“America’s Next Top Model”
Wednesday 9pm, CW
We’re nearing the end of Tyra Banks’s “all-star” cycle, and this week’s recap episode is the only thing between us and the Final Four. However, the proceedings haven’t been nearly as cracked out as I imagined they would be when the 14 returning contestants were announced. Fully half of those girls were assholes the first time around, but precious few of them brought the crazy or the bitch this time (thanks for playing, Bianca). It has, however, been fun to see favorite contestants get another shot at quasi-relevancy. At this point the only horse I still have in the race is C12’s living kewpie doll Allison, and I’m still pulling for that charming nosebleed-loving weirdo. But I’ve read some juicy spoilers that, if they prove true, would result in one of the nuttiest wins in reality-show history.
“Live with Regis and Kelly”
Friday 10am, NBC29
After nearly 30 years Regis Philbin will end his reign as co-host after Friday’s broadcast. Philbin was one of the original hosts of “The Morning Show,” which started in 1983 as a New York City-only talk show. It went into national syndication in 1988, quickly growing into a ratings juggernaut, and Philbin is no small part of that success. He’s likable, believable, and good at his job—there’s a reason he was also picked to host one-time sensation “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” in the late ’90s. Plus, he put up with Kathie Lee Gifford for 15 years, so he must be saint. Expect many a tribute to Reeg (Katie Couric will also do an interview special with him the night prior on ABC’s “20/20”), but know that “Live” will continue with current co-host Kelly Ripa going through the same guest-host tryout process that landed her the gig a decade ago. Up first: Jerry Seinfeld, November 21-23.
“Donald Glover: Weirdo”
Saturday 11pm, Comedy Central
I initially dismissed Donald Glover as the weak link when “Community” premiered on NBC a few years back. His jock character, Troy, seemed one-note at first. But then he developed his delightful bromance with Abed, explored interpretive dance, and introduced us to Annie’s Boobs, and now I find Troy to be one of the show’s best characters, and Glover one of its most versatile performers. He’s also a gifted comedic writer—he wrote for the first three seasons of “30 Rock”—a burgeoning rapper, and partially responsible for the new Spider-Man being part African-American. And this weekend you can catch him in his first comedy special.