Around the remote: Chuck Barney’s TV picks for Feb. 18-24
DON’T MISS: “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” – Here’s some very good news: After a three-month hiatus, our favorite fake anchor guy returns to launch the fifth season of his Emmy-winning satirical program. There’s no word on the subject matter of this week’s opener, but you can bet the boisterous Brit will take his typical deep dive into some weighty material, and that he will be really, really appalled. 11 p.m. Sunday, HBO.
Other bets
SUNDAY: The biggest names in basketball – at least the ones not injured – are showcased in the NBA All-Star Game. This year’s contest in Los Angeles introduces a new format, with rosters picked by captains LeBron James and Steph Curry, regardless of conference affiliation. 5:20 p.m. TNT
SUNDAY: The saga of Hope Valley continues as “When Calls the Heart” launches a new season. In the opener, Lee is made acting sheriff when Abigail and Sheriff Bill leave town to testify in Gowen’s trial. 9 p.m., Hallmark.
MONDAY: “Blurt” is comedic TV movie for the kids that tells the story of Jeremy Martin (Jace Norman) who, after a virtual reality mishap, starts spouting every thought he has out loud. Too bad he’s running for school president. 7 p.m., Nickelodeon.
MONDAY: “The 2018 American Rescue Dog Show” invites you to help save lives through adoption of shelter pets. The competition features mixed breed and pure breed rescue canines competing in a variety of offbeat categories, including Best in Couch Potato, Wiggle Butt, Underbite, and Snoring. 8 p.m., Hallmark.
MONDAY: “Traffic Stop” is an Oscar-nominated documentary short that recalls an incident in 2015 when African-American school teacher Breaion King was stopped for a minor traffic violation in Austin, Texas. What should have been a routine encounter escalated into a harrowing arrest that was captured by police dash cameras. 8 p.m., HBO.
TUESDAY: In the first of a two-part documentary, “Frontline” examines the bitter rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia that has plunged the Middle East into sectarian war. Included: A look at the roles religion and power politics play in the conflict. 9 p.m., KSPS/KCDT.
WEDNESDAY: “The Amazing Race” caps off its milestone 30th season with a two-hour sprint to the finish that includes stops in Hong Kong and San Francisco. Whew. We’re exhausted just watching. 9 p.m., CBS.
THURSDAY: And you thought it would never end. Nope, “The Bachelor Winter Games” mercifully concludes as the participants reunite and reflect on their experiences. 8 p.m., ABC.
FRIDAY: The hazy misadventures continue on “High Maintenance.” Tonight, Abdullah (Abdullah Saeed), a potential partner, takes over The Guy’s weed route while he tries to take some time off. Our prediction? Chaos. 11 p.m., HBO.
SATURDAY: The 2018 Winter Olympics are almost over, so you better get in some couch time. Tonight’s schedule In South Korea includes the final runs of the four-man bobsled and the gala figure-skating exhibition. 5 p.m., NBC