Election coverage will flood airwaves
Everybody expects election coverage (3 p.m., MSNBC; 4 p.m., ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News and CNN; 7 p.m., KSPS; and 8 p.m. Fox) to dominate prime time and beyond. But there are alternatives for viewers who have heard enough about closing polls, exit polls, Zogby Polls and spin.
Turner Classic Movies gets the prize for cheeky counterprogramming with “Dark Victory” (5 p.m.), the 1939 tear-jerker about a spoiled socialite (Bette Davis) afflicted with a sudden, fatal disease. Not only does the title speak to everyone whose favored candidate does not win, it also stars Ronald Reagan, a man who came to know something about election nights.
AMC never misses a chance to broadcast “The Godfather” (8 p.m.), the pulp classic about a mob family dynasty. It has absolutely nothing to do with elections, but then again, the first line of the movie is “I believe in America,” a must for every stump speech.
The FX network takes the safe choice by showing “The American President” (8 p.m.), director Rob Reiner’s 1995 drama about the unexpected romance between a widowed commander-in-chief (Michael Douglas) and a pretty lobbyist (Annette Bening). If the dialogue sounds familiar, it’s because Aaron Sorkin, creator of “The West Wing,” wrote “President.” The third season of that series is available on DVD today.
The 2000 kids movie “Mail to the Chief” (8 p.m., Disney) takes a slightly less exalted view of White House life. The president (Randy Quaid) begins an online friendship with a teen on the Internet, where they exchange ideas, jokes and advice.
Arguably the most cynically titled election counterprogramming choice is “Much Ado About Nothing” (5 p.m., Flix), the 1993 Shakespeare comedy adaptation directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring his then-leading lady, Emma Thompson. Who can’t resist the sound of Keanu Reeves uttering dialogue in iambic pentameter?
The habit-kicking reality series “Cold Turkey” (9 p.m., Pax) moves to Tuesday nights beginning tonight. This series follows a group of contestants who were hoodwinked into appearing on a fantasy-fulfilling contest, only to be told that they have to quit smoking to win. Nicotine deprivation and surly personalities make for a combustible combination.
A repeat of last week’s “Turkey” airs at 9 p.m., followed by an original at 10 p.m.
According to the just-published book “Planet Simpson” by Chris Turner (Da Capo Press, 2004), the long-running Fox cartoon comedy, seen tonight at 6, is more than funny. It’s a window on contemporary society and economic globalism and a metaphor for consumer gluttony.
Burdened with too many theories in search of confirmation, “Planet Simpson” takes itself very seriously. But Turner’s encyclopedic knowledge of the cartoon provides much-needed (and often hilarious) ballast to his sprawling tome.
A provocative read for the thinking “Simpsons” fanatic. Is there any other kind?
Other highlights
Rory infiltrates a Yale secret society on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m.).
Jon Stewart anchors the fake news special “Election Night 2004: Prelude to a Recount” (10 p.m., Comedy Central). Guests include former presidential candidate (and host of the forthcoming Spike series “I Hate My Job”) Rev. Al Sharpton and former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld.
The model Frederique offers beauty tips on the reality “comedy” “He’s a Lady” (10 p.m., TBS).
Cult choice
Bette Midler impressed moviegoers with her portrayal of a hard-living rock star in the 1979 musical drama “The Rose” (6:30 p.m., Fox Movie Channel).
Series notes
A hockey player faces assault charges after a fight with a fan on “Kevin Hill” (8 p.m., UPN) … Veronica investigates fraud in a student council election on “Veronica Mars” (9 p.m., UPN) … Karen’s club opens its doors on “One Tree Hill” (9 p.m., WB).
Late night
Jude Law and Ricky Gervais appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS, subject to delay or pre-emption for election coverage). All other talk shows have been pre-empted.