Bill Harris’ TV must-sees for the week of Nov. 24
1 The Challenger Disaster
Debut: Made-for-TV movie about the controversial commission that investigated the infamous 1986 space-shuttle tragedy. Cast includes William Hurt, Joanne Whalley, Bruce Greenwood and Brian Dennehy.
When: Sunday on Discovery
2 The Mentalist
After a 10-year pursuit, Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) finally comes face to face with Red John, the killer who murdered his wife and daughter. Well, it’s about damn time.
When: Sunday on CBS, CTV Two
3 How I Met Your Mother
Titled Bedtime Stories, this has been billed as a special rhyming episode told in three tales: Mosby at the Bat; Robin Takes the Cake; and Barney Stinson, Player King of New York City.
When: Monday on CBS, City
4 Ja’mie: Private School Girl
Debut: Another comic installment from Australian Chris Lilley, who reprises his role as schoolgirl Ja’mie. But now she’s far away from her familiar stomping grounds at Summer Heights High.
When: Sunday on HBO Canada
5 The Secret Disco Revolution
Documentary about the dominant music genre of the 1970s features the Village People, Gloria Gaynor, the Trammps, Kool and the Gang and K.C. and the Sunshine Band. Shake your booty.
When: Tuesday on Bravo
6 Murdoch Mysteries
Doesn’t that Newfoundlander on the run from the law look a lot like Jake Doyle from Republic of Doyle? It is, in fact, the man who plays Jake, Allan Hawco, guest-starring as one of Jake’s ancestors.
When: Monday on CBC
7 Bill Cosby: Far From Finished
Debut: This new standup special from the 76-year-old sweater-wearing, Jell-o Pudding Pop-eating comedy legend was filmed last summer in Los Angeles.
When: Saturday on Comedy
8 Cracked
Second-season finale: Dr. Clara Malone (Brooke Nevin) initiates an experimental therapy that explains the voices a young man is hearing in his head, which in turn leads to a peril-filled climax.
When: Monday on CBC
9 Getting On
Debut: Six-episode dark and candid medical comedy about a hospital unit in California that cares for elderly patients. Stars Laurie Metcalf, Alex Borstein and Niecy Nash.
When: Sunday on HBO Canada
10 Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod (Tom Mison) and Abbie (Nicole Beharie) come across a Colonial-era house – or, as Ichabod calls it, “new” – that is hiding long-dormant evil. You know, like all old houses do.
When: Monday on Fox, Global
bill.harris@sunmedia.ca