Here’s what’s happening in the world of television for Sunday, October 28. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Doctor Who (BBC America, 8 p.m.): Last week’s episode of Doctor Who, “Rosa,” was the best of the new season thus far, a powerful, thoughtful hour anchored by a terrific performance by Vinette Robinson. How are they following that up? Chris Noth.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing—Chris Noth is good at his job—but it’s weird, right? Sure, Eric Roberts dropped in on the 1996 TV movie to do some extremely toothy acting, but generally, it’s not a series on which you see recognizable American performers, much less Mister Big (or Mister Peter Florrick, or Mister Detective Mike Logan). The episode in question is called “Arachnids In The U.K.,” so that’s fun, and the trailer (below) makes it look like a spidery, spooky good time—Happy Halloween—but Noth’s big, recognizable face is a bit startling. Whether he’s playing a terrible boyfriend, a terrible husband/politician, a now-retired homicide detective, or some sort of spider and/or punk music expert, we do now know, but Caroline Siede will help us figure out what the hell’s going on.
Regular coverage
Supergirl (The CW, 8 p.m.)
Charmed (The CW, 9 p.m.)
The Deuce (HBO, 9 p.m.)
The Walking Dead (AMC, 9 p.m.)
Wild card
Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj (Netflix, 3:01 a.m.): Our feelings about Noth may be a bit of a jumble, but we’re super clear on our hopes for Hasan Minhaj’s new weekly comedy show—they are high. The former Daily Show correspondent’s first standup special, Homecoming King, was excellent; his time with Jon Stewart and Trevor Noah nearly as impressive; and he’s just got a likable face, you know? The folks at Netflix clearly have hopes that are similarly high: They gave the series a 32 episode order, which a press released described as “unprecedented.” The same release notes that Minhaj’s show, which will “explore the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity,” makes him the first Indian-American host of a weekly comedy program.
Short version: He is funny, and we are excited. Danette Chavez will drop in on to hear his take on a truly insane week of news.