Hallmark dives into scripted programming with Cedar Cove
TOP PICK
Cedar Cove (Saturday, 8 pm, Hallmark): This time last week, we might have been blown away by Hallmark commissioning its very first scripted series, but in this brave new Emmy-nominated Netflix world, we don't know what to expect anymore. There's also the fact that Cedar Cove (based on the book series of the same name) sounds exactly like what would happen if the Hallmark Channel took the best of the movies it aired and threw them all together into a single television series. Perennial 90's favorite Andie MacDowell? Check. Perennial 90's favorite Andie MacDowell playing a judge? Check. Perennial 90's favorite Andie MacDowell playing a judge named Olivia Lockhart? Oh, yeah. Check. Our Cedar Cove correspondent Carrie Raisler is so there.
REGULAR COVERAGE
Comedy Bang! Bang! (IFC, 10 p.m., Friday): While we appreciate that Aziz Ansari is probably not Tom Haverford, calling this episode "Aziz Ansari Wears a Charcoal Blazer" is just begging for a Rent a Swag reference. David Sims would like some opinions on whether he should rent or buy his swag.
Magic City (Starz, 9 p.m., Friday): The fight continues against the gambling bill while Vera comes to a realization about her dancing future. We tend to be of the opinion that all realizations about dancing futures should be set to Ginuwine's "Pony," so it's probably a good thing Will Harris has this review covered.
Borgen (LinkTV, 10 p.m., Friday): The first season comes to a tumultuous close as the prime minister tries to keep her Parliament and spouse on her side. Todd VanDerWerff had much the same problem before jetting off to Comic Con, but he'll always make time for Borgen.
TV CLUB CLASSIC
Babylon 5 (11 a.m., Friday): The venerable command staff undergoes a Minbari rebirth ceremony which entails reciting "taste of it and be not afraid" before revealing their innermost secrets. We used to call that "Never Have I Ever" our sophomore year of college so frankly, we're concerned for everyone's safety. Never has Rowan Kaiser ever known us in college, for which he is truly grateful.
The Larry Sanders Show (1 p.m., Friday): This week's set of episodes kicks off with Hank spreading lesbian rumors to keep Jon Lovitz away. Kyle Ryan can't see any way this could possibly go wrong.