Life of Muhammad is the religious pilgrimage that can be enjoyed from the comfort of the living-room couch
Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Tuesday, August 20. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Life Of Muhammad (PBS, 8 p.m.): Sure, you’d like to temporarily forsake all material possessions and personal identification to undergo the religious pilgrimage known as the Hajj—we all would! But it’s such a hassle—not to mention the fact that you like all your stuff and can’t imagine leaving it behind for even a short amount of time. But now you don’t have to, thanks to journalist Rageh Omaar and Life Of Muhammad, an exploration of the Islamic prophet’s life that also helpfully condenses the arduous journey to Mecca into three, quick-and-easy one-hour installments. Act now and we’ll throw in the opinions of Sonia Saraiya—for no extra charge!
REGULAR COVERAGE
Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family, 8 p.m.): The Liars’ next chance of nabbing “A” comes at a school-sponsored hoedown, which Joe Reid expects to be the source of venomous wordplay at some point in the episode. Oh, nevermind: The episode beats itself to the punch with its title, “Bring The Hoe Down.” (ABC Family: A new kind of family. A family where the members call one another “hoe.”)
Nine For IX (ESPN, 8 p.m.): The ’99ers tells the story of the 1999 U.S. women’s World Cup soccer team, combining new interviews with archival video shot by the World Cup champions themselves. Kevin McFarland has already triumphantly torn off his jersey in celebration.
So You Think You Can Dance (Fox, 8 p.m.): As if to say “Please stop confusing me with Christina Applegate,” Jenna Elfman stops by to lend her expertise to the judges’ panel—a role Applegate occupied with great success back in July. Meanwhile, Oliver Sava pauses to remember whether or not Elfman was in Krippendorf’s Tribe. (She was.)
Suits (USA, 10:01 p.m.): The show gets into the 1983 Week spirit—though not literally, because the events Harvey and Mike are looking back on didn’t happen 30 years ago. Though if the show’s producers think they have a Jim Henson’s Suits Babies spin-off in them, Carrie Raisler would surely listen to the pitch.
TV CLUB CLASSIC