Around the remote: Chuck Barney’s TV picks for Aug. 20-26
DON’T MISS: “Episodes” – As the hilarious Hollywood satire launches its fifth and final season, Sean (Stephen Mangan), Beverly (Tamsin Greig) and Matt (Matt LeBlanc) have all pretty much hit rock bottom. The latter – playing a twisted version of himself – is now the host of a ridiculous game show called “The Box.” And even though it’s a huge hit, he’s worried that the gig will damage his acting career. Sounds like a man without a plan. 10 p.m. Sunday, Showtime.
Other bets
SUNDAY: “The Last Ship” returns to action with back-to-back episodes and the crew of the Nathan James just can’t catch a break. They’re facing yet another global disaster – 16 months after thwarting the coup in America. 9 p.m., TNT.
SUNDAY: As “Survivor’s Remorse” tips off its fourth season, basketball star Cam Calloway continues to discover that life off the court is a tricky game to master. Let’s hope he doesn’t foul out. 10 p.m., Starz.
MONDAY: “Nova” presents a special episode, “Eclipse Over America.” Included: A look at the history of eclipse science and current research into the solar corona, plus footage of the day’s big event shot along the path of totality. 8 p.m. KCDT, 9 p.m., KSPS.
TUESDAY: Taraji P. Henson is our host for “Black Girls Rock!” It’s an annual awards show that celebrates the achievements of black women who have broken barriers in the areas of art, business, entertainment and community service. 8 p.m., BET.
TUESDAY: “Diana – Her Story” is another program dedicated to the beloved princess. It’s a documentary featuring video footage made in 1992 of Diana speaking candidly about her life and troubled marriage. Also: new interviews with some of her confidants. 7 p.m. KSPS, 8 p.m., KCDT.
WEDNESDAY: “Shattered” is a compelling new true-crime series that dissects a homicide case through three distinctive points of view via intimate, first-person interviews with those whose lives were dramatically changed by the crime. Each week delivers a different case. 10 p.m., Investigation Discovery.
THURSDAY: Are we about to be introduced to the next One Direction? On the season finale of “Boy Band,” the remaining eight contestants learn their fates and the winning five will be awarded a recording contract. 8 p.m., ABC.
THURSDAY: In the season finale of “The Mist,” tensions among the people trapped at the mall come to a head, and the group discovers a clue that could point to the mist’s origins. (We’re guessing it’s a Stephen King book). 10 p.m., Spike.
FRIDAY: “Whitney: Can I Be Me” is a revelatory documentary that weaves fresh video footage and candid interviews into a raw portrait of the late Whitney Houston. The film’s central premise is that even though Houston had incredible fame wealth and talent, she was often prevented from doing what she wanted. 9 p.m., Showtime.
SATURDAY: Natalie Portman earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in “Jackie,” which makes its television debut. The film follows Jacqueline Kennedy in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy as she deals with her grief and makes plans for his funeral. 8 p.m., HBO.