Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, February 26 & Saturday, February 27. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Fuller House (Netflix, 3:01 a.m., Friday): Netflix has listened, people, to the calls of those of you who genuinely loved this oft-cloying family sitcom and the perhaps much larger number who appreciate it ironically. And, thus we are treated to this sequel/spinoff series where the next generation of the inescapably adorable Tanner family is now ruled over by a trio of goofy woman-children, rather than goofy man-children. Most of the stars are back, as Candace Cameron Bure’s D.J. Tanner—now a widowed veterinarian—enlists her sister Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and best pal Kimmy (Andrea Barber) to help raise her three cutesy sons. Sensing the parallels, are you? Well, don’t worry, as original wacky trio Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Dave Coulier promise to pop by, along with almost everyone but the Olsen twins who, oddly, seem to have better things to do. So sate your nostalgia starting in the wee hours of Friday—and check out Joshua Alston’s pre-air review which may or may not contain the phrase “The show isn’t just bad, it borders on the obscene.” So, perhaps read that first. (And, if you really just can’t get enough Joey, check out Will Harris’ typically excellent Random Roles with Dave Coulier.)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny (Netflix, 3:01 a.m., Friday): Sure, we can talk about all the things this Netflix original movie sequel doesn’t have (original film director Ang Lee, stars Zhang Ziyi and Chow Yun-fat), but it can still boast the amazing Michelle Yeoh, returning as super-warrior Yu Shu Lien, guardian of the fabled Green Destiny sword. And genre legend Donnie Yen is on board too, as well as Yuen Woo-ping, the master fight co-ordinator from the first film (as well as the Kill Bill and Matrix movies), who’s stepping into the director’s role. Can it equal the balletic, violent majesty of the first film? Well, no, not really. But those are a lot of promising pieces for a solid new chapter, so here’s hoping.
Also noted
Sleepy Hollow (Fox, 8 p.m., Friday): “Jenny confronts her father, which dredges up some unsavory family history. Meanwhile, Atticus Nevins returns to Sleepy Hollow and presents the FBI with a dangerous set of challenges.” Since none of that synopsis mentions Ichabod or Abbie, we’re tempted to tell you to just skip this episode, but it’s still worth it to keep up with Zack Handlen’s reviews. Plus, they’re probably in there somewhere.
The Vampire Diaries (CW, 8 p.m., Friday): There’s a vampire slayer in town and all the vampires are, understandably, sort of jittery. Stefan and Enzo come up with plans to lure her to New Orleans instead, because screw those New Orleans vampires, right? Carrie Raisler is back on the vampire beat, hoping that all this peril will snap the season into shape.
Childrens Hospital (Adult Swim, 11 p.m., Friday): Everyone’s hyped up for the Doctor of the Year convention, making guest reviewer Brandon Nowalk both excited and a little queasy, as he knows full well what the CH crew gets up to even when they’re operating at only workaday insanity levels. (And if you’re missing regular reviewer LaToya Ferguson, re-read her review of last week’s episode, which she called one of the best in the show’s history.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
In this week’s AVQ&A, and in preparation for the big annual Oscar disappointment, your favorite AV Clubbers pick their favorite Oscar memories of all time. None of which—SPOILER—include Forrest Gump beating Pulp Fiction.
Then, look for Marah Eakin’s Random Roles with 227 and Sister, Sister star Jackée Harry. (In related news, there’s a 227 marathon happening this weekend—check out the “what else is on” section for details.)