Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Saturday Night College Football (ABC, 8 p.m., Saturday): College football returns to TV with a brand new rebooted structure (geek translation: it’s like what Christopher Nolan did to Batman). Evolved from college basketball’s NCAA tournament, college football will now feature a four team playoff for the national championship while still incorporating the iconic bowl system. After easing back from the offseason over the past few days, college football kicks into high gear this weekend as it takes over television across multiple channels. There are seven games on Friday and a whopping 60 games taking place on Saturday. ABC launches its 9th season of college football coverage with a match-up between two top teams: Florida State vs. Oklahoma State. For those looking to brush up on recent big themes in the sport check out the following topics: Pros and cons of neutral-site games; lack of turn out in the student sections; and the ongoing debate about whether college football players should be considered employees (a question that won’t be answered until mid-December).
ALSO NOTED
Doctor Who (BBC America, 9 p.m., Saturday): After getting the introduction to the 12th Doctor out of the way in last week’s season premiere, Doctor Who gets Dalek-centric in “Into The Dalek.” More importantly: Companion Clara wears pants for the first time in the show’s history! Alasdair Wilkins is shocked and delighted.
Intruders (BBC America, 10 p.m., Saturday): Last week’s premiere was a lot of set-up with little in the way of concrete answers. Thankfully Genevieve Valentine is sticking around to interpret the show’s symbolism, conspiracies, and questionable usage of female characters.
Outlander (Starz, 9 p.m., Saturday): Claire tries to escape her 18th century captivity this week. Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya wonders why anyone would want to leave a historical period with fashion-forward circle scarves.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Knick (Cinemax, 10 p.m., Friday)
TV CLUB CLASSIC
Blackadder (3 p.m., Friday): Kate Kulzick checks in on the middle pair of episodes in Blackadder’s fourth season. George gets a new look and a very interesting proposition this week.
The Twilight Zone (1 p.m., Saturday): An ageless woman and a prophetic TV take center stage in this week’s Twilight Zone double header. Watching The Twilight Zone has taught Zack Handlen to fear just about everything from the past, present, and future.
ELSEWHERE IN TV CLUB
Caroline Siede boldy goes where no one has gone before with an epic Primer to the expansive Star Trek universe. Always curious about the franchise but never knew where to start? Consider this your newbie guide!