“Shrinking” - Season 2 (Apple TV+ — Oct. 16, Season Premiere) Returning for it’s second season, this acclaimed comedy drama series follows Jimmy (Jason Segel), who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks.
to people’s lives — including his own. Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell and Ted McGinley also star. October 6 - 12,
Ignoring his training and ethics,
himself making huge, tumultuous
NowisTheTime To MakeYourMove.
Letusworryaboutshovelingthesnowwhile you enjoyyourmorning co eeandhomecookedmeal.
1 p.m. WEEK WMAQ NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500. From Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. (L)
Saturday
9 a.m. USA NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Drive for the Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Qualifying. From Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (L)
11 a.m. WEEK WMAQ IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship MOTUL Petit Le Mans. From Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. (L)
11:30 a.m. USA NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400, Qualifying. From Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (L)
3 p.m. WGN NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Drive for the Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. From Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (L)
5 p.m. USA IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship MOTUL Petit Le Mans. From Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga.
BASEBALL
Sunday
9:30 p.m. WYZZ Cardinals Insider
Monday
3 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Leadoff (L)
4 p.m. TBS MLB Baseball (L)
7:30 p.m. TBS MLB Baseball (L)
11 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Closer (L)
Wednesday
3 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Leadoff (L)
4 p.m. TBS MLB Baseball (L)
7:30 p.m. TBS MLB Baseball (L)
11 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Closer (L)
Thursday
6:30 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Leadoff (L)
7 p.m. TBS MLB Baseball (L)
10:30 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Closer (L)
Saturday
6:30 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Leadoff (L)
7 p.m. TBS MLB Baseball (L)
10:30 p.m. TBS MLB on TBS: Closer (L)
BASKETBALL
Sunday
1:30 p.m. WLS WNBA Countdown (L)
2 p.m. WLS WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. (L)
4 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. (L)
7 p.m. ESPN Milwaukee Bucks at Detroit Pistons. From Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich. (L)
Monday
2 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Today (L)
Tuesday
2 p.m. ESPN NBA Today (L)
7 p.m. ESPN2 WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. (L)
9 p.m. ESPN2 WNBA Basketball Playoffs: Teams TBA. (L)
Wednesday
2 p.m. ESPN NBA Today (L)
3 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Today
9 p.m. ESPN NBA Countdown (L)
9:30 p.m. ESPN Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings. From Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (L)
Thursday
2 p.m. ESPN NBA Today (L)
3 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Today
6:30 p.m. ESPN WNBA Countdown (L)
7 p.m. ESPN 2024 WNBA Finals Game 1: Teams TBA. (L)
Friday
2 p.m. ESPN NBA Today (L)
FOOTBALL
Sunday
6:30 a.m. ESPN2 College Football Final
7:30 a.m. ESPN2 The Breakdown with Peyton and Belichick
9 a.m. ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown (L)
ESPN2 Fantasy Football Now (L)
10 a.m. WPWR WYZZ FOX NFL Kickoff (L)
11 a.m. WFLD WYZZ FOX NFL Sunday (L)
12 p.m. WBBM WMBD NFL Football (L)
WFLD WYZZ Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears. From Soldier Field in Chicago. (L)
3 p.m. WFLD WYZZ NFL on FOX Postgame (L)
3:25 p.m. WBBM WMBD NFL Football (L)
6 p.m. WEEK WMAQ Football Night in America (L)
7:15 p.m. WEEK WMAQ Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers. From Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (L)
10:30 p.m. WFLD Bears Game Night Live
12 a.m. ESPN2 Ole Miss at South Carolina. From WilliamsBrice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.
1 a.m. ESPN Teams TBA.
Monday
1 p.m. ESPN2 The Breakdown with Peyton and Belichick
2 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)
4 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live
5 p.m. ESPN Monday Night Countdown
7:15 p.m. ESPN New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs. From Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (L)
ESPN2 Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli: New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs. From Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (L)
10:15 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 Monday Night Postgame (L)
Tuesday
1 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live (L)
1:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live
3 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live (L)
6 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live
Wednesday
1 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live (L)
1:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live
3 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)
4 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live
6 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Countdown (L)
6:30 p.m. ESPN2 New Mexico State at Jacksonville State. From Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium in Jacksonville, Ala. (L)
Thursday
1 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live (L)
1:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live
3 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)
4 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live
6 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Countdown (L)
6:30 p.m. ESPN2 Coastal Carolina at James Madison. From Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Va. (L)
Friday
1 p.m. ESPN2 The Breakdown with Peyton and Belichick
3 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)
4:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live
5 p.m. ESPN2 Harvard at Cornell. From Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, N.Y. (L)
6 p.m. ESPN Memphis at South Florida. From Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (L)
7 p.m. WFLD WYZZ Northwestern at Maryland. (L)
8 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Scoreboard (L) WGN Inside the NFL Week 5. Highlights from Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season.
8:15 p.m. ESPN2 Prairie View A&M at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. From Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff, Ark. (L)
9 p.m. ESPN College Football Scoreboard (L)
9:30 p.m. ESPN Utah at Arizona State. From Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (L)
1:30 a.m. ESPN2 The Season: Ole Miss Football
sports this week
2:30 a.m. ESPN Memphis at South Florida. From Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Saturday
6 a.m. ESPN2 NFL Live
7 a.m. ESPN2 NFL Matchup
7:30 a.m. ESPN2 The Breakdown with Peyton and Belichick
1:30 p.m. WBBM WMBD CBS College Football Kickoff (L)
2 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 College Football Scoreboard (L)
WBBM WMBD College Football Today (L)
WEEK WMAQ Notre Dame Football: College Countdown (L)
playerprofile
WLS College Football Studio (L)
WPWR Bethune-Cookman at Alabama A&M. From Louis Crews Stadium in Huntsville, Ala. (L)
2:30 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 WBBM WLS WMBD Teams TBA. (L)
WEEK WMAQ Stanford at Notre Dame. From Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (L) WFLD WYZZ FOX College Football Extra (L)
3 p.m. WFLD WYZZ Teams TBA. (L)
5:30 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 College Football Scoreboard (L) WLS College Football Studio (L)
6 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 Teams TBA. (L)
WBBM WMBD CBS College Football Postgame Show (L)
WEEK WMAQ Big Ten Countdown (L)
BY ROBERTO JOZEF
Pittsburgh Penguins kick off the 202425 regular season home opener against New York Rangers
Get excited, hockey fans: the NHL is back with regular season action. The Pittsburgh Penguins open their 2024-25 campaign by hosting a Metropolitan Division rival, the New York Rangers, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Oct. 9. The puck drops live on TNT and the Max streaming service. After missing the playoffs in 2023-24 for the second straight year, the Penguins are determined for a better start to the season, aiming to set the tone early out the gate as they push for a turnaround.
If the Penguins are to have any success, a key piece will be veteran Evgeni Malkin, who is entering his 19th season in the league. Proving he still has a lot left in the tank, last season Malkin put up 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) in 82 games, providing the Penguins with consistent offensive production once again. With offensive support from players such as Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson and captain Sidney Crosby, Malkin and his teammates will be aiming for a better outcome on the power play after struggling to muster up many offensive opportunities last season — ranking third last in the entire NHL.
At the other end of the ice are the visiting Rangers, who ranked third in the league on the power play with a success rate of 26.4%. And, after a hot start to the playoffs last season — eventually losing to the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference final — the Rangers are once again a team to look out for with much of their core still intact and ready to have another successful season.
Full name: Evgeni Vladmirovich Malkin
Birthdate: July 13, 1986 (38)
Birthplace: Magnitogorsk, Russia
Height/weight: 6-3/195 pounds
Team(s): Pittsburgh Penguins (2003-present)
WLS College Football Studio (L)
6:30 p.m. WEEK WLS WMAQ Teams TBA. (L)
WFLD WYZZ FOX College Football Extra (L)
7 p.m. WFLD WYZZ Teams TBA. (L)
9 p.m. ESPN College Football Final (L)
ESPN2 College Football Scoreboard (L)
9:30 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 Teams TBA. (L)
12:30 a.m. ESPN2 College Football Final (L)
2 a.m. ESPN College Football Final
GOLF
Sunday
3:30 p.m. ESPN2 Golf Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, Final Round.
Friday
2 p.m. ESPN2 Golf PGA Jr. League Championship, First Round. (L)
HOCKEY
Tuesday
3 p.m. ESPN The Point (L)
3:30 p.m. ESPN St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken. From Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. (L)
6 p.m. ESPN Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers. From Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. (L)
9 p.m. ESPN Chicago Blackhawks at Utah Hockey Club. From Delta Center in Salt Lake City. (L)
1 a.m. ESPN2 Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers. From Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.
sportsquiz
Honors and achievements: Stanley Cup Champion (2006, 2016, 2017), Art Ross Trophy (2009, 2012), Conn Smythe Trophy (2009)
Wednesday
5 p.m. TNT NHL on TNT Face Off (L)
6:30 p.m. TNT New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins. From PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (L)
9 p.m. TNT Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights. From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (L)
12 a.m. TNT NHL Post-Game on TNT (L)
RACKET SPORTS
Sunday
9 p.m. ESPN2 PPA Tour Pickleball Stratusphere Gin Virginia Beach Cup. From Virginia Beach, Va.
SOCCER
Sunday
8 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Aston Villa vs. Manchester United. From Villa Park in Birmingham, England, United Kingdom. (L)
10:30 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Tottenham Hotspur. (L)
4 p.m. ESPN2 NWSL Soccer Washington Spirit at Orlando Pride. From Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Fla. (L)
Saturday
6:30 p.m. WCPX NWSL Soccer Angel City FC at North Carolina Courage. From WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. (L)
8 p.m. TNT Men’s International Soccer Friendlies United States vs. Panama. From Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. (L)
9 p.m. WCPX NWSL Soccer Kansas City Current at Bay FC. From PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif. (L)
BY ALEX HENDRY
Hockey Captains
1) In August 2024, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the 26th captain in team history when John Tavares passed the “C” formally to which teammate?
2) Goalies are no longer permitted to serve as in-game team captains; however, this Canadian-born goalie was an unofficially recognized team captain from 2008-2010. Who is he?
3) The Minnesota Frost (formerly known as PWHL Minnesota) won the inaugural Walter Cup. Who is the first championship-winning team captain in league history?
4) Who is the only captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup with two separate franchises?
1) Auston -Mat thews
2) Roberto Luongo
3) Kendall Coyne Schofield
4) Mark Messier (1990 -Edmon ton Oilers and 1994 New York Rangers)
BY JAY BOBBIN
Start making sense: Jesse L. Martin delves back into ‘The Irrational’
It isn’t irrational for Jesse L. Martin (“Law & Order”) to be pleased about getting a second season for his latest series.
However, he continues to deal with cases that defy conventional logic as an internationally prominent behavioral psychology authority who assists law officers as “The Irrational” begins its sophomore round Tuesday, Oct. 8, on NBC. Each new episode will also stream on Peacock, starting the day after its NBC debut.
Washington, D.C.,-based Prof. Alec Mercer (Martin) knows criminal behavior from a close proximity, having suffered injuries in a church bombing many years ago. Martin says he relates very personally to his “Irrational” alter ego, reasoning that as an actor, “If you’re worth your salt in any way, shape or form, your whole job is to look at human behavior and reflect it, whether it be on stage or on film or small screen. On television, I’ve been doing that all my life. Kids do it with their imaginations every single day; they figure out how to behave like a monster or a police officer, and I do that as a career. I just didn’t have scientific terms for it coming up. Now I do.
“I can see it sort of from a scientific angle, but growing up as an actor training, it was always from sort of an emotional place: ‘It gets people to feel this way or feel that way, and what does that look like in the body?’ Now it’s sort of like I’ve got terms to describe it, so I feel a little bit smarter.”
Mercer’s work with the FBI has another element, since one of the agents is his exwife Marisa (played by Maahra Hill, “Delilah”), but his sister Kylie (Travina Springer, “Strange Angel”) and his university research assistants, played by “Partner Track’s” Arash DeMaxi and Molly Kunz (“Widows,” 2018), help to keep him on track. The show is making room for Mercer to take a somewhat fresh approach in Season 2, since the lingering bombing mystery reached something of a resolution at the end of the first season.
“I find that it’s really satisfying for an audience to wonder, but to also get those answers,” maintains “The Irrational” creator and executive producer Arika Lisanne Mittman, who cut her producer’s teeth on the Showtime fan-favorite “Dexter.” “I never wanted that storyline to be something that spanned five years of a series. I wanted it to have a satisfying ending to Season [1], and to open up the second season for new questions, new mysteries and new stories.”
However, Martin notes, “What it led to was more questions for my character. Often when people go through a traumatic experience, it — for lack of a better way to put it — becomes part of their identity. If the story is solved, or the mystery of it is solved, there’s something that happens to their identity in it. That bleeds probably for the eternity of the series, which I think is really fascinating.”
Mittman insists that the crime-solving aspect of “The Irrational” isn’t meant to override the psychological one. “We do always look at every episode [in terms of], ‘How is this about psychology? What is the psychology in this episode?’ We don’t ever want to tell just a traditional by-the-book kind of case. Dan Ariely, who wrote the book that this is based on [‘Predictably Irrational’], consults for us. He helps us with some of these psychological terms, and we have to do a lot of reading.
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
As Karen Huger deals with the aftermath of her car accident and DUI, she struggles to open up to the other ladies. Meanwhile, Gizelle Bryant is thriving in her dating life and her wellness initiative, GNA Fusion, and Ashley Darby is moving ahead with her divorce, diving into the dating scene
celebrity q&a
as a single mom. Catch up with the rest of the housewives in the Season 9 premiere of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” airing Sunday, Oct. 6 on Bravo. For all the latest gossip ahead of the premiere, visit www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish /show/the-real-housewives-of-potomac
BY JAY BOBBIN
Gina Rodriguez OF LUCKY 13 ON ABC/HULU
Q: I was surprised to read that Gina Rodriguez will be joining “Will Trent” for its new season. Does that mean she won’t be doing the game show “Lucky 13” anymore?
A: That remains to be seen, at least as of the time this answer was written. The ABC and Hulu contest — for which Rodriguez and Shaquille O’Neal have shared hosting duties — recently ended its freshman season, and its future is still to be determined. Rodriguez has a particularly vested interest in that, since she’s also an executive producer of the program. One would think that her staying in the ABC family won’t hurt her chances of staying “Lucky,” so to speak, for future seasons.
There’s some time for that to be decided, though, if the Las Vegas-based game remains a summer entry as it was this year. Also, it’s very conceivable that Rodriguez could do both “Lucky 13” and “Will Trent.” The latter series is expected to return for its third season early in the new year, and it’s in production now for that … whereas like most primetime game shows, a season of “Lucky 13” can be taped relatively quickly, over the course of a couple of weeks. Presumably, Rodriguez’s work on the “Will Trent” episodes would be finished by the time she was needed for the game again.
In “Will Trent,” the actress is slated to portray Marion Alba, a self-assured assistant district attorney who arrives in Atlanta and soon makes the acquaintance of police detective Will (played by Ramon Rodriguez, no relation to Gina). They reportedly don’t hit it off with each other professionally at first, but they’re soon partnered on a case and have to learn to get along.
Maahra Hill in “The Irrational”
The stars of “The Real Housewives of Potomac”
Be My Guest With Ina Garten FOOD 11 a.m.
Cook and author Ina Garten welcomes “Seinfeld” and “Veep” star Julia Louis-Dreyfus to her humble abode for some country French omelet and a class on cake frosting and piping. While there, Louis-Dreyfus shares stories about “Seinfeld” and “SNL.”
WNBA Basketball WLS 2 p.m.
If needed, Game 4 of the semi-finals air today. It will see the final four WNBA teams still standing compete to punch their ticket to the Finals. While it took so much effort to get to this moment, do the teams have enough stamina to make another push?
90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days TLC 7 p.m.
Love is a many splendored thing — especially early on. And yet, as soon as couples start making plans, things can get dicey. Adnan’s rules leave Tigerlily upset. Loren already worries it’s over with Faith. And, Rayne wants Chidi to visit her.
Ridley WTTW 7 p.m.
When a decomposing body is discovered in the hollow of a tree, former detective Alex Ridley (Adrian Dunbar) suspects various men from the victim’s past. But when another body is discovered with links to Jean Dixon (Elizabeth Berrington), concern grows.
NFL Football WEEK WMAQ 7:15 p.m.
Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys head north to Acrisure Stadium to take on Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers of the AFC. Both teams have looked sharp and physical early in the season, but can these two storied teams keep it up?
Queens Court BRAVO 8 p.m.
When queens need a king, you can bet that Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, Rodney Peete, are ready, willing and able to help guide them through the process of love. But can the queens overcome their past disappointments and find happiness?
Adnan and Tigerlily star in “90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days”
Hoarders A&E 7 p.m.
This reality series depicting the lives of those who suffer from compulsive hoarding disorder returns for its 16th season with two back-toback episodes. The first episode focuses on Tim, while the second catches up with Nathan and Kathy.
Superman & Lois WGN 7 p.m.
This Season 4 premiere finds Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) and the boys (Alex Garfin, Michael Bishop) struggling with their grief over the death of Superman (Tyler Hoechlin). Meanwhile, Lex Luthor (Michael Cudlitz) just wants to enjoy the moment.
Ancient Aliens: Origins HISTORY 8 p.m.
Giorgio Tsoukalos, William Henry and Jason Martell look at the arguments for the Ancient Astronaut theory in this series premiere. Since modern machinery would struggle to create humanity’s ancient wonders, advanced tech is the only plausible option.
The Price Is Right at Night WBBM WMBD 8 p.m.
Come on down to an all-new episode! Drew Carey hosts as audience members step up to win amazing showcase prizes by correctly guessing the price of everyday items in this prime-time edition of the classic game show. What will the contestants win this time?
Rescue: HI-Surf WFLD WYZZ 8 p.m.
Emily (Arielle Kebbel), Will (Adam Demos) and the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu’s Seven Mile Miracle struggle with their personal and professional lives while saving people in life-threatening situations.
POV WTTW 9 p.m.
Bound for Poland, a volunteer aid van makes its way out of Ukraine, ferrying generations of citizens looking to flee the carnage of Russian attacks. Along the way, each passenger finds the van to be everything from a shelter to a confessional.
Tyler Hoechlin in “Superman & Lois”
Deadliest Catch DISC 7 p.m.
As Keith fights for his life at Anchorage General, Sig helps his brother Monte to get back on the crab. Aboard the Titan Explorer, Jake’s deckhand is knocked out by 900 pounds of swinging steel. Rick’s new engineer crosses a line he can’t come back from.
The Voice WEEK WMAQ 7 p.m.
Judges Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire are getting comfortable in their spinning chairs as they try to find the next great vocal talent. But will their competitive nature have them singing a different tune once the teams are set?
Accused WFLD WYZZ 7 p.m.
The Season 2 premiere of this anthology series follows people caught up in the world of crime and punishment — but from the defendant’s point of view. This season features the likes of Debra Winger, Mercedes Ruehl, William H. Macy and Michael Chiklis.
Caught in the Act: Unfaithful MTV 8 p.m.
Having been in her fair share of drama, host Tami Roman knows a thing or two about spotting liars. So, she uses her talents to help victims of infidelity catch their cheating significant others in the act. This time, she helps Vanna catch her husband.
1000-Lb. Sisters TLC 8 p.m.
To celebrate their new attitudes on life, sisters Amy and Tammy get new looks in this Season 6 premiere. As they prepare for an upcoming appointment, Tammy takes steps towards becoming independent, while ghosts from her past lead Amy to move back home.
Citizen Nation WTTW 8 p.m.
PBS’s latest docuseries follows high school students from across the U.S. as they compete in the nation’s premier civics competition. Over the course of four parts, students with diverse beliefs come together to answer critical questions about democracy.
Felicity Huffman in “Accused”
The STREAM Scene
“Killer Cakes” - Season 1 (Oct. 8)
From horror visionaries Blumhouse Television and Cake Boss creators High Noon Entertainment, this new series is a one-of-a-kind competition show where bakers with terrifying skills attempt to win some of the most frightening challenges ever produced for television. Contestants will work with the best horror special e ects artists in Hollywood to unleash their twisted imaginations and create cakes so disgusting, so disturbing, and so realistic, it’s the stu of nightmares. Matthew Lillard hosts, working alongside expert judges Danielle Harris and Nikk Alcaraz.
celebrity update
BY ADAM THOMLISON
“Solar Opposites Halloween Special” (Oct. 7)
Continuing its fth season with the new Halloween special, titled “ e Hunt for Brown October,” this episode nds spooky stu afoot for the Solar Opposites when the spirit of Halloween starts to take over Korvo’s (Dan Stevens) life. omas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone and Mary Mack also voice star.
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
“Starting 5” (Oct. 9) is new, 10-part Net ix sports series provides an intense, behind-the-scenes look at the 2023-24 NBA season through the eyes of ve of the league’s biggest players - Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics). e series captures their battles on and o the court as they chase greatness, push through injuries, and balance the demands of family and legacy.
Johnny Galecki
Q: What is Johnny Galecki doing since “The Big Bang Theory” ended?
A: Not as much as you’d think. Maybe recovering.
Being one of the stars of one of the biggest shows on TV for 12 years probably tired him out a little. And at the end of “The Big Bang Theory’s” landmark run in 2019, he was moonlighting in another sitcom at the same time: “The Conners.” That, of course, was a return to the role that made him famous, “The Conners” being
a sequel/rebrand of “Roseanne,” the sitcom in which he starred in the ‘90s.
As if that weren’t enough, Galecki also did a voice in the tear-jerking feature “A Dog’s Journey” (2019), which came out a few months after “Big Bang” wrapped.
Since then he’s transitioned to being a TV producer. He tried to get a medical drama off the ground back in 2022, called “Catching Babies,” which would have focused specifically
Corey Schultz, Funeral Director
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“Bluey Minisodes” - New Episodes
(Oct. 7)
Bringing more tail-wagging fun and heartwarming stories to families, a new slate of “Bluey Minisodes” make their debut. Further exploring the beloved world of “Bluey,” the smash-hit Australian children’s series about the adventures of blue heeler pup Bluey and her family, these new shorts, running one to three minutes each, highlight funny and sweet moments featuring Bluey and Bingo, leaning into playful interactions and games.
OF THE BIG BANG THEORY ON CBS
on a hospital’s maternity ward, but it didn’t get picked up by ABC.
But, he’s since returned to more familiar territory — he’s developing a sitcom pilot that would follow a small startup company trying to break out in the early days of the internet. “AOK” (the title seems to be a pun on one-time tech giant AOL) would return Galecki to the world of nerds and the familiar surroundings of CBS.
It’s still in the early stages, so it’s not clear if he would star as well or just remain behind the scenes.
A Lasting Tribute
WINTER IS COMING
ACROSS
1. 3-Down star with a mohawk
4. Headpieces in “The Crown” and “Game of Thrones”
8. Ram
12. Cry at a circus
13. Legal rights org. 14. Some addresses
15. Córdoba cry
16. Jack Lemmon’s “Days of Wine and Roses” (1962) co-star
18. 2023 Rachel Weisz miniseries
20. Stretched 21. Horse-and-buggy
22. Required things
24. ___ out (declined)
28. __ _ whim
29. Need to pay
30. “Wonder ___” (2017)
33. Some stadium features
35. Border
37. Slap on
38. With 22-Down, Fred Armisen comedy
42. “I’ll Be There for You” for “Friends,” e.g.
44. Ornamental fish
45. Certain something
46. “If all ___ fails ...”
47. Particularly: Abbr.
48. Composes
49. Oracle
50. Legal matter DOWN
1. Atmosphere
2. Seinfeld, on “Seinfeld,” e.g.
3. George Peppard TV series
4. Carroll’s “The ___ and the Carpenter”
5. Nail down the deal
6. Secluded valley
7. Power glitch
8. Unjust verdict
9. “Exodus” author
10. “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” channel
11. “That wasn’t nice!”
17. Architect Saarinen
19. “American ___!”
22. Without delay
23. Brian of Roxy Music
25. “Doctor Who” actor who wore the scarf
26. Yeanling producer
27. ___ Moines
31. Bouquets
32. Kindly
33. “___, Will Robinson!”
34. “Get ___” (2017 horror film)
36. Inspirations
37. Crowded
38. Actress Laura of “Big Little Lies”
39. Double agent
40. Family name on “Schitt’s Creek”
41. Barks
42. Water source
43. Shade
Q: What happened to Adrian Grenier? After “Entourage,” he was going to be the next big thing, wasn’t he?
A: HBO’s “Entourage” was a true phenomenon in the late ‘00s — the sort of hit show that became part of the wider cultural conversation — and yes, it did seem designed to make a star out of previously unknown Adrian Grenier. But that hasn’t panned out so far. It’s hard not to map Grenier’s career against that of his “Entourage” character, also a young actor trying to make it in Hollywood. So, you could say that Grenier the actor is in the midst of his post-”Aquaman” phase (the fictional movie within the show, not to be confused with the real “Aquaman” movie released in 2018) — struggling to find his next hit and get back on the A-list.
Like his “Entourage” character, he turned to indie dramas to do it. He’s starred in a number of them in the years since 2015, when the “Entourage” movie was released, marking the true end of the show. And also like the character, his movies cover a lot of different genres.
These include the gritty action movies “Marauders” (2016) and “Arsenal” (2017), the romantic-political thriller “Affairs of State” (2018), the musical dramedy “Stage Mother” (2020) and the rom-com “Far More” (2021).
In the midst of these, he did have a brief return to prestige series TV, in the form of the Netflix miniseries “Clickbait,” playing a family man who is abducted in a crime “with a sinister online twist” (per official logline).
His next project hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s clear he hasn’t given up on the kind of career renaissance his “Entourage” character got.
BY ADAM THOMLISON
Unsellable Houses HGTV 7 p.m.
The family has finally found a new and larger home, so now it’s time for Leslie and Lyndsay to figure out how to update their former place so it becomes a magnet for buyers. Does the dated townhouse have enough life left to attract a new owner?
Survivor WBBM WMBD 7 p.m.
Jeff Probst has the castaways on edge as they compete along the coast of Fiji’s beautiful Mamanuca Islands. Hoping to build upon their alliances, several contestants look to schmooze their way into the good graces of others to avoid being voted out.
Sullivan’s Crossing WGN 7 p.m.
Maggie (Morgan Kohan) has a lot of balls in the air as she tries to make sense of Sully’s (Scott Patterson) poor health, as well as dealing with what she wants to do with her own future. Part of the problem is her attachment to Cal (Chad Michael Murray).
Guy’s Grocery Games FOOD 8 p.m.
Four of the food world’s fastest chefs compete in Guy Fieri’s quickest game, Grocery Rush. They must create an upscale dinner in just 20 minutes before the bouncing balls select the mandatory protein, whammy and short cooking time for their fried feast.
The Floor WFLD WYZZ 8 p.m.
After a successful first season, this unique game show is back and bigger than ever. In fact, Season 2 adds 19 more contestants to make it an even 100. With more contestants vying for the $250,000 grand prize, expect things to be far more competitive.
Court Cam A&E 8:30 p.m.
If you ever find yourself in a position to do something that could land you in front of a court, choose not to do it. Because based on the videos showcased in this series, courtrooms can be some of the craziest, chaotic and emotional places.
Rob Lowe hosts “The Floor”
Big Brother WBBM WMBD 7 p.m.
If ever there was a show that made living alone seem like a genius move, this is it. This season has felt like a bloodbath. While the veto made some interesting situations earlier on, even host Julie Chen Moonves must be looking over her shoulder.
Law & Order WEEK WMAQ 7 p.m.
Living in New York City can be amazing — unless you’re a criminal. After the murder of an AI-infused dating app founder, officers Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Riley (Reid Scott) investigate who might want the romance-obsessed entrepreneur dead.
9-1-1 WLS 7 p.m.
The crew of the 118 are still learning how to work together under the new leadership of Gerrard (Brian Thompson). Meanwhile, Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Chimney (Kenneth Choi) are settling in. And, Buck (Oliver Stark) bends the rules.
Mountain Men HISTORY 8 p.m.
Marty puts his skills to the test as he tries to track down a bull moose that escaped into the thick cover. Then, Mike needs to gather the meat from his moose before brown bears find it. And, Bret and Ivy look forward to warm nights with their wood stove.
Trivial Pursuit WGN 8 p.m.
LeVar Burton hosts this all-new game show based on the classic trivia broad game. During each episode, contestants step up to compete in three rounds of trivia, where they choose questions from the six iconic categories, for a chance at $20,000.
Crime Scene Kitchen WFLD WYZZ 8 p.m.
Joel McHale hosts a new episode of this true crime-inspired baking competition, following as bakers try and decode what dessert was made using only the leftover crumbs and clues left behind in their kitchens, then recreating the dish for celebrity judges.
When Lucy (Jennifer Connelly) decides to attend a spiritual retreat in hopes of finding enlightenment, she finds the other attendees to be more of a mess than she is. Later, her daughter, Dylan (Alice Englert), reconciles her mother’s weirdness.
A Face in the Crowd
TCM 7 p.m.
Female radio producer Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal) takes Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes (Andy Griffith) from a folk-singing drifter to a national media star in this 1957 satirical drama. However, Rhodes’ meteoric rise changes him for the worse.
Love After Lockup
WE 7 p.m.
Prison walls are not enough to dim the love of these criminally-inclined couples. When his wife and mother get into it, Rob is conflicted. Daniel struggles with Bianca’s baby fever. Troy feels the urge to go back to his old ways. And, Kerok has some news.
College Football
WFLD WYZZ 7 p.m.
Northwestern heads to Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., to play the University of Maryland. With Northwestern leading the rivalry 3-1, can Maryland make a notch in evening things up? Or will Northwestern continue their dominance?
Inside the NFL
WGN 8 p.m.
Ryan Clark, Chad Johnson, Chris Long and newest panelist Bill Belichick break down Week 5 of the 2024-25 NFL season before looking ahead to the big matchups of Week 6, including the Bengal vs. the Giants and the Bills vs. the Jets.
Social Studies
FX 9 p.m.
High schoolers in Los Angeles discuss how growing up in the digital era has reshaped childhood, including how social media and porn has shaped their view towards sex education and relationships and formed their behavior with devastating consequences.
Jordan and Karen feature in “Social Studies”
BY STAFF WRITERS
Superman, Super TV
Questions:
1) True or false: “Superman & Lois,” airing on The CW, is set in the Arrowverse.
2) What was the first Superman TV show?
3) Who was the first actor to play a live-action version of Superman?
4) Which TV series focused on Kal-El’s early years? (Hint: It wasn’t “Smallville.”)
5) Which Superman TV series enjoyed the longest run?
6) Which NFL team signed Dean Cain before he turned to acting and landed the lead role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman?”
7) Which “Highlander” (1986) actor has voiced the character of Lex Luthor in “Superman: The Animated Series” and “Justice League?”
8) As revealed in Season 3 of “Superman & Lois,” how many years did Lex Luthor spend in prison?
9) Which season of “Supergirl” introduced Tyler Hoechlin in the role of Superman?
10) In addition to Kal-El/ Superman (and a bodypossessing Zod), what other character has Tyler Hoechlin played in “Superman & Lois?”
The Kitchen FOOD 10 a.m.
Enjoy the finest dishes of the season as cohosts Jeff Mauro, Katie Lee Biegel, Sunny Anderson and Geoffrey Zakarian make cozy fall meals, such as beet crostata with agrodolce, acorn squash soup and pork tenderloin with caramelized fennel and apple.
NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series WGN 3 p.m.
It’ll be an entertaining free-for-all when the NASCAR Xfinity Series title contenders head to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., to take on the 17-turn, 2.28-mile track. Kaulig Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen has been on fire, but it’s anyone’s race.
Haunted Wedding HALL 7 p.m.
Until death do you part — or not. When ghost hunters Jane (Janel Parrish) and Brian (Dominic Sherwood) decide to get married at a haunted inn, resident ghost Angelique (Cassandra Potenza) mistakes him for her own deceased fiancé, making things awkward.
Saturday Night Live
WEEK WMAQ 10:30 p.m.
Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night! This award-winning ensemble sketch comedy series has been entertaining audiences since 1976. Current cast members include Michael Che and Colin Jost. Ariana Grande hosts this episode. Stevie Nicks performs.
James Austin Johnson in “Saturday Night Live”
Fan-favorite bakers Jamie Lee, Madison Lendor, Tasi Savage and Levi Dubner return for a spook-tacularly good time in the new Halloween special “Kids Baking Championship: Scary Good,” premiering Monday, Oct. 7, on Food Network. Celebrating the two extremes of Halloween, scary and sweet, hosts Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown task the bakers with creating pull-apart Halloween cupcakes with one of the world’s hottest peppers, before tricking them with a shocking twist. For behind the scenes extras, sneak peeks and recipes, check out www.foodnetwork.com/shows/ kids-baking-championship/videos
The hunt for America’s great new vocalist continues. With their backs turned to the stage, judges Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire use nothing but their expert ear to determine which talented
“Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” - Season 1 (Prime — Oct. 16, Series Premiere) Offering a fun, new twist on the popular “Are You Smarter” format, this new interation, hosted by NFL superstar Travis Kelce, welcomes an adult contestant who will rely on a classroom full of celebrities from comedy, screen, and sports to help them answer 11 questions on a range of subjects, pulled from elementary curriculum, in an effort to win a $100,000 prize. Rather than compete against the stars, contestants enlist their help and, in some cases, can even “cheat” off of them.
hopefuls they want to add their their team. With a new episode airing Tuesday, Oct. 8, on NBC, find out how to vote and play along at help.nbc.com/hc/en-us/articles/36002181007 4-Voting-and-Playing-Along-withThe-Voice-Official-App
Things are getting real after Season 3’s exciting finale. Now, as Season 4 of the Emmy-darling sitcom “Abbott Elementary” premieres Wednesday, Oct. 9, on ABC, the teachers are all back at Abbott for a new school year. With Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory’s (Tyler James Williams) relationship finally starting to blossom and new surprises around every corner, it’s sure to be another wild year for the staff and students. Find cast bios and more at abc.com/show/ e4f28254-2fc4-4cc1-b9bb-eee0564c178e/ cast
BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT
The only constant is change when Season 6 of “1000-lb Sisters” premieres Tuesday, Oct. 8, on TLC.
Once boasting a combined weight of over 1,000 pounds, two of TLC’s favorite sisters, Tammy and Amy Slaton, have lost a total of 700 pounds since their show’s premiere in 2020. Their journey has been followed by thousands of viewers, who have seen the duo improve their lifestyles, mindsets and diets as they progress through the highs and lows of extreme weight loss. Now, nearing their fifth year on air, the Slaton sisters are preparing to reinvent themselves “both inside and out” (according to TLC), navigating ever-changing family dynamics in this upcoming season.
“In the highly anticipated new season of ‘1000-lb Sisters,’” TLC shares “Amy and Tammy embark on transformative journeys, overcoming recent challenges to create fresh starts.”
The network’s description continues: “They change their living situations, continue to achieve their weight-loss goals and undergo stunning makeovers. Alongside their brother Chris, they eagerly await Dr. Smith’s approval for their next steps in skin removal surgery. The Slaton family also decide to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to England, inspired by a genealogist’s revelations about their U.K. heritage. There, they seek to uncover the truth behind their mother’s intriguing claims of royal ancestry.”
In a recently released trailer for the upcoming season, TLC offered viewers a more in-depth glimpse of what’s to come for the Slaton sisters. In the clip, Tammy can be seen consulting a doctor regarding her interest in removing her loose skin following a significant weight
loss (nearing 500 pounds) and is told that the process may take multiple operations. Considering the stress, financial responsibility and health risks, Tammy then expresses her concern that she may not be approved for the procedure, leaving her future up in the air. Meanwhile, Tammy’s sister, Amy, attempts to readjust to singledom following her split from Michael Halterman in September 2023. The two first eloped in 2017, then married in 2019. The former couple share two young sons, Gage and Glenn. From executive producers Tom Cappello (“Cutlers Court”), Alana Goldstein (“Hidden City with Marcus Sakey”), Keely Walker Muse (“Bad Hair Day”) and Lissette Decos (“Randy to the Rescue”), “1000-lb Sisters” returns Tuesday, Oct. 8, on TLC.
movies of the week
Dirty Dancing +++ (1987, Romance) Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze. PAR Mon. 9:30 p.m.
40 Year-Old Virgin, The +++ (2005, Romance) Steve Carell, Catherine Keener. VH1 Fri. 5:30 p.m.
Raiders of the Lost Ark ++++ (1981, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Karen Allen. An archaeologist races Nazis to find a powerful relic. PAR Thu. 9:30 p.m.
Raintree County +++ (1957, Drama) Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor. TCM Tue. 4 p.m. Raya and the Last Dragon +++ (2021, Animated) Voices of Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina. DISN Fri. 7 p.m.
Ready Player One +++ (2018, Sci-Fi) Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke. TNT Tue. 10 p.m.
Rear Window ++++ (1954, Thriller) James Stewart, Grace Kelly. A wheelchair-bound photographer discovers a possible murder. TCM Thu. 7 p.m.
SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, The +++ (2015, Children) Voices of Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke. NICK Thu. 4 p.m., Fri. 3 p.m.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi +++ (1983, Sci-Fi) Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford. FX Fri. 6 p.m.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back ++++ (1980, Sci-Fi) Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford. Darth Vader launches an attack to crush the rebellion. FX Fri. 3 p.m.
Strange Interlude +++ (1932, Drama) Norma Shearer, Clark Gable. TCM Mon. 5 p.m. T
Talk to Me +++ (2022, Drama) Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen. PARSHO Mon. 9 p.m. Thor: Ragnarok +++ (2017, Action) Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston. TNT Mon. 7 p.m., Tue. 4:15 p.m., Fri. 6:15 p.m.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas ++++ (1993, Animated) Voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon. Halloweentown’s leader aims to kidnap Santa. FREEFRM Wed. 6:10 p.m.
Top Gun +++ (1986, Action) Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis. PAR Wed. 10 p.m., Thu. 7 p.m.
Top Gun: Maverick +++ (2022, Action) Tom Cruise, Miles Teller. PAR Wed. 7 p.m.
Total Recall +++ (1990, Sci-Fi) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin. PARSHO Wed. 3 p.m.
Tropic Thunder +++ (2008, Comedy) Ben Stiller, Jack Black. PARSHO Tue. 3 p.m.
Twister +++ (1996, Action) Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton. TBS Sun. 2:45 p.m., Sun. 9:30 p.m., TNT Thu. 7 p.m.
