TV Notes: ‘Newsroom’ debuts on HBO
Don’t miss
“THE NEWSROOM” – Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”; “The Social Network”), one of Hollywood’s most celebrated writers, returns to TV with an idealistic view of the cable news operation. Jeff Daniels stars as Will McAvoy, a burned-out anchorman who generates solid ratings without rocking the boat. But his career gets a sudden jolt when his boss (Sam Waterson) hires his former lover (Emily Mortimer) to produce a hard-hitting newscast that calls corporations and politicians on their lies. All the Sorkin traits, including lots of cleverly articulate banter, are evident in this compelling drama. 10 p.m. today, HBO.
Other bets
ToDAY: “The Great Escape” is a new reality competition series that plops contestants into notable locales and challenges them to overcome obstacles and work free from tight situations. First up: An escape from Alcatraz. 10 p.m., TNT.
MONDAY: “The Bachelorette” heads to Prague, where one of the six remaining guys gets upset when he isn’t awarded a one-on-one date with Emily. Let’s hope she doesn’t have to go all “hood rat” on him. 8 p.m., ABC.
MONDAY: The Summer Olympics in London don’t get under way for a few more weeks, but tonight offers a chance to meet a few potential stars in Omaha. That’s where some of our top athletes will be hoping to make a big splash at the U.S. Swimming Trials. 8 p.m., NBC.
TUESDAY: “Dollars & Dentists” is the latest thought-provoking installment of the “Frontline” documentary series. It examines flaws in the nation’s dental system, including chains that allegedly overcharge patients. 9 p.m., KSPS; 10 p.m., KCDT.
WEDNESDAY: “The Real World” launches its 27th season tonight, which makes us feel real old. This time, our seven roommates find themselves living it up on the exotic Caribbean island of St. Thomas. 10 p.m., MTV.
THURSDAY: Brace yourselves. Charlie Sheen, the actor (and former warlock) who torpedoed his career last year, is back in the sitcom “Anger Management.” He plays a hotheaded former ballplayer now working as a therapist. 9 p.m., FX.
THURSDAY: Irreverent comedian Louis C.K. returns for Season 3 of “Louie.” If you haven’t seen this weird, dark and very funny sitcom, you’re needlessly depriving your body of healthy laughter. 10:30 p.m., FX.
THURSDAY: The human demolition derby known as “Wipeout” returns for its summer run. The opener features 12 no-brawn nerds facing off against a dozen stunning hotties in a classic battle of the sexes. 9 p.m., ABC.
FRIDAY: Here’s another chance to meet more potential Olympians: This time the site is San Jose, Calif., where people with strong and bendy bodies compete in the U.S. Gymnastic Trials. Coverage continues through the weekend. 9 p.m., NBC.
SATURDAY: This one sounds too good to pass up: “Bigfoot” is a cheesy flick starring former child stars Danny Bonaduce (“The Partridge Family”) and Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”) as lifelong rivals out to capture the hairy beast. Here’s hoping Sasquatch puts a beat-down on both of them. 9 p.m., Syfy.