9-1-1, on Fox
A dry thunderstorm rolls over Los Angeles, bringing in a series of lightning strike emergencies for the 118 in this midseason premiere. Athena (Angela Bassett) and May (Corinne Massiah) go undercover to help Bobby (Peter Krause) with his investigation.
Pilot project: Wayans, Wayans Jr. behind new CBS father-son comedy
Damon Wayans Jr. (seen here) and his father are behind a new CBS pilot
Pilot project: Networks have begun handing out pilot orders, and the first comedy to be ordered to pilot at CBS features a high-profile pairing: that of father-and-son duo Damon Wayans (“My Wife and Kids”) and Damon Wayans Jr. (“Happy Endings”).
The Equalizer, on CBS
In this new episode, the mother of a patient dying of a rare brain disease holds a hospital hostage in an attempt to get her daughter a lifesaving surgery. McCall (Queen Latifah) races to resolve the situation peacefully while dealing with pushback.
Pond hopping: ‘Top Chef’ heads to London for 'World All-Stars'
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio return to host Season 20 of “Top Chef”
Few shows manage to stay on the air for more than a decade without some kind of “jumping the shark” moment or a noticeable decline. Fortunately, “Top Chef” is one of those exceptions.
New Releases for the week of March 5 - 11
Women Talking
After learning the truth about a shocking and horrific act committed by male members of their colony, the women and children of an unnamed and remote Mennonite community come together. Unable to read or write, community members Ona (Mara), Salome (Foy), Scarface (McDormand), Agata (Ivey) and Mariche (Buckley) organize the women to discuss their unfortunate circumstances while the men are away. They determine that they have three options: do nothing, stay and fight, or leave the only home they have ever known. With time working against them, the women must decide their future, not only for themselves but also for their colony.
Director: Sarah Polley. Stars: Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand, Judith Ivey, Emily Mitchell, Kate Hallett, Liv McNeil, Ben Whishaw, Sheila McCarthy, Michelle McLeod. 2022. 104 mins. Drama.
Christmas Bloody Christmas
Closing up the record store late on Christmas Eve, store owner Tori Tooms (Dandy) and her employee, Robbie Reynolds (Delich), head out for a drink with friends Jay (Ray) and Lahna (Madison) from a local toy shop. Unbeknownst to the group, a robot Santa from the toy shop has malfunctioned and its programming has reverted to a secret one tied to the U.S. Department of Defense. As the psychotic Santa animatronic wreaks terror and mayhem on the town, Tori and Robbie must escape the robot’s deadly wrath if they want to live to see Christmas morning.
Director: Joe Begos. Stars: Riley Dandy, Sam Delich, Jonah Ray, Dora Madison, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Abraham Benrubi, Jeremy Gardner, Graham Skipper, Kansas Bowling. 2022. 86 mins. Horror.
Ghost Town
In 1877, struggling drifter Soloman (Conway) comes across an isolated town in rural Arizona. Eagerly accepting a job as the local barman, Soloman settles into his new quiet life. But when strange supernatural occurrences begin to overtake the town, as a newcomer, he is immediately suspected by the other townsfolk. In order to clear his name, Soloman must investigate the goings-on before he falls victim to the hangman’s noose.
Director: Owen Conway. Stars: Owen Conway, Robert Sprayberry, Eva Hamilton, Becky Jo Harris, Brittany Mae, John Marrs, Amelia Haberman. 2023. Thriller.
Late Laughs for the week of Mar. 5 - Mar. 11
Late Night With Seth Meyers
At an event at the White House last week [Feb. 2] celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act, former president Bill Clinton said that he has more people bring up this law than "any other specific thing he did." Well, I don't know. I feel like it's the second. That's like O.J. saying most people bring up his Hertz commercials.
Cultivating relationships: Fox rolls out ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’
Hunter, Ryan, Landon and Allen from “Farmer Wants a Wife”
Ever since “The Dating Show” debuted in the 1965, television has increasingly played the role of matchmaker, tapping into our universal need for love and, yes, our addiction to the kind of schadenfreude only reality TV can provide.
Say Yes to the Dress, on TLC
Randy and the team at Kleinfeld Bridal help brides find the perfect wedding attire in this new episode. While bride Nina is running out of time to find a dance-friendly reception dress, couple Ashley and Amber search for a special gown and jumpsuit.
Q: Is it true that Julia Roberts almost wasn't in "Steel Magnolias"? I can't imagine it without her.
Can you imagine it with Meg Ryan instead? How about Winona Ryder?
Julia Roberts, a couple of years before her star-making role in "Pretty Woman" (1990), was actually the third choice to play Shelby in the landmark 1989 dramedy "Steel Magnolias."
Reportedly, the filmmakers first wanted Winona Ryder, who was coming off a big 1988, having starred in hits "Beetlejuice" and "Heathers." But the producers figured she was too young for the part.
Grand Crew, on NBC
This sitcom, featuring an ensemble cast including Nicole Byer and Echo Kellum, returns for a second season. The series centers on a group of young Black professionals living and working in Los Angeles, where they always make time for each other.
