TV on Tap: BBC America Goes Back To "Broadchurch," Maggie Smith Might Not Be Leaving "Downton Abbey" And Will Meets His Songwriting Collaborator on "Nashville"
News
A publicist insists that reports claiming that Dame Maggie Smith is planning to leave Downton Abbey at the end of the upcoming season aren't true and that Smith plans to stick with the drama "as long as the show runs." (Are we sure it's not the other way around, that Downton will run until Smith decides she's had enough?)
Fred Savage has been cast as Rob Lowe's brother in the Fox comedy pilot The Grinder. The series follows a TV star (Lowe) famous for a legal drama who returns to his hometown and takes over his family's law firm. Savage has mostly stayed behind-the-scenes directing episodes since his last live action series Crumbs ended.
Fred Savage
I've come to really enjoy the absurdity of FXX's Man Seeking Woman, possibly because so many of the plots let you correctly use literally when you describe them. For example, last week's episode literally took place at a wedding in hell. Thus, I'm thrilled that the comedy will return for a second season.
Mike Epps and Nia Long have joined the cast of ABC's Uncle Buck comedy. However, Hitfix's Daniel Fienberg argues that if ABC is going to remake Uncle Buck with an African-American cast, they should change the title. As Fienberg explains, "Buck" has a pretty troubled history as a slur used against African-Americans. Even if it's no longer a commonly used slur, ABC should think twice before making that association.
Syfy announced that the final season of Lost Girl and the second season of Bitten will debut on April 17.
Bitten
In disappointing news, IFC has cancelled Garfunkel and Oates. I enjoyed the series, especially the music videos made for the duo's comedic songs. The video for "29/31" is one of my favorites.
FiveThirtyEight analyzes TV spin-offs and determines that the average spin-off lasts 40% of the length of its parent show. Interestingly, the study finds only five spin-off series that surpassed the original (however, The Facts of Life seems to have been missed in the data set). Surprisingly, Frasier and Knots Landing just missed that feat.
Listings
The View (ABC) Check local listings
Lee Daniels is on today's show, that should mean some Empire discussion, right?
The Rachael Ray Show (syndicated) Check local listings
Nate Berkus is back today with ideas on bringing the feel of the outdoors indoors. (At least that's what I think they mean by "get the look and feel of the outdoors without actually leaving your house."
Melisa & Joey (ABC Family) 8:00 PM ET
It's the beginning of a Melissa & Joey two-parter as Dani get caught partying, prompting her mom to decide she doesn't want Dani living with Joe any longer.
Baby Daddy (ABC Family) 8:30 PM ET
One year ago, Ben forgot about Bonnie's birthday and promised her that he would totally make it up on her next birthday. Guess what he forgot to do? Now he's got a mad scramble to put together a last-minute celebration that looks like it was a year in the making.
Empire (Fox) 9:00 PM ET
There's a new threat to Empire thanks to Anika and Lucious' longtime rival, Billy Beretti (Judd Nelson). Among the efforts to face down this challenge, Jamal gets to know a well-known artist (played by Estelle).
Modern Family (ABC) 9:00 PM ET
Lily's performing in the school talent show and Cam is worried about her terrible sense of pitch. I'm not sure if he's worried about Lily making him look bad or if he's worried about Lily being bullied for her performance. She's not the only one performing as Jay and Clarie are making a commercial for Pritchett Closets.
The Americans (FX) 10:00 PM ET
As Gabriel decides he doesn't trust Phillip to bring Page into the program, Elizabeth steps up — but are her maternal instincts or her patriotic devotion at work?
Broadchurch (BBC America) 10:00 PM ET
After the devastating ending of the first season of Broadchurch the second season deals with the aftermath of such a shocking revelation about one of their neighbors. Once the tranquility of a small town is disrupted, it's hard to put things back.
Nashville (ABC) 10:00 PM ET
The next chapter for Will begins tonight as he is assigned to work with an out gay man on a songwriting collaboration — keep your fingers crossed that this isn't one of those Nashville storylines that drops the ball. Meanwhile, Rayna is inducted to the Grand Ole Opry.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX) 10:00 PM ET
In an amazing-sounding sitcom scenario, the gang go on a Family Feud-style game show which gives them all kinds of excuses to show off their clueless nature and general awfulness. Even better, Keegan-Michael Key shows up as the host.
Conan (TBS) 11:00 PM ET
In a (U.S.) late night talk show first, Conan heads to Cuba. From the looks of things, he makes a complete fool of himself, prompting a lot of Cubans sighing in exasperation and rolling their eyes.
What will you be watching tonight? Please share in the comments!
