Dive into a whirlwind of medical miracles, treacherous betrayals, and thrilling twists—this week's TV schedule promises to keep you glued to your screen and sparking endless debates!
Hey there, fellow TV enthusiasts! Welcome back to our weekly 'What's On' special, where we spotlight the standout shows lighting up your screens. We're zeroing in on the highlights from Sunday, January 4, through Saturday, January 10—all times in Eastern Standard Time. Whether you're curling up for some heart-pounding drama or diving into reality's underbelly, there's something here for everyone. But here's where it gets interesting: How do these shows balance entertainment with real-world issues, like the ethics of medicine or the thrill of deception? Stick around, and you'll see what I mean.
Best Medicine (Fox, Sunday at 8 p.m., series premiere)
Kicking things off with a fresh take on a beloved British hit, Fox brings us 'Best Medicine,' a charming medical dramedy that's a remake of the long-running series 'Doc Martin.' Picture this: Josh Charles steps into the lead role as a highly skilled Boston surgeon who's had enough of the high-stakes hustle of city life. He trades it all for a quieter existence, opening a practice in a quaint East Coast fishing village. It's all about that classic fish-out-of-water story—will his big-city expertise clash or charm in this small-town setting? For those new to the original, 'Doc Martin' follows a grumpy doctor with social quirks, so expect plenty of awkward humor and heartfelt moments. Don't miss The A.V. Club's in-depth review right here (https://www.avclub.com/best-medicine-review-tv-fox) to get the full scoop.
The Pitt (HBO Max, Thursday at 9 p.m., season two premiere)
It feels like just yesterday, but the critically acclaimed medical drama 'The Pitt' is roaring back for its second season on HBO Max. Less than a year after its Emmy-winning debut, we're plunging into another intense shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Dr. Robby (played by the ever-reliable Noah Wyle), the no-nonsense Charge Nurse Evans (Katherine LaNasa), and their resilient team are facing the chaos of a holiday weekend—specifically, a wild July 4th. Imagine the fireworks both literal and figurative as they navigate emergencies, personal dramas, and that raw, real hospital vibe. This show doesn't pull punches, showing the toll on healthcare workers in a way that feels all too relatable. And this is the part most people miss: Does 'The Pitt' glorify the ER or shed light on its unspoken hardships? We'll have weekly recaps from The A.V. Club to dissect every episode.
The Traitors (Peacock, Thursday at 9 p.m., season four premiere)
Prepare for another round of sly schemes and stunning backdrops in 'The Traitors' on Peacock—season four is here, and it's as captivating as ever. Set against the picturesque Scottish castles, this reality competition pits loyal 'Faithfuls' against cunning 'Traitors' in a game of wits, lies, and alliances. Hosting the madness is the inimitable Alan Cumming, decked out in those signature tartan capes, welcoming a fresh group of contestants including celebrity names like Lisa Rinna, Michael Rapaport, Johnny Weir, Kristen Kish, Monét X Change, and Donna Kelce. It's a mix of strategy and suspense, where trust is a rare commodity. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this show just harmless fun, or does it normalize deception in our increasingly polarized world? The A.V. Club will break down the three-episode premiere in their recap on Thursday.
His & Hers (Netflix, Thursday at 3 a.m., miniseries premiere)
For those night owls or binge-watchers, Netflix drops 'His & Hers,' a gripping six-part thriller starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal as estranged spouses caught in a web of intrigue. She's an investigative reporter, he's a detective with secrets of his own, and when a body turns up in a peaceful Georgia town, their worlds collide in unexpected ways. Supporting the duo are Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, adding layers to this pulpy tale of suspicion and scandal. Think of it as a modern noir mystery with real emotional depth—perfect for fans of stories that explore how past relationships can unravel in the face of crime. The A.V. Club's review hits on Thursday, so mark your calendars.
Can’t miss recap
If you're already hooked on Amazon Prime Video, don't overlook the latest in 'Fallout'—their recap of season two, episode three, 'The Profligate,' is a must-read for staying in the loop (https://www.avclub.com/fallout-recap-season-2-episode-3-the-profligate), airing Wednesday at 3 a.m. This post-apocalyptic saga keeps delivering twists that leave viewers theorizing for days.
Also arriving
Catch the star-studded 31st Critics’ Choice Awards on E! and USA Network, Sunday at 7 p.m.—a night of celebrating the best in film and TV.
Dive into the action with 'Beast Games,' season two premiering on Prime Video Wednesday at 3 a.m., pitting humans against wild animals in high-stakes survival challenges.
'The Hunting Party' returns for its second season on NBC, Thursday at 10 p.m., following a group of friends on a deadly adventure that tests loyalties.
Tehran season three launches on Apple TV, Friday at 12 a.m., continuing the spy thriller set in the Middle East with new intrigues.
And for something unique, 'A Thousand Blows' season two hits Hulu, Friday at 3 a.m., blending poetry and performance to tell stories of resilience.
Ending soon
Wrap up with the season three finale of 'Krapopolis' on Fox, Sunday at 9 p.m.—a hilarious animated take on ancient mythology.
Plus, 'The Unbelievable With Dan Aykroyd' concludes its third season on History, Friday at 9 p.m., where the legend explores the weird and wonderful. For an exclusive peek into Dan's world, check out this interview (https://www.avclub.com/dan-aykroyd-interview-random-roles-snl-indiana-jones-the-unbelievable).
Keep scrolling for more fantastic stories from The A.V. Club!
What do you think—does adapting foreign shows like 'Doc Martin' into American versions truly capture the original spirit, or do they lose something in translation? And on a bigger note, with reality TV shows like 'The Traitors' blurring lines between entertainment and ethics, are we becoming too desensitized to deceit? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree, disagree, or have your own spin on these hot topics?
