Tuesday, March 23, 2021

What's On Tonight (Wednesday): Ladies and gentlemen, your Genius queen of soul

Genius: Aretha

Wholy Holy! Here's what's on television for tonight, Wednesday, March 24!

Tonight's Top Pick is the conclusion of the third season of Genius, which profiles the life of Aretha Franklin. The show's formula is the same as previous seasons, wherein there are two main stories — one about the person's youth and another where they navigate creativity and the national spotlight. Last night, teenage Aretha (Shaian Jordan) became pregnant again while older Aretha (an excellent Cynthia Erivo) recorded Amazing Grace, both navigating their troubled relationship with Dad (Courtney B. Vance).

Elsewhere, the Baronesses sign off, there's a conspiracy among the seas, Beverly Goldberg projects, PBS Fast-Forwards to the future, HBO examines sports at the start of the pandemic, the SEAL Team is hit by accusations of a horrific crime, Asta joins the Resident Alien to an alien convention, and Devil May Care arrives on Wednesdays.

STREAMING & EARLY PRIMETIME

πŸ’² Jeopardy! (Syndicated, check local listings): Ugh. Oz.

πŸŽ₯ Seaspiracy (Netflix, 3 a.m.): "Passionate about ocean life, a filmmaker sets out to document the harm that humans do to marine species — and uncovers alarming global corruption."✔️

Who Killed Sara? (Netflix, 3 a.m.): SERIES PREMIERE. A Mexican crime drama import.

5 MORE FOR THE RECORDDeliciousness (MTV, 7 p.m.); Design Star: Next Gen (Discovery+, 3 a.m.); πŸ’² People Puzzler (GSN, 6 p.m.); See No Evil (Discovery+, 3 a.m.); Tooning Out the News (Paramount+, 3 a.m.)

πŸ•— 8 P.M. EASTERN / πŸ•– 7 P.M. CENTRAL

American Housewife (ABC, 8:30 p.m.): Katie plays matchmaker by impersonating Oliver on his social media account to win over a girl. Meanswhile, Lonnie helps Greg dig up dirt on his political rival.

The Goldbergs (ABC, 8 p.m.): As Adam's girlfriend, Brea, heads to visit her cousin at the University of Virginia, Beverly projects her own insecurity onto Adam, convincing him to make a grand gesture to prevent Brea from choosing UVA for college.

Riverdale (The CW, 8 p.m.): After the Bulldogs lose several games, Archie and Veronica come up with a plan to boost school spirit. Jughead turns his attention to a student who he thinks needs his help.

Stormborn (Smithsonian Channel, 8 p.m.): SEASON FINALE. Autumn in the North Atlantic brings the struggle to prepare for the long, brutal winter that lies ahead. The Grey Seals begin their mating frenzy, and one seal pup must pay a horrific price. Then the reindeer start their perilous swim on their migration.

5 MORE FOR THE RECORDAEW: Dynamite (TNT); The Challenge (MTV); Married at First Sight (Lifetime); The Masked Singer (Fox); Tough as Nails (CBS)

πŸ•˜ 9 P.M. EASTERN / πŸ•— 8 P.M. CENTRAL 

Call Your Mother (ABC, 9:30 p.m.): As Jean's birthday approaches, Jackie and Freddie compete over who is getting her the best gift. Jean's best friend surprises her in Los Angeles, but their time spent celebrating quickly takes a turn.

The Conners (ABC, 9 p.m.): Dan feels helpless when Louise refuses to let him put himself at risk for her. When Jackie learns the competing restaurants are posting negative reviews about The Lunch Box, she recruits Neville to help her confront them.

The Day Sports Stood Still (HBO, 9 p.m.): SPECIAL. "Documenting the previously unprecedented sports shutdown in March 2020 in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the events that followed, including athlete interviews and insights from team owners and NBA staff."✔️

Genius: Aretha (National Geographic, 9 p.m.): SEASON FINALE. I don't really get the programming for the season. The show is fairly episodic and a little clunky when seen without days-long breaks. "Aretha steals an opportunity from her sister Carolyn; she receives a Grammy nomination but is ultimately snubbed from winning the award. She meets with Arista founder Clive Davis. Jerry Wexler leaves Atlantic Records, and he and Aretha part ways." Finally, "despite significant emotional losses, Aretha pushes herself artistically and triumphs. She begins a career at Arista with the help of Clive Davis, and in a Grammy performance in 1998, she solidifies her eternal reign as the Queen of Soul."

Nancy Drew (The CW, 9 p.m.): "Nancy and the crew strike a deal with Gil Bobbsey. Carson runs into a distraught Bess."

SEAL Team (CBS, 9 p.m.): Jason's career and freedom hang in the balance when Command accuses him of committing a horrific crime during a mission.

Sistas (BET, 9 p.m.): Karen struggles with her feelings for Zac. Gary reluctantly agrees to get counseling. Fatima senses hidden fears from Zac.

QUICK HITS:
πŸ“Ί The Dick Cavett Show (Decades): Phil Silvers (22 Jan 1982)

5 MORE FOR THE RECORDForged in Fire (History); Game of Talents (Fox); How the Universe Works (Science, season premiere); Man's Greatest Food (Cooking Channel, season finale); The Real Housewives of New Jersey (Bravo)

πŸ•™ 10 P.M. EASTERN / πŸ•˜ 9 P.M. CENTRAL

Fast-Forward: Look Into Your Future (PBS, 10 p.m.): SPECIAL. "Four millennials and their parents grapple with the realizations, conversations, actions, and mindset necessary to age successfully."✔️

Good Trouble (Freeform, 10 p.m.): Callie learns a secret about Kathleen. Mariana tries to hide her relationship with Evan, which she should have come clean about three episodes ago! Ugh, this show never puts Mariana as a better person. Alice thrives within the comedy program.

Resident Alien (Syfy, 10 p.m.): "Harry and Asta attend an alien convention." She knows!!

S.W.A.T. (CBS, 10 p.m.): A high-stakes domestic disturbance involving a father and his two young daughters leads the team to race against the clock to save a group of international activists.

Snowfall (FX, 10 p.m.): Franklin suffers the consequences of his choices. Jerome and Louie expand the business. Irene delivers an ultimatum.

QUICK HITS:
πŸ“Ί Johnny Carson (Antenna TV): Ricky Schroder, Walter Matthau (23 Mar 1982)
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (Bravo): Teresa Giudice, Jackie Hoffman

5 MORE FOR THE RECORD: Beyond the Unknown (Travel Channel); The Con (ABC); Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS, 10:30 p.m.); Marrying Millions (Lifetime); Restoration Garage (Motor Trend)

πŸ’€πŸ’€πŸ˜΄πŸ’€πŸ’€ 

Baroness von Sketch Show (IFC, midnight): SERIES FINALE. The final group of sketches cover future art... fashion over 40... plastic panic... and a cautionary tale about takeout containers. Plastics. They're ruining our environment.✔️

Devil May Care (Syfy, 11 p.m.): Devil forces Beans to seek out a girlfriend in hell, and nothing will ever be the same.

The Pole (Syfy, 11:15 p.m.): As the media targets Helenor, Nick crumbles under the pressure of the nice union.

The Summoner (Syfy, 11:35 p.m.): "Rory and The Summoner try to fake their way in the art world, but it's surprisingly hard." That's what she said! Later, Rory tries to participate in Shannon's blood drive event, but he's afraid of needles.

QUICK HITS:
The Daily Social Distancing Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central, 11 p.m.): TBD
The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS, 12:37 a.m.): Minnie Driver, Benny Blanco, Gracie Abrams
Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC, 12:36 a.m.): Kevin Bacon, Retta
A Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS, 12:05 a.m.): Sharon Stone, Ken Burns
A Little Late with Lilly Singh (NBC, 1:37 a.m.): Whitney Wolfe Herd
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 11:34 p.m.): Alexander SkarsgΓ₯rd, Karol G

FOR THE RECORDDisrupt & Dismantle (BET, 11 p.m., season finale); Nightly Pop (E!, 11:30 p.m.)
Baroness von Sketch Show (via Giphy)

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Note: All times are Eastern.
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πŸ’²: Game show
πŸŽ₯: Movie
πŸ“Ί: Throwback
✔️: Video/gif/photo included

Happy watching, everyone!

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