Month: August 2020

1) “Great Performances: In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams.” 9 p.m., PBS. This is feel-good TV – a show that feels especially good when we know what’s happened in the 11 years since it first aired. We see Lin-Manuel Miranda (shown here, left, in his later “Hamilton” triumph), then 28, ready to open “In the Heights” on Broadway. He’d been writing it since his sophomore year in college, where he met Thomas Kail, now directing it. We meet the gifted cast, see its Tony triumph … and know these people will soar again, with “Hamilton.” Read more…

2) “Mom,” 9:01 and 9:30 p.m., CBS. After starting with two terrific characters, this show kept adding great ones in support. Both of these reruns focus on Marjorie (Mimi Kennedy) and Jill (Jaime Pressly). In the first, Marjorie tries to reconnect with the son she lost touch with in her drunken years; in the second, she prepares for her first date since her husband’s death. Also, in the first one, Tammy sees a different side of Jill while working for her; in the second, Bonnie confesses to a long-ago theft Read more…

1) “Coroner” debut, 9 p.m., CW. Filling holes in its schedule, CW buys shows from overseas, some goofy (“Killer Camp,” “Task Master”) or bland (“Fridge Wars”) or fairly good (“Burden of Truth”). But here’s a splendid exception, a smart and well-crafted show, based on a series of novels. It starts with a life-changing moment for Dr. Jenny Cooper (Serinda Swan, shown here); then we flash forward. She has a new look and a new job, as Toronto’s coroner. The first case – at a youth detention center – is a good one. Read more…

1) “World of Dance,” 10 p.m., NBC. There are 12 acts left and only four spots in the finals. Tonight, six of the acts go for two of the spots. There are two talented soloists, plus groups ranging from the high-energy Grvmnt (shown here) to three guys who mainly just use hands and arms. It’s varied and entertaining. Read more…

1) “The Bachelor: The Greatest Season – Ever!” 8-11 p.m., ABC. This week, TV notes the shows that transformed its summers. On Tuesday, NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” celebrates its 15th anniversary; on Wednesday, CBS’ “Big Brother” celebrates its 20th year (and 22nd edition) by starting its second “all-star” edition. And here’s a look at “Bachelorette,” which has been a summertime show for the past dozen years. Tonight looks back at Ali Fedotowsky (sh0wn here), in the summer of 2010. Read more…