, do the plans change? Not really. I'll still be with my family celebrating the festive holiday. A Carvel football birthday cake will be added to the dessert mix. And I'll appreciate a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" for the 55th time.

In honor of this special day which works on two levels this year, I've decided to switch up my picks this week. My TV program recommendations are listed below, but since I'm the birthday boy, I thought a gift guide for TV aficionados might make sense.

There are tons of great birthday gifts for the TV lovers in your family. I used to be big on the DVD box sets for all types of series, but streaming took care of that gift option. These days an actual TV is the same price of some of those box sets. Blu-Ray players still work, but technological times have changed.

The costs of streaming services add up, and no one will turn down a year of Netflix or Hulu as a birthday gift (I'm assuming they've already got an Amazon Prime account). Get exotic with Britbox or Acorn for lovers of overseas programming. Any streaming service with a Max or Plus on the end of it is a solid gift you don't even need to wrap. These subscriptions will be put to good use.

The right device is just as important as the right streaming service. I'm still a big fan of the Apple TV unit (their channel has a plus on it) which provides quality resolution, ease of use with the apps, and keeps things in the Cupertino family. Roku is an affordable option with an easy-to-use interface and plenty of streaming options. It's the best of the "sticks" currently out there.

Skip the mugs, board games, and other TV-themed memorabilia. A Downton Abbey cocktail book or Yellowstone Dutton Ranch t-shirt seems like a good idea, but you'll get a smile and then they'll never look at it again. Focus on what the birthday boys and girls love the most — the actual programs themselves.

It's always the thought that counts with any gift, and any TV lover will be appreciative of my suggestions above and know that you're truly thinking of them. As an added bonus, give them control of the remote on their special day. That's the icing on the birthday cake.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Here's what's worth watching on TV this week:

PREMIERES

Shaq (HBO)
Wednesday, November 23 9:00 PM ET

You can't miss Shaq, and now he's got a 4-part documentary on HBO. The amazing journey of this larger-than-life basketball star is full of conflict, drama and a few championship rings. Shaq's personality forged a seemingly easy transition into the entertainment world well beyond the NBA. Movies, sports commentary, cheesy TV ads… it's all Shaq.

The Howard Stern Interview: Bruce Springsteen (HBO)
Sunday, November 27 10:00 PM ET

I'm a little close to this one, but I can't wait for you to see my boss do what he does best with a legendary musician in studio. Bruce was ready to chat and play, and Howard was armed with smart questions and never-ending curiosity. Enjoy two legends at the top of their game for an unforgettable two-hour conversation. Watch teaser.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Echo 3 (Apple TV+)
Wednesday, November 23

A scientist disappears close to the border of Venezuela and Colombia in this bilingual thriller, and her military experienced husband and brother attempt to track her down.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

Welcome To Chippendale's (Hulu): Kumail Nanjiani stars as an immigrant from India who came up with a way to get the most out of male stripping. Tuesday.

Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin (Peacock): Adam Devine provided tons of laughs in the original film, and now he's off to Germany to revive his singing career. Fingers crossed for a Sockapellas cameo. Wednesday.

Wednesday (Netflix): Half of the episodes of this teenage gal of that creepy kooky Addams family were directed by Tim Burton. Wednesday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Narcos (Netflix). Pablo Escobar's story is too much for a single movie or documentary to tell. This series shows all sides of the Colombian drug lord and the failed U.S. war on drugs during his tenure. Wagner Moura is fantastic as Pablo, and Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal play DEA agents with their own foibles trying to bring down the kingpin. There's dramatization, but you feel like you're watching history being made.

Previous Picks:
The Newsroom (HBO Max)
Homeland (Showtime)
Warrior (HBO Max)
Oz (HBO Max)
Fauda (Netflix)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe! Happy Thanksgiving.

TV Picks - Week of November 14

Disclaimer: I am a proud voter for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As tempting as it might be to critique the musical acts, this is a TV column, and my comments refer to the broadcast of the event. 

Another disclaimer: I love music almost as much as I love TV.

This Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET, the 37th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Ceremony will air on HBO. This yearly celebration of the best in music will feature all-star jams, lengthy speeches, and performances from acts well past their prime who are deservedly honored.

The annual challenge the Rock Hall faces is how to translate this live, lengthy musical celebration into a quality television show. Things seem relatively straightforward on the face of it. Top musical talent, an excited audience, and lifetime achievement awards to be presented. Home run.

Watching this ceremony live in person is remarkable. Musical heroes are everywhere. The vibe feels great. Even if you're not a fan of the act, you have to respect what they've accomplished. Everyone in the band gets to make a speech, and some are better off just playing their instruments. Sometimes, though, it's someone more obscure that comes out with the hidden spoken gem. There are always surprises and the long ceremony culminates in an all-star jam.

But how do you translate this musical extravaganza into a tight TV special? The magic is in the edit. The rock and roll instinct would be to just air the ceremony live, warts and all. The problem with that is the long pauses and speeches that bore won't keep anyone stuck on the channel. The decision to air a taped event is a wise one, but who wants their rock show edited down?

The producers have traditionally done a nice job leaving in the good stuff. Any headline, like John Mellencamp's speech, Dolly Parton going electric or the Eurythmics reunion will certainly be in there. That's the easy part. Fine tuning the rest of the somewhat bloated show is where they earn their keep.

Let's hope they take a page out of the Grammy success story and focus on the performances this year. Speeches are moving, but this is music after all. Let's listen, groove and dance to what's on the screen. And open your mind to all types of music. You'll never see Judas Priest, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, and Pat Benatar on the same bill again.

Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week:

PREMIERES

Fleishman Is In Trouble (Hulu)
Thursday, November 17

Does Jesse Eisenberg find these roles, or do they find him? He plays a recently divorced New York doctor who starts dating again when his ex-wife (Claire Danes) disappears. Now the good doctor has to take care of his two kids at the moment he starts to feel single again. Primetimer's Mark Blankenship reviewed the FX-produced eight-episode book adaptation and calls it "a glorious ode to middle age." Watch trailer.

Dead To Me Season 3 (Netflix)
Thursday, November 17

The second season of this comedy was not great, but the chemistry of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini is irresistible. The show is well past the first season death that brought their characters together, as the friendship between these ladies flourishes regardless of where the plot takes them in its last hurrah. Watch trailer.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

1899 (Netflix)
Thursday, November 17

A steamship heads from London to New York at the turn of the 20th century from the German creators of the time-jumping Dark. (Not to be confused with Paramount+'s Yellowstone prequel, 1883.) Watch trailer.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

The Santa Clauses (Disney+) - The holiday band is back together with Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell and David Krumholtz bringing good cheer to this new miniseries. Wednesday.

Pickled (CBS) - Stephen Colbert hosts a celebrity pickleball tournament - laugh now, but this sport is slowly taking over the world. Thursday at 9:00 ET.

Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium (Disney+) - See if Elton dons the Donald Duck costume in his final performance from sunny L.A. Sunday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: The Newsroom (HBO Max) - Aaron Sorkin might not be your political cup of tea, but the man knows how to write compelling dramatic television. This three season drama highlights the tension of a cable network newsroom and the daily backbreaking pressure of the job. Jeff Daniels puts on a clinic in the lead role.

Previous Picks:
Homeland (Showtime)
Warrior (HBO Max)
Oz (HBO Max)
Fauda (Netflix)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!

TV Picks - Week of November 7

All families have problems, except my own, of course (I love you all). What better place to air out all your issues than on TV? The Addams Family, All In The Family, Family Matters, Modern Family… countless sitcoms have been based around conflicts within the family unit. But let's face it… drama is where it's at these days. Just ask the Roys or Sopranos.

November has arrived, and two of TV’s finest family dramas have brought their angst with them. Both families are led by a strong leader unwilling to leave the past. Both leaders are government employees, one new at his job and one who has done it for a lifetime. Their eldest sons have been ignored and passed over, their daughters are emotional messes figuring out their lives, and everyone is out to get them as they live in the public eye. Get ready for not one, but two Season 5s premiering this week!

The Crown returns this Wednesday on Netflix, and Yellowstone is back Sunday night at 8:00 PM ET on the Paramount Network. We've got royalty on both sides of the pond, so let's break down these families piece by piece.

Head of the Table: Imelda Staunton takes on the mighty role of Queen Elizabeth II, leading an all-new crew of actors playing the royal family and its associates. The queen has given her life for her country at great expense. Her marriage, family, and social standing have taken many hits. But everyone, and I mean everyone, looks to her royal highness for guidance, wisdom, and above all... approval.

Exchange the crown for a cowboy hat, and things are no different in the mountains of Montana. John Dutton is the head of his family who constantly sacrifices to keep his land and dignity at any price. This season, John moves into government not by choice, but by necessity. His progeny are difficult to manage, but all eventually bow to his whim.

The First Sons: Prince Charles wanted the throne, but he also desired a different life companion. The Prince of Wales always appeared awkward in public and wrapped around his mom's little finger. When his wife out-shined him in public, he couldn't compete. He sought his mother's approval his entire life and was consistently overshadowed. Serious mommy issues.

Jamie Dutton fights a similar battle. All he wants is his father's respect and an occasional hug. Jamie resents his father, and the feeling is mutual. And now John is entering Jamie's political realm. He was supposed to be the political star, but he’s been usurped by his father who always casts a shadow. Serious daddy issues.

The Princesses: Princess Anne got lost in the Royal shuffle, but she was willing to play by the rules and find her own path. The throne would never be hers and managing relationships within the family proved to be a tough task. Anne gets overlooked but is stronger than most members of her clan. She just struggles with staying sane in her crazy world.

Things are a bit different with Beth Dutton, who doesn't take any crap from anybody. She is tough as nails and commands her father's respect. Beth is driven, determined and a true difference maker regardless of any consequences. Beth loves a good fight and often is the one stirring things up. She's everything Jamie could never be to her father.

The Beautiful Ones: Lady Diana Spencer rescued the monarchy from irrelevance. Charles was miserable, but Di had a smile that conquered the world. The suffering shown behind the scenes makes her plight all the more painful to watch. This monarchy was not what she signed up for, but she is determined to make the best of it.

Kayce Dutton just wants to be a cowboy, but things aren't that easy in his part of Montana. His rocky relationship with his Native American wife and son has been difficult to manage. Kayce finds himself in jobs that he had no intention of taking on. He resents his father but loves the land he lives on. The future of the ranch is in Kayce's hands, and he knows it.

The Destiny: Many historical dramas fail to overcome the most difficult hurdle facing them — we all know what happens. That's what makes the storytelling in The Crown so impressive. Charles is going to pout. Diana is going to take that fateful ride. The Queen is going to survive until 2022. But it doesn't matter because the characters are so rich.

All we know about this upcoming season of Yellowstone is that John Dutton is about to take office. His dealings, shady or otherwise, don't differ all that much from the political realm. But now he's directly in the public eye and will have to maneuver around crafty politicians. Jamie and Beth are destined to be in his cabinet, and the platform of protecting Montana will be a struggle in modern times.

The final parallel to draw between these programs is that they are excellent shows that pull no punches. They feature top notch writing, excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, and intense lessons in mortality and morality. In other words, great television. Welcome back.

Here’s what else is worth watching on TV this week:

PREMIERES

Hard Knocks In Season: The Arizona Cardinals (HBO)
Wednesday, November 9

NFL Films beautifully recaptures NFL training camp magic during the regular season going behind the scenes with one of the most talented teams playing in a tough division. Take a closer look at how these athletes and coaches get through the grind of any given Sunday week after week. Watch trailer.

Tulsa King (Paramount+)
Sunday, November 13

Sylvester Stallone tries to follow in Kevin Costner's footsteps jumping to the small screen in yet another Taylor Sheridan vehicle. Sly plays a New York mafia captain who gets out of prison and is sent to run things in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Terence Winter (Boardwalk Empire) is the show runner, and the cast is stacked in drama best served up by the man who has built contemporary Paramount television. Watch trailer.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The English (Prime Video)
Friday, November 11

Emily Blunt stars in a rough and tumble turn of the 19th century Wyoming western — BBC style. Watch trailer.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

The Calling (Peacock) – This eight-episode David E. Kelley crime series follows a NYPD detective who follows his instincts and spirits that he senses. Thursday.

Mammals (Prime Video) – James Corden is a decorated chef whose marriage falls apart in this dark British comedy. Friday.

Mythic Quest (Apple TV+) – Season 3 of the video game company comedy deals with defections and new rivalries. Friday.

Rogue Heroes (Epix) – The creator of Peaky Blinders tells the story of the creation of Britain's Special Air Service. Sunday at 9:00 ET.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Homeland (Showtime) — A Marine captain (Damian Lewis) returns home following eight years of captivity in Iraq, and CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) is convinced he's up to no good. Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin) provides government help in this intelligent drama which keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Previous Picks:
Warrior (HBO Max)
Oz (HBO Max)
Fauda (Netflix)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)