Chuck Barney’s TV and streaming picks for May 24-30
DON’T MISS: “America’s Got Talent” — Like other reality TV competitions impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, this summer sensation will look a lot different in its 15th season. Fortunately, most of the singers, dancers, comedians, daredevils, magicians and other variety acts were able to audition in person before production was halted in March. But the judges panel, which welcomes newcomer Sofia Vergara, will now make their assessments remotely from home. Some things, however never change: The Golden Buzzer is back and the winner pockets $1 million. (8 p.m. Tuesday, NBC).
Other bets:
SUNDAY: We’re told that “Naked and Afraid XL” is super-difficult this season. The setting is the scorching savannah of South Africa and the resources are scarcer than ever. But you can watch — fully clothed — from the comfort of your couch. (8 p.m., Discovery).
MONDAY: Host and executive producer Dwayne Johnson is back for a second season of “The Titan Games.” Under a new format, the amateur contestants will occasionally find themselves up against pro athletes such as boxer Claressa Shields and former NFL Pro Bowler Joe Thomas. (8 p.m., NBC).
MONDAY: With a blend of dramatized scenes, expert commentary and archival images, the three-night miniseries “Grant” delves into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, one of the most complex and under-appreciated generals and presidents in U.S. history. Leonardo DiCaprio is among the executive producers on the project. (9 p.m., History Channel).
TUESDAY: Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Ne-Yo return to kick off another season of “World of Dance.” In Round 1 of “The Qualifiers,” the competition takes a twist as the judges surprise contestants, who must first perform in a stripped down warehouse to prove they have what it takes. (10 p.m., NBC).
WEDNESDAY: Yet another streaming service — HBO Max — debuts today and one of its flagship originals is “Love Life.” An anthology series starring Anna Kendrick, it promises a “fresh take” on romantic comedies. If that’s not your thing, there are always the new “Looney Tunes” offerings. (HBO Max).
WEDNESDAY: As “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” launches its final season, Coulson and the team are thrust back in time and stranded in 1931 New York City. With the all-new Zephyr set to time-jump at any moment, they must race to find out exactly what happened — or it could mean disaster for the world. (10 p.m., ABC).
THURSDAY: Time is running out Matt LeBlanc’s “Man With a Plan,” which was recently canceled. In tonight’s episode, Adam and Andi attempt to spice up their social life by making new friends. (8:30 p.m., CBS).
FRIDAY: Steve Carell co-created, and stars in, the cosmic comedy “Space Force.” He plays a four-star general who reluctantly teams up with an eccentric scientist (John Malkovich) to get the U.S. military’s newest agency ready for lift-off. The cast also includes Lisa Kudrow, Jimmy O. Yang, Ben Schwartz and Jane Lynch. (Netflix).
SATURDAY: Natalie Portman and Jon Hamm headline the 2019 feature film “Lucy in the Sky.” The story is loosely based on astronaut Lisa Nowak’s criminal activities around her romantic involvement with fellow astronaut William Oefelein. (8 p.m., HBO).
Contact Chuck Barney at cbarney@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/chuckbarney and Facebook.com/bayareanewsgroup.chuckbarney.
