TV Guide Magazine October 11, 2021
TV Guide Magazine tells you what’s worth watching. With its unparalleled access and authority, it's the only publication devoted exclusively to television. It includes celebrity interviews, in-depth previews, sneak peeks and authoritative reviews from critic Matt Roush.
in this issue
your feedback
HUGE SCORE! In this pandemic society that we are still a part of, Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso has brought joy and hope to me with every episode! Thanks to you and Senior Critic Matt Roush for your initial rave reviews of this series, which led me to watch it in the first place! I’m hoping I can purchase the series to keep forever and watch again with my grandchildren. —Rhonda PSYCH-ED UP The new edition of The Wonder Years on ABC is a home run! Former Psych star Dulé Hill, as Bill Williams, is the coolest dad ever. I hope this is as long lived as the first version! —Aimee TRIPLE THRILL I watched on CBS the FBI franchise’s three-way crossover [September 21, with FBI, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International], and…
ask matt
@TVGMMattRoush Several seasons ago, SundanceTV ran a series about two men who were best friends solving murders and such in their hometown in the Deep South. I had thought one of the two guys was Michael K. Williams, who recently died [on September 6, 2021], yet this show isn’t listed in any of his obituaries. The show was called ___ and ___. Please help! —Beth C. MATT ROUSH: You’re thinking of Hap and Leonard, a terrific series that aired on SundanceTV for three seasons from 2016 to 2018, based on the novels of the same name by Joe R. Lansdale. I called the show at the time “the most pungently flavorful regional crime drama since Justified.” Williams was the memorable Vietnam vet Leonard Pine to James Purefoy’s ex-con Hap Collins, two men…
25 top shows
Smart Watch If you have a half hour, check out this series Is imitation the most profitable form of flattery? American Idol fave Adam Lambert is one judge on Clash of the Cover Bands, with versions of Dolly Parton, Bon Jovi and more competing. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 9:30/8:30c, E! If you have an hour, watch this docuseries All Magellan wanted, 500 years ago, was to sail his way to spice trade riches. But Secrets of the Dead says his journey led to our global economy. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 10/9c, PBS (check local listings at pbs.org) If you have a free evening, watch this show An ex-cast member, Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, hosts Saturday Night Live. It’s still among the Top 20 most popular shows among all TV viewers, 47 years in. Musical guest: Brandi Carlile.…
first look
Here’s a welcome holiday treat: The Waltons’ Homecoming, a warm remake of the 1971 film that led to TV’s beloved Waltons series (1972–81). The cast is new—clockwise from top left: Bellamy Young (Olivia), Christian Finlayson (Jason), Marcelle LeBlanc (Mary Ellen), Logan Shroyer (John Boy), Ben Lawson (John Sr.), Tatum Sue Matthews (Erin), Callaway Corrick (Elizabeth), Samuel Goergon (Jim Bob)—but the film again portrays the clan awaiting John’s belated arrival. Narrating is original John Boy Richard Thomas, who says this version also shows that “love is the most important factor.” (Sunday, Nov. 28, 8/7c, The CW) —Jim Halterman The Show We’re Talking About in the Office There are plenty of reasons to be enjoying Hulu’s madcap, mysteryfilled whodunit comedy Only Murders in the Building. But with each mazelike hunt for clues as to…
the roush review
@TVGMMattRoush Ordinary Joe The rocker, the cop, the nurse: Deep down, they’re all the same guy Mondays, 10/9c, NBC IT’S SO HARD these days to find anything out of the ordinary on the broadcast networks that an ambitiously sentimental gem like Ordinary Joe jumps out and makes you want to hug it. Best suited for those who dab their eyes (rather than roll them) at the manipulative handiwork of This Is Us, NBC’s latest yank at the heartstrings introduces three versions of Joe Kimbreau, each endearingly played by the boyishly charming James Wolk. Joe’s journey down his disparate paths begins at college graduation, where a “road not taken” speech hits so on the nose that I couldn’t help but groan. Thankfully, the inner cynic soon gave way to the Sliding Doors softie within, who’s getting…
smooth operator
Grey’s Anatomy Thursdays, 9/8c, ABC “You can’t help but think about life and all that has transpired in those many years away” IS THERE ANY chance Addison Montgomery’s arrival at Grey Sloan Memorial will be as intensive as her first appearance? We know this: Kate Walsh, who sizzled as the seemingly cold-blooded but often warmhearted neonatal surgeon for Seasons 2 and 3 on Grey’s Anatomy (and parts of several more), makes her muchanticipated hospital homecoming on the October 14 episode. But fans won’t ever forget her 2005 introduction, in the juggernaut medical drama’s first-season finale. The mysterious, impeccably dressed redhead strode over to her estranged partner, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), and his new paramour, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). Extending her hand, she crisply introduced herself to Meredith as Addison Shepherd before adding, after a…
