Thursday 14“Dating Around” (Netflix streaming anytime) I feel bad that Netflix subscribers aren’t inundated with as many interchangeable reality dating shows as people with cable TV. Well, that ends now.“The Pacific: In the Wake of Captain Cook with Sam Neill” (Ovation 8pm) Australian actor Sam Neill traverses the South Pacific in the footsteps of Captain James Cook, some 350 years after that epic exploration. On the itinerary: meeting with the descendants of the people Cook met and questioning the lasting impact of this controversial historical figure.Friday 15“Doom Patrol” (DC Direct streaming anytime) Tired of watching “Titans”? Blasted through “Young Justice: Outsiders”? DC Comics’ subscription TV service adds its third series, a live-action adaptation of the “weird hero” comic “Doom Patrol.” Among the oddball crimefighters: Cyborg (Joivan Wade), Robotman (Brendan Fraser), Mr. Nobody (Alan Tudyk), Elasti-Woman (April Bowlby) and Negative Man (Matt Bomer and Matthew Zuk).“Umbrella Academy” (Netflix streaming anytime) The cult comic book series written by Gerard Way (lead singer of My Chemical Romance) comes to life in a live-action series. Interestingly enough, Way’s “weird hero” series was heavily inspired by “Doom Patrol.” In an alternative ’70s-era America, dozens of superpowered babies are inexplicably born at the same time. A mysterious philanthropist known as “The Monocle” adopts several of the kids and trains them to become superheroes in a secret academy. Years later, the now grown (and highly dysfunctional) kids reunite to solve the murder of their father at the hands of a familiar supervillain.“Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy” (Netflix streaming anytime) Writer/producer/director Larry Charles (“Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) travels the globe looking for stand-up comedians practicing their art amid literal and figurative minefields (Turkey, Iraq, Somalia, Saudi Arabia). Kim Possible (Disney 9pm) Early 2000s tweens, rejoice! Disney’s crimefighting, world-saving superspy teenager (not to mention her pal/sidekick Ron Stoppable) leave animation behind for this live-action update, starring newcomer Sadie Stanley.Saturday 16Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You (Lifetime 6pm) Australian singer/actress Olivia Newton-John gets the (not very) scandal-filled biopic treatment, courtesy of Lifetime.Sunday 17“Elvis All-Star Tribute” (KOB-4 8pm) Music superstars (including Blake Shelton, Shawn Mendes, Keith Urban, Ed Sheeran, Kelsea Ballerini, Jennifer Lopez, Darius Rucker, John Fogerty, John Legend, Adam Lambert, Josh Groban and—I’m sorry to report—Post Malone) recreate Elvis Presley’s famous ’68 Comeback Special.Monday 18United Skates (HBO 6pm) The historical intersection between roller skating and African-American culture is explored in this boogie-filled documentary, which spotlights three dedicated skaters fighting to save their struggling hometown skate rinks.Tuesday 19Rocky IV (AMC 8:30pm) In 2018’s hit drama Creed II, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) trained Apollo Creed’s son Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) to fight Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Ivan Drago was, of course, the dude who killed Adonis’ father in the ring 33 years ago. So now seem like a good time to look back on the 1985 film that launched this long-brewing grudge match.Wednesday 20“Documentary Now!” (IFC 9pm) Bill Hader, Fred Armisen and Seth Meyers’ pitch-perfect documentary spoof returns for a third season. First up: Owen Wilson and Michael Keaton in a send-up of ’60s-style cult commune leaders.
Week In Sloth
Alibi
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3 min read
