Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, March 16. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
The Americans (FX, 10 p.m.): So there’s this show on FX. Come on, you know FX—it’s the much older brother of FXX, and we once heard that it “has the movies,” whatever that means. So this show is called The Americans, but it’s about Russian spies. Believe us, it’s not that confusing. Tonight, it comes back for its fourth season. Now here’s where we get to that part where we’re not quite sure how you haven’t heard of The Americans: We’ve reviewed the first three seasons (and thanks to the comrade Erik Adams, the same will be true for the fourth season) and even done a pre-air review of this season. Mind blown?
If your mind’s not blown, then here’s what you have to expect for tonight’s season four premiere: “Picking up on the heels of last season’s finale, the season 4 premiere of The Americans sees Philip and Elizabeth dealing with the fallout of all they’ve wrought. What will happen when the FBI finds out about Gene’s suicide? How will Pastor Tim deal with the revelation that they are Russian spies? And will they be able to handle a dangerous, new bioweapons assignment?” So many questions, hopefully enough time for some answers.
Also noted
Happy Valley (Netflix, midnight): Season two. It’s up right now.
Schitt’s Creek (Pop, 8/8:30 p.m.): Where did David go? That’s the question in the (first half of the) second season premiere of Schitt’s Creek, “Finding David.” (“Family Dinner” is the second half.) You remember Schitt’s Creek, right? It’s the show Sandra Bernhard calls “genius” (and show creator Dan Levy “absolutely ingenious”). And as for that David character (who’s actually played by creator Dan Levy), he’s the one who LaToya Ferguson called the closest thing to the series’ “emotional heart.” So go to Pop, have a few laughs.
Modern Family (ABC, 9 p.m.): We guess this is the episode where Phil and Claire’s marriage implodes: “Phil has a new client who happens to be ‘his type,’ and knowing that might get him in trouble with Claire, he tells some seemingly innocent lies, which then lead to more, and soon enough he’s in a full spiral. Meanwhile, Gloria suspects her yoga instructor has the hots for her and asks Claire to come with her to class, but the instructor ends up giving Claire a lot of inappropriate attention, and she likes it.” As we say often, have fun, Kyle Fowle.
Nashville (ABC, 10 p.m.): “It’s the wedding viewers have longed for when Deacon and Rayna tie the knot, complete with captivating music performances by series regulars Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Lennon Stella and Maisy Stella as well as cameos by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale portraying themselves.” This is the most impersonal episode synopsis we’ve ever seen, and you know what? It’s kind of perfect for this season of Nashville. Speaking of this season of Nashville, Gwen Ihnat checks in with a review of this episode.
Broad City (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.): “Abbi must go to the DMV; Ilana discovers her new purpose in life.” What could be Ilana’s new purpose in life? What was her old purpose in life? Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya, please guide us through Ilana’s personal journey.
Regular coverage
The Middle/The Goldbergs (ABC, 8/8:30 p.m.)