Month: November 2023

1) “Making Shakespeare: The First Folio,” 9-11 p.m., PBS. When Shakespeare died in 1616, about half of his 36 plays had been published. The rest – including “Macbeth,” “The Tempest” and “Julius Caesar” – could have faded away. But two friends, using stage copies and more, made the era’s biggest and most expensive book. This documentary has fascinating details … plus, oddly, long looks at “Hamlet” (shown here), which is not one of the shows that was rescued. Read more…

1) “Ghosts U.K.” debut, 9 and 9:30 p.m., CBS. Here’s the show CBS’ “Ghosts” is based on. Its concept is clever; its execution is adequate. As in the U.S. version, a new homeowner died briefly, was revived and could see the ghosts in her mansion. The American woman adjusted nimbly and liked these folks; the British one (shown here) spends much of this hour quaking. Then again, the American ghosts are more likable; the British ones are merely kind of amusing. Read more…

1) “Quantum Leap,” 8 p.m., NBC. After pausing last week for a debate, NBC returns to its Wednesday strength – new drama hours that are slickly entertaining. “Leap” has an especially good one: Ben time-travels to Princeton, shortly after the death of his hero, Albert Einstein. For the first time, he meets someone (shown here) he met in a previous leap; she was a waitress then and he helped tranform her life. Read more…

1) “NCIS: Sydney” opener, 8 p.m., CBS. Lots of cop cliches are bundled here, but they’re done with crisp skill. The two main cops — an Australian man and an American woman — are loose cannons, tough and cocky and (of course) terribly attractive. They battle each other, until an authority figure tries to take over; reluctantly, they work together. Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance (shown here) lead a first-rate blend of action, drama and occasional humor. Read more…

1) “Blackberry,” 10 p.m., AMC. At its peak, we’re told, Blackberry had 45 percent of the cell-phone market; now it has zero. That story was told in a movie that (with scenes added) is now this mini-series (shown here), continuing Tuesday and Wednesday. Jay Baruchel, Matt Johnson (who wrote the script) and Glenn Howerton (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) star in a story that includes one scheme to move the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team to Canada. Read more…