Daily Best Bets

Best-bets for Nov. 17: Shakespeare plus a streaming spree

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…

Best-bets for Nov. 16: lots of ghosts and royals

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…

Best-bets for Nov. 15: adventures in Hawaii, the ocean and the past

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…

Best-bets for Nov. 14: Murder in Sydney, Iceland and cyperspace

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…

Best-bets for Nov. 13: corporate schemes, “NCIS” memories

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…

Best-bets for Nov. 12: a lawman and a Grinch

1) “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” 9 and 10 p.m., CBS. After escaping from slavery during the Civil War, Reeves farmed in Indian country. A decade later, the U.S. marshal heard about his skill with native languages; Reeves became the first Black deputy west of the Mississippi, a job he held for 32 years. Now his story is a Paramount+ series starring David Oyelowo (“Selma”), shown here, and produced by Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone”); the first episodes air here. Read more…

Best-bets for Nov. 11: a Wonka-worthy “SNL”?

1) “Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. After missing some weeks because of the writers’ strike, “SNL” is busy. This is its fourth new episode in five weeks, with a fifth one (Jason Mamoa hosts) next week. Tonight is the second time as host for Timothee Chalamet, 27, whose “Wonka” (shown here) is coming Dec. 15. The music guest is the three-woman indie group, Boygenius. Read more…

Best-bets for Nov. 10: tributes to soldiers and a survivor

1) “Salute to Service,” 9 p.m., PBS. On Veterans Day eve, Jon Stewart offers a warm tribute. There’s great music from Amanda Shires, Mickey Guyton and Mandy Gonzalez (shown here in a previous performance) … and from soldiers. We hear military people who are gifted musicians, singers and (yes) rappers. Stewart also meets Evelyn Kandel: At 18, she was the pretty blonde chosen to represent her fellow Marines; 72 years later, we meet a helicopter pilot, one of four sisters who are West Point grads. Read more…

Best-bets for Nov. 9: “Big Brother” finale and a tough “Transplant”

1) “Big Brother” finale, 8-10 p.m., CBS. Three people still have a shot at being the show’s 25th winner. There’s Matt Klotz (shown here), 27, a gold-medal swimmer in the Deaflympics … “Jag” Bains,” 25, a truck-company owner who was rescued from eviction by Klotz on Aug. 31 … and “Bowie Jane” Ball, 45, a lawyer and DJ. The show has ousted 14 others; now one of the three will win $750,000. Read more…

Best-bets for Nov. 8: Nashville music and London society

1) Country Music Association awards, 8-11 p.m., ABC. The late Jimmy Buffett had lots of country friends; now some of them – Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally, Zac Brown Band — will perform his songs. Morgan Wallen (shown here) will do a country medley with Hardy and Post Malone, then return with a surprise guest. Also performing: Luke Bryan (who hosts with Peyton Manning), Dan + Shea, Kelsea Ballerini, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBride and more. Read more…