TV tonight: Grammy special; ‘Hot in Cleveland’ returns; ‘The Exes,’ ‘Teenage Daughter’ debut
Adele performs in Chicago in May. Photo credit: Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune
Music specials and comedy premieres are generating the most attention on tonight’s schedule.
The Grammy nominations special, at 10 o’clock on CBS, should be a big night for Adele. Her “Rolling in the Deep” looks like a shoo-in for Record and Song of the Year. Other top contenders Lady Gaga, the Band Perry and Rihanna are set to perform. The other performers include Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco and Sugarland. Two other top contenders, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry, are among the presenters. LL Cool J is the host.
“Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” at 8 o’clock on NBC, has lined up a starry cast to celebrate the holiday season. The talent includes Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Cee Lo Green, Faith Hill, Carole King, Katharine McPhee, Javier Colon, Big Time Rush and the Radio City Rockettes. The hosts are Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie of “Today.”
If you prefer scheming instead of holiday cheer, CBS offers a new episode of “Survivor: South Pacific” at 8. If you prefer your singing turned into a competitive game, Fox counters with a 90-minute “X Factor” at 8.
“TNT Mystery Movie Night” delivers its second presentation at 9: ”Ricochet” is based on Sandra Brown’s novel and stars John Corbett, Julie Benz and Gary Cole.
Comedy is making a comeback, but two newcomers tonight won’t add to the resurgence.
“I Hate My Teenage Daughter,” debuting at 9:30 on Fox, is a coarse, grating exercise. The premise: Two terrible teenagers bully their hapless mothers. The show wastes Jaime Pressly and Katie Finneran. Oh, the pain.
“The Exes,” premiering at 10:30 on TV Land, is a tired variation on “The Odd Couple.” Three divorced men, who have little in common, share an apartment. Finicky Stuart (David Alan Basche) annoys playboy Phil (Donald Faison) while Haskell (Wayne Knight) delivers zingers. Too bad the show isn’t built around Kristen Johnston as a brassy divorce attorney. What a woman.
TV Land has paired “The Exes” with “Hot in Cleveland,” which starts its third season at 10 p.m. Wednesday. That series may be a variation on “The Golden Girls,” but the actresses make it sizzle. Betty White leads the way. She has fine foils in Wendie Malick, Jane Leeves and Valerie Bertinelli.