Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll, on FX
Denis Leary returns to television as Johnny Rock, a washed-up rocker who decides to try to get his old band back together after watching another band's sold-out reunion show. The new comedy also stars John Corbett and Elaine Hendrix.
Q: I was watching the new show "Battle Creek" a couple of weeks ago, and they were talking about Alan Trammell from the Detroit Tigers. I went to high school with him in San Diego. Any info about his career and what he's up to now?
In the ninth episode of CBS's police comedy "Battle Creek," Font (played by Kal Penn) is talking about having once pulled over Alan Trammell and gotten his autograph.
It's a bit of funny banter between characters, but it also serves to further establish the show's Michigan bona fides (as if being named after one of its cities wasn't enough).
Wahlburgers, on A&E
The brothers push Paul to expand the franchise as they prepare to open new restaurants in New York, Boston and Los Angeles. Also this season, Mark promotes two feature films and Donnie’s on tour, but both men make time for the family business.
Hollywood Game Night, on NBC
Host Jane Lynch returns to guide the action as celebrities play party games to help contestants win cash. This season’s celebrities include Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Will Arnett, Wanda Sykes, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Debra Messing.
Q: Is Eden Sher, who plays Sue in "The Middle," kin to Mayim Bialik, who plays Amy in "The Big Bang Theory"?
Though there's a strong resemblance in the wide, expressive mouth and the tendency to do well on network sitcoms, there's no relation between the once and future child stars.
Despite their similar looks, there's actually a 16-year age gap between them. It's hard to believe, but Mayim Bialik will turn 40 in December.
The Whispers, on ABC
The clock ticks down as FBI child specialist Claire Bennigan (Lily Rabe) investigates a mysterious entity who’s been communicating with children. The premise of the drama is loosely based on the Ray Bradbury short story “Zero Hour."
End of the line: 'Hell on Wheels' returns for a final season
Anson Mount stars in “Hell On Wheels”
End of the line: AMC's twist on the classic western is nearing the end of the line.
"Hell on Wheels" pulls out of the station one last time starting Saturday, July 18, with the premiere of its fifth and final season, the first half of which is airing this summer; the second half will be broadcast in the summer of 2016.
High 'Steaks': Country music superstar Kix Brooks is following his tastebuds
Kix Brooks hosts “Steak Out with Kix Brooks”
I've said it before, and I'll be darned if I don't say it again: music and food are the perfect pairings.
The Strain, on FX
Determined to kill the strigoi, Eph (Corey Stoll) and Nora (Mia Maestro) work on a biological weapon in this season premiere. Meanwhile, Setrakian (David Bradley) risks the lives of everyone in the hopes of finding information about a closely guarded secret text.
New Releases for the week of July 12 - 18
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The cast from 2012's hit "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" return for a second film of hijinks and romance in India. With the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a residence for retired people in India, nearly at capacity, the hotel's owner, Sonny (Patel), pursues his dream of opening a second location. When a potential American investor sends an inspector to evaluate his operations, and the plans for his marriage run into a road bump, his life and the lives of his tenants are turned upside down.
Director: John Madden. Stars: Dev Patel, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, David Strathairn, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Richard Gere, Ronald Pickup. 2015. 122 min. Comedy.
Ex Machina
Caleb (Gleeson), a computer programmer for one of the world's biggest companies, is invited to visit the company's reclusive CEO, Nathan (Isaac), at his secluded research lab. There, Nathan shows him Ava (Vikander), the artificially intelligent robot that he's built following years of research into human intelligence. As Caleb gets to know Ava, he finds himself becoming emotionally connected to the robot, and it warns him to not trust Nathan. Soon, he becomes convinced that Ava is as much a thinking and feeling person as he is, and the artificial human convinces him to help it escape from the laboratory.
Director: Alex Garland. Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander, Sonoya Mizuno. 2015. 108 min. Sci-Fi.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
It's six years since the events of the first film, and Paul Blart (James) is still a mall security guard who takes his responsibilities very seriously. When he receives an invitation to a security officers' convention in Las Vegas, he jumps at the opportunity to network and enjoy a much-needed vacation with his daughter, Maya (Rodriguez). Unfortunately for Paul, safety doesn't take holidays, and a gang of criminals is plotting to steal the artwork from the hotel where the convention is taking place. When his daughter is taken hostage by the art thieves, it's up to Paul to save the day.
Director: Andy Fickman. Stars: Kevin James, Raini Rodriguez. 2015. 94 min. Comedy.