TV Notes: Time could be fleeting for NBC’s ‘Community’
Don’t miss
“COMMUNITY” — When NBC left this underappreciated show off its midseason schedule, fans flew into a rage. And who can blame them? The campus comedy about misfit members of a study group continues to be one of the funniest and most inventive half hours in prime time. Now, it finally returns to continue its third season with an episode that has Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) being asked by her ex (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) to remarry him, and the eccentric duo of Troy and Abed (Donald Glover, Danny Pudi) practicing to be “normal” (good luck with that). If there was ever a time to rally around “Community,” it’s now, as lackluster ratings make it a candidate for cancellation when the season ends. 8 p.m. Thursday, NBC.
Other bets
ToDAY: “Harry’s Law,” David E. Kelly’s offbeat legal drama, moves to a new night and serves up a case in which Harry (Kathy Bates) finds herself in a courtroom scuffle against a lawyer from her past. 8 p.m., NBC.
ToDAY: Season 2 of the animated series “Bob’s Burgers” opens with an episode titled “The Belchies” and includes a reference to a “penis pill.” What did you expect, “Masterpiece Theatre”? 8:30 p.m., Fox.
ToDAY: In an exclusive interview on “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Bobbi Kristina, daughter of the late Whitney Houston, shares personal memories of her mother. Also, other members of the family, including sister-in-law and manager Patricia Houston, and Whitney’s brother, Gary, address the rumors surrounding the pop star’s death. 9 p.m., OWN.
MONDAY: It’s decision time for hunky, mop-top winemaker Ben Flajnik on “The Bachelor.” And if he picks Courtney (aka Cruella de Vil), we expect large blunt objects to be hurled at television sets all across America. 8 p.m., ABC.
TUESDAY: In an extraordinary surge of creativity, some brilliant programmer decided that, yes, the nation needs another fashion-centric show. And so we have “Fashion Star,” a reality series hosted by Elle Macpherson that gives unknown designers a chance to launch their collections with major retailers. 9:30 p.m., NBC.
WEDNESDAY: “Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis” is a new reality series that has the real estate maven revamping residences while also trying to transform the lives of their owners for the better. We’re guessing that the only “patients” he accepts have big, fat bank accounts. 9 p.m., Bravo.
WEDNESDAY: And you thought “South Park” wouldn’t last. But Cartman, Stan, Kyle and Kenny are back for their 16th season of low-brow shenanigans and general irreverence. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. 10 p.m., Comedy Central.
THURSDAY: If you can envision Ashley Judd as a kick-butt action star who can punch your lights out with ease, “Missing” might be your kind of show. It’s a drama starring Judd as a former CIA operative determined to take down the thugs who abducted her teen son in Europe. 8 p.m., ABC.
THURSDAY: Prime time becomes a little less sleazy and dumb tonight when “Jersey Shore” finally ends its season. The reprieve will be short-lived, though, as a spin off — “The Pauly D Project” — is set to debut later this month. 10 p.m., MTV.
FRIDAY: Kate Reed (Sarah Shahi), the hottest mediator on TV, returns for Season 2 of “Fairly Legal,” and changes are afoot. A new lawyer hunk (Ryan Johnson) is in town, paving the way for a juicy love triangle between him, Kate and her almost-ex, Justin (Michael Trucco). 9 p.m., USA.
SATURDAY: Holy shamrocks! In the TV film, “Leprechaun’s Revenge,” an evil leprechaun goes on a rampage in a small town because someone stole his gold. Billy Zane and William Devane have the pleasure of starring in this high-prestige production. 9 p.m., Syfy.