Backstrom, on Fox
Rainn Wilson brings Swedish criminologist and novelist Leif G.W. Persson’s character to life. Cantankerous cop Everett Backstrom (Wilson) sees the worst in people, and he’s usually correct as he heads up Portland’s newly minted Special Crimes Unit.
Q: Is it true that the TV series "Bitten" is based on a book?
It's actually based on a series of books, so the show has plenty of material to work with -- which is good news since it's coming back for a new season.
The werewolf drama is based on the "Pack" stories by Canadian author Kelley Armstrong, part of her larger "Otherworld" universe. There are currently 29 "Pack" stories, five of which are novels, the rest being novellas and short stories.
Fresh Off the Boat, on ABC
When 11-year-old Eddie Huang (Hudson Yang) and his family move from Chinatown in Washington, D.C., to Orlando, he desperately wants to fit in with the other kids. The new comedy is Eddie Huang’s best-selling memoir of the same name.
Parks and Recreation, on NBC
The people of Pawnee continue to rely on Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), who’s risen through the ranks to become the department’s Deputy Parks Director. The critically acclaimed series also stars Chris Pratt as local TV personality Andy Dwyer and Nick Offerman as Leslie’s old boss Ron Swanson.
Pledging 'Allegiance': NBC's new spy thriller examines multiple levels of loyalty
Hope Davis stars in “Allegiance”
We’re all bound to clash with our parents at some point in our lives, but chances are these instances aren’t matters of national security or international intrigue.
2 Broke Girls, on CBS
Unlikely friends and business partners Max (Kat Dennings) and Caroline (Beth Behrs) may be from completely different worlds, but they bond over cupcakes. While continuing to wait tables at the diner, they also operate an after-hours cupcake window in the hopes of building their business.
Q: What building did they use for the school in "10 Things I Hate About You"? Is it a real building or is it computer generated?
Hard as it may be to believe for the average person who did not take their math classes in a castle and did not run laps in what looks like half a coliseum, the school in the 1999 teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" is not only a real building, it's a real high school.
Take 2.0: Alfonso Ribeiro hosts Cooking Channel's 'Unwrapped' revival
Alfonso Ribeiro hosts “Unwrapped 2.0”
Who doesn't have a bit of a sweet tooth? Sure, some of us have more of one than others, but almost everyone has their own favorite candies, sweet and treats.
Tyson's talking: Famed astrophysicist reaches for the stars in new Nat Geo talk show
Neil deGrasse Tyson is set to host “Star Talk”
Tyson's talking: Time may be relative, but that doesn't mean that Neil deGrasse Tyson can't be relied on to keep up audiences' science education.
New Releases for the week of February 1 - 7
Dracula Untold
At the turn of the century, a strong young prince named Vlad Tepes (Evans) peacefully rules a small kingdom. When a ruthless sultan threatens the lives of his wife and son, however, Vlad is willing to go to great lengths to keep them safe -- even at the cost of his very soul. His journey takes him to a cave high on a mountain where he encounters a being that bestows upon him a frightening power. In receiving this power, Vlad the Impaler becomes the legendary vampire Dracula.
Director: Gary Shore. Stars: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Charles Dance, Sarah Gadon, Art Parkinson, Diarmaid Murtagh, Paul Kaye, William Houston, Noah Huntley, Ronan Vibert, Zach McGowan. 2014. 92 min. Action.
Dear White People
Biracial student activist Samantha White (Thompson) hosts a provocative campus radio show at the prestigious Winchester University. Sam is elected president of Parker-Armstrong, a residential hall under the threat of losing its traditionally all-black status in the face of diversification. Amidst the growing clamor, Afro-sporting nerd Lionel Higgins (Williams) is recruited by the all-white student newspaper to go undercover and write about black culture, though he really knows little on the subject. Resentment and misunderstandings abound in what turns into a campus culture war that challenges the conventional ideas of what it means to be black.
Director: Justin Simien. Stars: Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Teyonah Parris, Brandon P Bell, Malcolm Barrett, Dennis Haysbert, Peter Syvertsen. 2014. 108 min. Comedy.
Exists
Matt (Davis) and Brian (Osborn) are looking to spend a weekend partying with three of their friends in their uncle’s secluded cabin in the woods of east Texas. The five pals set out for their summer getaway in high spirits, which are abruptly dampened when they arrive at the cabin and see its dilapidated state. Nevertheless, the pals are determined to have a good time and to film the weekend’s antics. The vacation is anything but fun, however, when an urban legend becomes reality and the partygoers find themselves stalked by the Sasquatch.
Director: Eduardo Sánchez. Stars: Dora Madison Burge, Samuel Davis, Roger Edwards, Chris Osborn, Brian Steele, Denise Williamson, Jeff Schwan. 2014. 81 min. Horror.