Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, April 1. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Fool’s Gold (Animal Planet, 7 p.m.): The United States premiere (and full run) of Fool’s Gold is on tonight. Usually, we wouldn’t pay any mind to a show about “wanna-be miners in their search for gold.” But reading the episode titles, we’re now a little intrigued, based solely on the pun situation. The first episode is an instant winner, with the title “A Miner Setback,” but the seventh episode title is no slouch, as “Gold Habits Die Hard” is pretty fantastic itself. We can’t confirm that this is a good show, but those titles are definitely something to look forward to. What’s On Tonight will make sure to keep you informed of that, at least.
However, it’s your job to keep What’s On Tonight informed if Animal Planet’s Fool’s Gold becomes Kate Hudson and Academy Award Winner Matthew McConaughey’s Fool’s Gold:
Also noted
The Middle (ABC, 8 p.m.) / The Goldbergs (ABC, 8:30 p.m.): This week on The Middle, “Frankie attempts to help a socially inept Brick make friends on a school field trip.” Will Frankie also have the realization that she herself is socially inept? We shall see. As for The Goldbergs, in the amazingly titled “The Adam Bomb,” it’s an April Fool’s Day battle between Adam and Barry (and a bomb?). Will Harris prefers that his school field trips hav April Fool’s Day battles, so as usual, these are the perfect scenarios for him.
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Arrow (The CW, 8 p.m.): This week on Arrow, Felicity’s mother returns to support Felicity and a “critically injured” Ray. We’re not sure that Donna Smoak is the best person to get viewers on the “You Will Like Ray Palmer” train, but with the top secret spin-off pilot that’s in the works, every avenue must be explored. Also, Ra’s al Ghul kidnaps Captain Lance, effectively decreasing the “mobbed up to the eyeballs”-style dialogue of the show by 100 percent. Alasdair Wilkins will make up for the loss by ending every other sentence in his review with “smitty.” It’s his April Fool’s gift to us all.
Regular coverage
Survivor (CBS, 8 p.m.)
Modern Family (ABC, 9 p.m.)
Black-ish (ABC, 9:30 p.m)
Broadchurch (BBC America, 10 p.m.)
Workaholics (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.)
The Americans (FX, 10 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
Mad Men Week is upon us at TV Club, with means features like a Erik Adams’ Watch This (2 p.m.) on an animated TV special that somehow connects right back to Mad Men. There’s also Brandon Nowalk’s For Our Consideration on the “seven defining pitches” in the ad world of Mad Men, and the latest Inventory takes a look at eight pieces of pop culture that probably wouldn’t exist without Mad Men’s influence.
Outside of the realm of Mad Men, Expert Witness features Jason Heller speaking with Jon Steuer about what it was like as a child actor on Star Trek.
TV Club Classic
Lost (Classic) (1 p.m.): Were you aware that reviewer Myles McNutt is a big old softy at heart? If not, then his review (joined by Noel Murray, who also has a heart) of the season three, Desmond-centric Lost episode “Flashes Before Your Eyes” might just show you the light.
Six Feet Under (Classic) (1 p.m.): It’s an April Fool’s Day miracle! John Teti is back with what the people want: Six Feet Under (Classic) coverage. His first review back is season four, episode 10—“The Black Forest.” Did you miss him/it?
What else is on?
American Idol (Fox, 8 p.m.): The Top 8 perform this week, even though it feels like the “Top 8” have been performing each and every week on American Idol this season. Is it at all possible American Idol secretly changed its name to Top 8 and changed the show format? Absolutely.
The Mysteries Of Laura (NBC, 8 p.m.): In “The Mystery Of The Sunken Sailor,” Laura becomes a pirate, probably.
Hot Grits (VH1, 8 p.m.): “Jenna and Emily’s country girl versus city gal feud hits a boiling point when Emily fixes Ratchet up on a blind date while DeWayne strikes back at Sarah.” This is a description for an episode of television. The grits will definitely be hot tonight!
The Dovekeepers (CBS, 9 p.m.): The second part and finale of CBS’ historical mini-series about the Siege of Masada airs tonight. If you thought part one was historical, just wait until you see part two!
Supernatural (The CW, 9 p.m.): An episode of Supernatural on April Fool’s Day feels like the perfect time to bust out the CW show’s goofier side, a la a “Bad Day At Black Rock” or a “Mystery Spot,” and yet “Inside Man” looks like it’s just chugging along on the power of… whatever this season of Supernatural is about. Sam and Castiel spend this episode following-up on a lead about the Mark of Cain, and Dean meets Rowena. April Fool’s!?
Nashville (ABC, 10 p.m.): The record is back off, as Nashville is back with a new, Reba-less episode. This week’s episode has Scarlett’s “Black Roses”/piano incident come back to haunt her and also to remind us all of the time that she peaked as a character (and musically). Also, stop us if you think that you’ve heard this one before: “Rayna refuses to let Deacon wallow in his condition, but her support only frustrates him and pushes him away.” If you’re DVR-ing Nashville, please don’t think it’s a repeat. It’s totally a new episode.
Big Time In Hollywood, FL (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.): What’s that? Episode two of Big Time In Hollywood, FL is an intervention episode? If it’s not a shot-for-shot remake of the Party Of Five episode (somehow able to squeeze into 20-plus minutes), then it’s not reaching for the April Fool’s gold.
10 Things I Hate About You (HBO Comedy, 8 p.m.): Here’s a fun drinking game to play when watching this teen classic: drink every time a Joey Donner scene makes you think about the fact that Andrew Keegan started his own religion.
NHL Hockey: Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.): Philly. Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania. Alliteration (which Pittsburgh wins at). These two rivals last met back in January, and the Flyers beat the Penguins 3-2 in overtime. Will history repeat itself?
In case you missed it
Cougar Town: Les Chappell had the honor of reviewing the series finale of Cougar Town, and we had the honor of busting open a bottle of wine for the occasion.