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Around the Remote: ‘Mom’ says farewell after eight seasons

Actress Allison Janney arrives at “The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute to Television’s Comedy Legends” at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif.  (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
By Chuck Barney Tribune News Service

DON’T MISS: “Mom” – Time for a big group hug. The warm-hearted sitcom that dared to tell stories about recovery from alcoholism and addiction – and brought Allison Janney a pair of Emmy Awards – closes the curtain on its acclaimed eight-year run. In the series finale, Bonnie (Janney) gains a new outlook on her sobriety after dealing with difficult news. Also, Jill (Beth Hall) and Andy (Will Sasso) take a big step in their relationship. (9 p.m. Thursday, CBS).

Other bets

SUNDAY: It’s the moment that passionate fans of “When Calls the Heart” have patiently awaited. In the Season 8 finale, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) finally realizes which man she’s meant to be with, so who’s the lucky guy – Nathan or Lucas? (9 p.m., Hallmark Channel).

SUNDAY: “Mare of Easttown,” the best new drama series on television right now, continues its riveting run with an episode in which Mare (Kate Winslet) is forced to take a backseat on the murder case. That means Colin (Evan Peters) takes charge and presses a local priest about the vague circumstances that prompted his transfer to the parish. (10 p.m., HBO).

MONDAY: “Lifetime Presents Variety’s Power of Women the Comedians” is a special that celebrates funny females who have made a big impact on popular culture. Honorees include Mindy Kaling, Maya Rudolph, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sofía Vergara, Michaela Coel and Kate McKinnon. The show also pays tribute to the late Gilda Radner. (8 p.m., Lifetime).

MONDAY: The origins, extent and fallout of one of the biggest public health tragedies ever is explored in “The Crime of the Century.” It’s a two-part documentary from Oscar winner Alex Gibney that serves as a searing indictment of Big Pharma and the political operatives and government regulations that enabled the reckless distribution of synthetic opiates. (9 p.m., HBO).

TUESDAY: Set in the context of today’s COVID-19 crisis, “Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer” is a four-part documentary series that recalls 300 years of medical innovations that conquered some of the deadliest diseases and doubled life expectancies across the globe. Included: Lessons learned from previous global pandemics, including smallpox, cholera and the Spanish flu. (8 p.m., PBS).

WEDNESDAY: Mike Epps heads the cast of “The Upshaws,” a new working-class comedy series. He plays Bernie Upshaw, a well-intentioned mechanic who juggles everyday challenges while caring for his family. Kim Fields, Wanda Sykes and Gabrielle Dennis also star. (Netflix).

THURSDAY: In the new comedy series “Hacks,” Jean Smart plays a legendary Las Vegas comedienne whose material has become rather stale. Enter a young, entitled comedy writer (Hannah Einbinder) hired to bring her some contemporary cred. Heads immediately butt. (HBO Max).

THURSDAY: Uh oh, there could be trouble ahead on “Young Sheldon.” In tonight’s Season 4 finale, Missy’s first heartbreak triggers a series of events that lead the Cooper family to the brink. (8 p.m., CBS).

FRIDAY: Executive produced by Ryan Murphy, the new limited series “Halston” follows the legendary fashion designer (Ewan McGregor) through the 1970s and ’80s as he leverages his single, invented name into a worldwide empire that became synonymous with luxury, sex, status and fame. Krysta Rodriguez plays Halston’s close friend Liza Minnelli. (Netflix).

SATURDAY: Funny man Keegan-Michael Key is host for the season’s penultimate episode of “Saturday Night Live.” Joining him as the evening’s musical guest is Olivia Rodrigo. (11:30 p.m., NBC).