tv

new and noteworthy tv: 10/10-10/16

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We’re just about wrapping the introductions, good thing it’s a long weekend to knock a little more watching out.

  • Freakish (Hulu) Series Premiere, Monday – A containment drill is apparently not a drill and survivors have been infected.
  • Supergirl (CW) Season Premiere, Monday, 8pm – As I understand it she’s back and being visited by Superman.
  • 2 Broke Girls (CBS) Season Premiere, Monday, 9pm – This show has its moments but it doesn’t make a season pass.
  • The Middle/American Housewife/Fresh Off the Boat/The Real O’Neals (ABC) Season Premieres, Tuesday, 8/8:30/9/9:30pm – I tune in for Middle and Fresh though not O’Neals and will give Housewife a shot hearing enough good buzz on this take on the imperfect surrounded by the perfect.
  • Channel Zero (Syfy) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 9pm – This Paranormal drama is a look at a child psychologist’s investigation into some old murders.
  • Chicago Fire (NBC) Season Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – More Chicago antics.
  • DC’s Legends of Tomorrow/Supernatural (CW) Season Premieres, Thursday, 8/9pm – 2nd and 12th season of shows I don’t watch.
  • Falling Water (USA) Series Premiere, Thursday, 10pm – Linking up via dreams apparently does something in this new drama.
  • Goliath (Am) Series Premiere, Friday – David E. Kelly and Jonathan Shapiro are the latest creators heading to alt networks with a good cast including Billy Bob.
  • Haters Back Off (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – This offbeat comedy about a YouTuber trying to become a star reportedly isn’t for everyone.
  • Wolf Creek (Pop) Series Premiere, Friday, 10pm – Yet another network I don’t know or get, but they’ve got a drama about serial killer victim
  • The Durrells in Corfu (PBS) Series Premiere, Sunday, 8pm – The latest Masterpiece.
  • Berlin Station/Graves (Epix) Series Premieres, Sunday, 9/10pm – Spy drama and political satire.
  • Eyewitness (USA) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – Two guys catch a crime and it’s undoubtedly complicated.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/3-10/9

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Fall is still coming, fortunately I’ve been able to knock a few things off my list including The Black List which I have finally given myself permission to drop. Though my Netflix queue shouldn’t feel pressing, the only thing I’m really targeting is Gilmore Girls rewatch by Thanksgiving, I’m also looking at Longmire, House of Cards, Mad Men and am champing at the bit to get started on Luke Cage.

  • Scorpion (CBS) Season Premiere, Monday, 9pm – The genius crew returns.
  • Timeless (NBC) Series Premiere, Monday, 10pm – A trio of folks chase ‘evildoer’ back through time, this might not be great but might be entertaining.
  • Conviction (ABC) Series Premiere, Monday, 10pm – Glad to see Peggy Carter get a new show but haven’t heard much good buzz about this legal drama.
  • The Mindy Project (Hulu) Season Premiere, Tuesday – I lost touch with this when it went Hulu.
  • Vice Presidential Debates (Various) Tuesday, 6pm – Elaine Quijano moderates.
  • The Flash/No Tomorrow (CW) Season/Series Premieres, Tuesday, 8/9pm – I don’t Flash but have heard hopeful news about the gal falls for apocalypse fearing guy.
  • Arrow/Frequency (CW) Season/Series Premieres, Wednesday, 8/9pm – I also don’t Arrow but will at least check out the detective talking to dead dad through a radio.
  • Presidential Debates (Various) Sunday, 6pm – Anderson Cooper and Martha Radatz moderate.
  • Divorce/Insecure (HBO) Series Premieres, Sunday, 10/10:30pm – Worth checking out a couple of new ones with the return of Sarah Jessica Parker and the somewhat introduction of Issa Rae.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/26-10/2

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Still making my way through last week’s tv, fortunately a cold this week forced me to take a little downtime to do some catching up as more stuff keeps coming.

  • Presidential Debate (Various) Monday, 6pm – Lester Holt moderates.
  • Aftermath (Syfy) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – Another post-apocalyptic endeavor.
  • Criminal Minds/Code Black (CBS) Season Premieres, Wednesday, 9/10pm – Thomas Gibson is out, who’s in? And more medical.
  • Younger/Impastor (TVL) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 10/10:30pm – I still find Younger, mostly due to the lead Sutton Foster, charming and they do a fun job of her 26 year old 40 year old lives and haven’t keep up with the fake holy man.
  • Crisis in Six Scenes (Am) Series Premiere, Friday – Woody Allen’s latest isn’t made more appealing sounding with the use of Miley Cyrus.
  • Marvel’s Luke Cage (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – I enjoyed this character’s turn in Jessica Jones so I’m looking forward to what he does in his own series.
  • Versailles (Ova) Series Premiere, Saturday, 10pm – Haven’t heard amazing things about this French import drama about the making of.
  • Saturday Night Live (NBC) Season Premiere, Saturday, 11:29 – Margot Robbie hosts.
  • Ash vs Evil Dead/Blunt Talk (Starz) Season Premiere, Sunday, 8/8:30pm – I’ve heard some good about Ash though not much about Blunt.
  • Madam Secretary/Elementary (CBS) Season Premiere, Sunday, 9/10pm – I’ll give these both another go.
  • Shameless (Show) Season Premiere, Sunday, 9pm – The return of the dysfunctional family.
  • Westworld (HBO) Series Premiere, Sunday 9pm – The latest high concept sci-fi/fantasy drama.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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intriguing new fall tv

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The season is starting to roll so we’ve gotten a taste of some new stuff. Here’s what I’m either enjoying or looking forward to so far:

  • Atlanta (Fx, 9/6) – This latest foray into tv by Donald Glover gives an offbeat and somehow engaging look at his life with his rapper cousin, already picked up for Season 2.
  • Better Things (Fx. 9/8) – The other FX show already returning, Pamela Adlon arrives in another semi-autobiographical series as single mom/actress and somewhat irregular personality, also produced by Louis CK so has a similar sensibility.
  • Designated Survivor (ABC, 9/21) – Keifer Sutherland deals with terrorists again but this time it looks like he’s more Clark Kent less Superman as he’s thrust into a presidential role.
  • Frequency (CW, 10/5) – Yet another based on an existing, in this case movie, where the police protagonist talks to her dead father on a ham radio.
  • The Good Place (NBC, 9/19) – I’m always game to see what Kristen Bell is up to and this take on a heavenly arena that looks like it’s heading into disarray because she’s not supposed to be there is actually looking like a fun premise with good characters.
  • Lethal Weapon (Fox, 9/21) – So if you forget what this is based on it actually starts off as a pretty good buddy cop show held up by Damon Wayans and the other dude from Rectify.
  • No Tomorrow (CW, 10/4) – Offbeat romantic comedy where the dude in the couple is readying for the imminent apocalypse but they’re supposed to be endearing enough.
  • Pitch (Fox, 9/22) – First female pitcher, that’ll all be smooth sailing right?
  • Queen Sugar (Own, 9/6) – I almost didn’t even dabble with this latest sudsy Oprah offering but found the characters and setting to be interesting and charming.
  • Speechless (ABC, 9/21) – Minnie Driver heads another family comedy, in this the unique slant is their special needs son, the first episode had some charm and laughs.
  • This Is Us (NBC. 9/20) – I listened to the critics who told me this could fill the dramedy hole left by Parenthood and after the first I’m interested enough to give this one a go.
  • Timeless (NBC, 10/3) – Time travel always makes me dubious but I’ve heard enough good things about the premise and I’m all about Abigail Spencer these days who is a part of the team sent to stop a dude who goes back in time wreaking havoc.

And a few other shows that have gotten at least some new buzz on networks I don’t get: Divorced (HBO, 10/9), Fleabag (Am, 9/16), High Maintenance (HBO, 9/16), Insecure (HBO, 10/9), One Mississippi (Am, 9/9), Quarry (Cin, 9/9).

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/19-9/25

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With the return of the fall season I’ve returned to noting the majority of the season premieres of scripted shows along with new series. My TiVo is going to start getting a workout again.

  • The Big Bang Theory/Kevin Can Wait (CBS) Season/Series Premieres, Monday, 8/8:30pm – Still a fan of Big Bang and am not expecting any more from Kevin James’ new comedy than stereotypical comedic family.
  • Gotham/Lucifer (Fox) Season Premieres, Monday, 8/9pm – Looking forward to what James Gordon is up to with the latest criminal element and didn’t quite catch on to the devil coming to town.
  • The Voice (NBC) Season Premiere, Monday, 8pm – This season Miley Cryus and Alicia Keys join Levine and Shelton.
  • The Good Place (NBC) Series Premiere, Monday, 10pm – One of the new comedies I’m looking forward to as Kristen Bell joins Ted Danson in a heavenly way.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine/New Girl/Scream Queens (Fox) Season Premieres, Tuesday, 8/8:30/9pm – I’m amused by the first hour of this block.
  • NCIS/Bull/NCIS: New Orleans (CBS) Season/Series Premieres, Tuesday, 8/9/10pm – I haven’t heard great things about the new Michael Weatherly as renowned trial consultant but perhaps.
  • Agents of SHIELD (ABC) Season Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – I’ll tune in to see what the next chapter holds in this slice of the Marvel world.
  • This is Us (NBC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – This dramedy of intertwined lives is being compared to Parenthood which makes me want to give it a go.
  • The Goldbergs/Speechless/Modern Family/Blackish/Designated Survivor (ABC) Season/Series Premieres, Wednesday, 8/8:30/9/9:30/10pm – I tuned out of this comedy lineup but will check out this latest family comedy and Kiefer Sutherland taking on the presidency.
  • Lethal Weapon/Empire (Fox) Series/Season Premieres, Wednesday, 8/9pm – I’ve heard enough promise in the latest incarnation of this buddy cop drama and am still engaged with the soapy musical family.
  • Survivor (CBS) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 8pm – Millennials vs. Gen X, I’m not only not following this show anymore I’m not sure how old that makes the participants.
  • Law & Order: SVU/Chicago PD (NBC) Season Premieres, Wednesday, 9/10pm – For those that are sticking these out.
  • Easy (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday – Curious to see what this ensemble cast, anthology, romantic comedy series is about.
  • Grey’s Anatomy/Notorious/HTGAWMurder (ABC) Season/Series Premieres, Thursday, 8/9/10pm – I couldn’t keep up with the myriad of seasons of Grey’s and didn’t want to keep up with Murder and I’m not hearing great things about this Piper Parabo criminal law and media newcomer though I’ll check it out.
  • Rosewood/Pitch (Fox) Season/Series Premieres, Thursday, 8/9pm – I skip the private practice forensics but I’ll check out this first woman pitcher show.
  • Superstore/Chicago Med/The Blacklist (NBC) Season Premieres, Thursday, 8/9/10pm – The Good Place also joins the lineup of the amusing Superstore and though I skip the generic med I do stay tuned for James Spader.
  • Longmire (Net) Season Premiere, Friday – I enjoy the stories and characters and beautiful country.
  • Transparent (Am) Season Premiere, Friday – Still hear great things about this series.
  • Hell’s Kitchen/The Exorcist (Fox) Season/Series Premiere, Friday, 8/9pm – I don’t do Ramsay but I did actually read a good review of the latest demonic possession.
  • Last Man Standing/Dr Ken/Shark Tank (ABC) Season Premieres, Friday, 8/8:30/9pm – Yes both of these comedies are still on, followed by more pitches.
  • MacGyver/Hawaii Five-0/Blue Bloods (CBS) Series Premiere, Friday 8/9/10pm – As some of you know I was a huge MacGyver fan both with sincerity and the appropriate dose of kitch and although I’ve seen this kid use a Swiss army knife in the preview I’m really not optimistic about this reboot, followed by crime in various styles.
  • Van Helsing (Syfy) Series Premiere, Friday, 10pm – Yet another redo that might be a redon’t.
  • Once Upon a Time/Secrets and Lies/Quantico (ABC) Season Premieres, Sunday, 7/8/9/10pm – The lineup returns.
  • Bob’s Burgers/The Simpsons/Family Guy/Last Man on Earth (Fox) Season Premieres, Sunday, 7:30/8/9/9:30pm – Seasons 7, 28, 15 and 3 joined by the first season of Son of Zorn.
  • Poldark (PBS) Season Premiere, Sunday, 8pm – I rarely keep up with the PBS fare.
  • NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) Season Premiere, Sunday, 8:30pm – Is there a mole in the department, not sure since I’m not sure who’s actually in the department?

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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returning fall favorites

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This year fall sort of snuck up on me but as usual as much as it’s upon us it’s a slow roll. A few of the shows that I’ve got on season pass ready to return:

  • The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/19) – This show might not be revolutionary but still makes me laugh enough to look forward to it for the fun mix of personalities.
  • The Blacklist (NBC, 9/22) – I would be happy never to see Elizabeth again and Red may not be enough to keep me tuning in for another season but my interest is still greater than my annoyance, for now at least.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/20) – Another one I find funny, the characters have all grown in nice ways and create interesting complementary relationships.
  • Elementary (CBS, 10/2) – I found I was paying less attention to this last year but still like the main characters enough, and enjoy having a good procedural to be available so for now I’ll tune in for more than Joan’s outfit.
  • Empire (Fox, 9/21) – There was a bit of a sophomore slump on this one but I love a good fast moving soapy show and the musical accompaniment adds a nice touch.
  • Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 10/11) – The mix of cultures and generations in our 80s era setting are well explored with a nice ensemble of well-drawn characters.
  • Gotham (Fox, 9/19) – I never love this reinvention of the early years of the dawn of Batman as much as I want to but I find that I always enjoy the villains and the complexity of the ‘good’ guys more than I think I’m going to.
  • Life in Pieces (CBS, 10/27) – I spent every episode last season deciding whether I was going to keep watching this show but I made it through the year so we’ll see if this extended family laugher keeps me laughing.
  • Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/2) – I am keeping this show in the lineup as basically a poor man’s The Good Wife but this politics meets family show will do for now.
  • Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, 9/20) – Repeat Gotham description here.
  • The Middle (ABC, 10/11) – This comedy has help up to the test of time and continues to bring amusement even as college is taking them away.
  • Mom (CBS, 10/27) – This show has grown into a nice comedy while still keeping the drama of the darker moments of their lives.
  • New Girl (Fox, 9/20) – Repeat The Big Bang Theory description here.
  • Superstore (NBC, 9/22) – There was enough intriguing and amusing in this workplace comedy to keep me coming back.

And of course a few cable fare: Longmire (Net, 9/23), Project Runway (Life, 9/15),  Rectify (Sund, 10/26). The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/23), Younger (TVL, 9/28), You’re the Worst (Fxx, 8/31), Z Nation (Syfy, 9/16)

Though as I read my reccos I realized most aren’t that strong, here’s hoping the new crop of shows offers some new faves. Stay tuned for my look at what I’m looking forward to.

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/12-9/18

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We’re waiting for the most of fall to roll in, which is good since I finally wrapped Roots and am getting into OJ: Made in America. While we wait here are a few things to keep us occupied.

  • CBS Fall Preview (CBS) Monday, 8:30pm – A look at what else is coming.
  • American Horror Story (Fx) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – I don’t keep up with this show but am always intrigued to see the latest scenario and characters.
  • Blindspot (NBC) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – I didn’t quite click with this one but it’s back.
  • Project Runway (Life) Season Premiere, Thursday 8/9pm – Road to the runway followed by the latest season of hopefuls to add to our backlog.
  • Fleabag (Am) Series Premiere, Friday – Another one getting good buzz is this half hour dysfunctional family comedy.
  • Z Nation (Syfy) Season Premiere, Friday, 8pm – For those of you who like your zombie dramas on the campy side this show has kept a good stride.
  • High Maintenance (HBO) Series Premiere, Friday, 11pm – This was a web series about a pot dealer, and some folks with issues on his route, is making it to HBO with some fresh eps.
  • Emmy Awards (ABC) Sunday, 8pm – I can’t ever quite seem to care but awards will be had.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/5-9/11

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I’m not sure how official it is but the first full week of September after Labor Day sure seems to fit the bill for the start of fall. A couple early potential good ones as we wait for things to shake out.

  • Mary + Jane (MTV) Series Premiere, Monday, 10pm – This twenty-something gal weed delivery reportedly isn’t all that but has potential.
  • Loosely Exactly Nicole (MTV) Series Premiere, Monday, 10:30pm – Loosely exactly based on lead Nicole Byer (from the Girl Code), she plays nanny by day and aspiring actress by night.
  • Startup (Crackle) Series Premiere, Tuesday – This latest I don’t know what network this is on series stars Adam Brody (of The OC) is some sort of tech dude and you know there are situations and complications.
  • Atlanta (Fx) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – I’ve heard some great buzz about this new Donald Glover (of Community) series.
  • Queen Sugar (OWN) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – The Oprah network brings another soapy series with a supposed more positive spin where woman returns home to New Orleans and sugarcane for family drama which reportedly has potential.
  • Commander-in-Chief Forum (NBC) Wednesday, 8pm – Hilary and that other guy respond to questions about these topics.
  • Better Things (Fx) Series Premiere, Thursday, 10pm – I’ve also heard good word about this series starring Pamela Adlon (from Louie) loosely based on her life story, working actress mom to three.
  • One Mississippi (Am) Series Premiere, Friday – One more with good word compared at least in quality to Transparent and is a rumored bleak comedy.
  • Stand Up to Cancer (Various) Friday – Cancer bad.
  • ACM Honors (CBS) Friday, 9pm – Lady Antebellum hosts from the Academy of Country Music.
  • Quarry (Cin) Series Premiere, Friday, 10pm – 1972 as a Marine returns from Vietnam and goes mob hit man?
  • US Open Tennis ((ESPN) Saturday/Sunday, 1pm – Women’s and men’s finals.
  • Son of Zorn (Fox) Series Premiere, Sunday, 8pm – A preview of this new series an animated Jason Sudeikis as Pacific island warrior comes to live action world to reconnect with his live action wife Cheryl Hines and their son, sounds odd so who knows.
  • Miss America (ABC) Sunday, 9pm – Chris Harrison and Sage Steele host.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/29-9/4

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Though I actually enjoyed it I am thankful to be done with the Olympics and back to some of my backlog. I did the math of wrapping my rewatch of Gilmore Girls before the new ones at Thanksgiving and I’ve actually got some work to do.

  • US Open Tennis (ESPN/2) Starting Monday at 10am – Let’s start another fortnight of tennis.
  • You’re the Worst (Fxx) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – This is one of my fave shows, they do a nice job with being real and wrong and still funny.
  • Soul Mates (Seeso) Series Premiere, Thursday – Yet another thing to keep track of Seeso is a paid streaming series that is bringing things like this latest comedy from a couple of Australian trend obsessed hipsters.
  • Narcos (Net) Season Premiere, Friday – I made my way through the whole first season but am not going back in
  • Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse (Am) Series Premiere, Friday – Emeril and his chef friends try stuff out.
  • Chef’s Table (Net) Season Premiere, Friday – More cooking.
  • Sunset PPL (NBC) Saturday, 1:37am – It’s unclear whether this is supposed to be a pilot but there’s nothing on the agenda after this airing of ‘the trials and tribulations of a group of millennial friends.’
  • ABC Fall Preview Special (ABC) Sunday, 8pm – I guess we’re heading into fall.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/22-8/28

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Post Olympics lots of new financial backer shows for anyone needing more Shark Tank like options.

  • Food Network Star Kids (Food) Series Premiere, Monday, 8pm – Because kids are cute.
  • Too Close to Home (TLC) Series Premiere, Monday, 9pm – Their first scripted series of a DC gal mixing her trailer park past.
  • Adventure Capitalists (CNBC) Series Premiere, Monday, 10pm – Like shark tank but with adventure products and they test drive them in the wild.
  • Halt and Catch Fire (AMC) Season Premiere, Tuesday, 9pm – I didn’t ever get on board with the first season but have heard rumor the second season got good.
  • Ink Master (Spike) Special Presentation/Season Premiere, Tuesday, 9:30/10pm – I’m now a season behind as I’m still struggling with my strategy to watch this since I no longer get Spike.
  • The View: 20 Years in the Making (ABC) Tuesday, 10pm – If you just can’t get enough.
  • Better Late Than Never (NBC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – Henry Winkler, William Shatner, Terry Bradshaw and George Foreman ‘on their greatest adventure yet’ traveling through Asia.
  • Milwaukee Blacksmith (Hist) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – Family blacksmithery.
  • One Shot (BET) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – The next big rap star!
  • Playhouse Masters (TLC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – They’re making more than Barbie’s Dreamhouse.
  • You Can Do Better (Tru) Series Premiere, Tuesday 10:30pm – They’re teaching you things you need to know but no one ever teaches you, the first episode is about drinking.
  • Dual Survival (Disc) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 9pm – The return of one of those survivalist shows.
  • Cleveland Hustles (CNBC) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – Cleveland business leaders paired with folks looking for investments in their brick and mortar.
  • Gomorrah (Sund) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – US reairing of popular Italian crime org series.
  • Blue Collar Backers (Disc) Series Premiere, Friday, 10pm – A panel of experts give funds and some hands on experience to help new businesses succeed.
  • Arthur Ashe Kids Day (ABC) – Kicking off the US Open.
  • We Day (ABC) Sunday, 7pm – Global change youth-style.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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