Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, January 8. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
The Real World (MTV, 10 p.m.): After 28 seasons of same-old, same-old (in which “same old” means drunken debauchery and sexy shenanigans), The Real World is finally revamping its format. This season the seven strangers living in a house in San Francisco house will be joined by their exes—well, the five exes who agreed to embarrass themselves on television. While the former flames are sure to bring plenty of drama, the real suspense comes from how many puns MTV can work into the show. The series is subtitled “Ex-Plosion” and the premiere is called “Excess Baggage,” so it’s sure to be an ex-cellent season for ex-cited pun enthusiasts everywhere.
REGULAR COVERAGE
Revolution (NBC, 8 p.m.): You loyal readers have made your voices heard—Les Chappell will be covering Revolution every week for the forseeable future. Unless nanites shut down all electricity of course…
The Middle (ABC, 8 p.m.): After being thoroughly charmed by the show’s Christmas episode, Will Harris checks in on the post-holiday Hecks as Brick develops anxiety over a tablet and Sue worries about Derrick’s kisses.
Modern Family (ABC, 9 p.m.): Phil’s well-intentioned plan falls apart; Jay and Gloria try to help Manny grow up; Mitch and Cam squabble about their wedding. In other words, Modern Family is back in fine—if predictable—form. What’s really unpredictable is which writer will cover the show’s first episode of the new year.
Psych (USA, 9 p.m.): Psych’s eighth season premiere would have been our top pick if it weren’t for those meddling Real World kids! Kevin McFarland dons his Gryffindor robes for an episode set at a Harry Potter convention.
American Horror Story (FX, 10 p.m.): “Hunters get bolder/They want witches to smolder/Cordelia’s gotta shoulder that, too.” Don’t mind Todd VanDerWerff, he’s just rewriting some lyrics for this episode entitled “The Magical Delights Of Stevie Nicks.”
Top Chef (Bravo, 10 p.m.): Famed French chef Jacques Pépin stops by to judge the contestants’ culinary technique. Sonia Saraiya is marathoning his former PBS series, Julia And Jacques Cooking At Home, in anticipation.
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
Mind Of A Man (GSN 8 p.m.): In GSN’s latest game show two ladies—with the help of a celebrity panel— try to figure out what men believe about marriage, dating, and other important life topics. Thank goodness there’s finally a show about men and their preferences.
People’s Choice Awards 2014 (CBS 9 p.m.): Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings host the 40th annual People’s Choice Awards. Hopefully they’ll use the platform to petition CBS to release them from Two Broke Girls and create a show worthy of their comedic talents.
Nova (PBS 9 p.m.): In its 41st season premiere, “Alien Planets Revealed,” Nova takes a look at new planets uncovered by NASA’s Kepler Telescope and explores whether any could support life. Science!
Chicago PD (NBC, 10 p.m.): This revolutionary new Chicago Fire spin-off tries to turn the inner workings of a police department into a procedural television show. It’s a risky move, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s NBC.
It Happened At The World’s Fair (TCM, 6 p.m.): This 1963 film stars Elvis Presley as a cropdusting pilot who has 12 days to raise the $1,200 his partner gambled away. So naturally he ends up taking a young Asian girl to the World’s Fair. The movie may not be a classic, but it sure has a weirdly convoluted plot!
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (SyFy, 9 p.m.): You must choose. But choose wisely, for as a good movie will bring you life, a bad movie will take it from you. (Hint: This is a good movie.)
NBA Basketball: Mavericks at Spurs (ESPN, 7 p.m.): The Mavericks are fighting an uphill battle at this San Antonio match up, but if there’s one place underdogs can succeed against impossible odds… it’s certainly not the home of The Alamo.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Justified: Alasdair Wilkins checks in on everyone’s favorite rule-breaking, shaggy-haired U.S. Marshal as he heads to Florida in the fifth season premiere.