Around the Remote: Summer Olympics coverage in Tokyo kicks off on NBC
DON’T MISS: The Summer Olympics – Yes, we’re bummed out that, due to coronavirus concerns, there will be no fans in attendance for the Tokyo Games. But the global event, after being delayed for a year, should still deliver plenty of must-see television. As usual, things get rolling with the Opening Ceremony, and because of the vast time difference, NBC will broadcast the festivities live in the morning (7 a.m. Friday) for the first time ever. But for viewers wanting to stick to traditional evening viewing, the network’s primetime broadcast will feature special coverage of Team USA, along with the performances, pageantry and Parade of Nations. (Primetime coverage: 7:30 p.m., NBC).
Other bets
SUNDAY: “The End” is a dark family comedy about palliative care specialist Dr. Kate Brennan (Frances O’Connor), who has her hands full trying to raise her children while coping with her depressed elderly mother (Edie Henley). The latter staunchly believes in the right to die and is ready to make her exit. (8 p.m., Showtime).
SUNDAY: Set in early-1990s Queens, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is a prequel to the original “Power” franchise. It’s the coming-of-age story of Kanan Stark (Mekai Curtis), the teen son of a cocaine dealer. The cast also includes Patina Miller and Omar Epps. (8 p.m., Starz).
SUNDAY: It’s go big or go home for fearless surfing pioneer Garrett McNamara. The six-part documentary series “100 Foot Wave” captures his decade-long odyssey to conquer monstrous waves in the coastal town of Nazare, Portugal. (10 p.m., HBO).
MONDAY: It’s semifinals time on “American Ninja Warrior.” The action begins in Los Angeles, where the competing ninjas will face up to 10 challenging obstacles, including new obstacles Wall-to-Wall and the Inverter. (8 p.m., NBC).
TUESDAY: “Man vs. History” is a new series that follows storyteller and historian Bil Lepp as he travels across the country to discover the truth behind mysteries and legends of America’s past. Tonight’s opener focuses on infamous Old West outlaw Billy the Kid. (10 p.m., History Channel).
WEDNESDAY: Before they hit it big on the pop charts, the Jonas Brothers apparently had visions of winning gold medals. In the hourlong special “Olympic Dreams Featuring Jonas Brothers,” Joe, Kevin and Nick train under some of Team USA’s best athletes as they compete against their biggest rivals – each other. (8 p.m., NBC).
WEDNESDAY: With amusement parks up and running again, the time is right for “Behind the Attraction.” Narrated by Paget Brewster, it’s a 10-episode series that uses archival and never-before-seen footage to explore how Disney park rides such as the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, the Jungle Cruise and others were conceived and built. (Disney+).
THURSDAY: On a new episode of “Walker,” the title character and Micki investigate a bomb threat at the school that targeted Liam and Stan. Meanwhile, Abeline and Bonham plan a vow renewal, and Trey’s mother (guest star Schelle Purcell) comes for a visit. (8 p.m., the CW).
FRIDAY: The beloved soccer comedy “Ted Lasso,” last summer’s underdog hit, returns for a highly anticipated second season. We can only hope that the goofy, chatty and eternally optimistic title character (Jason Sudeikis) finds some way to put his ragtag team on the path to glory. (Apple TV+).
SATURDAY: “Tig Notaro: Drawn” is the first-ever fully animated standup comedy special. Using a variety of artistic styles, it has Notaro telling funny stories about a hospital bed proposal, high school talent show gone awry, road trip with Dolly Parton and more. (10 p.m., HBO).