Around the remote: Franco plays dual role in 1970s-set ‘Deuce’
DON’T MISS: “The Deuce” – From David Simon and George Pelecanos, the masterminds behind “The Wire,” comes this compelling and gritty new drama about the fledgling days of the porn culture in 1970s New York. James Franco takes on a dual role, playing twin brothers – one an enterprising bartender, the other a gambler in debt to the mob. The stellar cast also includes Maggie Gyllenhaal as a tough-minded prostitute trying to make her way on the streets without the help of a pimp. 9 p.m. Sunday, HBO.
Other bets:
SUNDAY: The permanent smiles. The perfect teeth and hair. … It must be time for “The 2018 Miss America Competition.” Chris Harrison and Sage Steele are our hosts. 9 p.m., ABC.
SUNDAY: Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”) created and stars in “The Orville.” It’s a far-out space dramedy set 400 years into the future that follows an exploratory spaceship and his crew – both human and alien. 8 p.m., Fox.
SUNDAY: “Top of the Lake: China Girl” is the sequel to Jane Campion’s masterful 2013 mystery drama. Elisabeth Moss returns as detective Robin Griffin, who is back in Sydney and working a new case. Nicole Kidman and Gwendoline Christie also star. 9 p.m., Sundance TV.
MONDAY: On the Season 2 finale of “Preacher,” our trio prepares for a new life as Jesse questions the path ahead, Tulip uncovers a dangerous secret and Cassidy grapples with a difficult truth. 9 p.m., AMC.
TUESDAY: “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World” is a documentary that explores how an obscure monk challenged kings and popes in starting the Reformation, a movement that sparked seismic cultural changes. Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”) narrates. 7 p.m., KSPS; 8 p.m., KCDT.
WEDNESDAY: It’s a big night on “America’s Got Talent.” The summer’s most popular reality series reveals the finalists who will be going all-out for your votes. 8 p.m., NBC.
WEDNESDAY: Another hilarious season of “Broad City” gets underway with an episode called “Sliding Doors.” It depicts how Abbi and Ilana, our favorite femininjas, met for the first time at a New York subway station. 10:30 p.m., Comedy Central.
THURSDAY: One of last year’s best new comedies, the darkly funny “Better Things,” returns for its second season. Of course, poor, stressed-out Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon) is still struggling to raise her three daughters while keeping her acting career afloat. 10 p.m., FX.
FRIDAY: The “11th Annual AMC Honors” celebrates the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the “52nd Academy of Country Music Awards.” The performance lineup includes Kelsea Ballerini, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Chris Stapleton and others. 9 p.m., CBS.
SATURDAY: We dare you to watch Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in “La La Land” without getting the urge to dance around your living room. The heartwarming tribute to Los Angeles and vintage Hollywood musicals, makes its cable TV debut. 8 p.m., HBO.