What to Watch on TV this Weekend: Jenn's Guide

May 13 – May 19, 2016

One of life’s lessons: As many of our favorite shows are airing season finales, we are reminded to relish in new episodes when we can. And, when we can’t, we sample new shows via reruns, binge watching and happenstance channel flipping.

I have an entire season of Autopsy: The Last Hours Of… to watch, along with backed-up episodes of several other favorites: Blackish, Modern Family, The Last Man on Earth and more. These, along with a few movies I’ve snagged on the ole DVR, will last me well into summer. As always, I’ll fill in with the staple syndications: Seinfeld, The Golden Girls, Everybody Loves Raymond, and The King of Queens.

So I urge you to take that end-of-season frown and turn it upside down with shows you haven’t seen, reruns of your old standbys, those movies you meant to watch but never did, and Veep – for goodness’ sake, watch Veep.

Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming week of May 13 – 19.

Despicable Me

Friday, May 13 – ABC – 6 p.m.

What a cute movie from 2010 – and entertaining for the entire family. If you missed it six years ago, catch it now. Like many children’s animated movies today, this flick includes intelligent humor and witty dialogue. Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is a nasty, heartless villain who devises a plan to steal the moon. Perhaps the stubby yellow minions are the best characters, even though they are helpers to the awful Gru. Three adorable orphan girls enter the picture, and we’re reminded of that moment when Grinch’s heart grew by three sizes: the magic of love.

Caught on Camera

Friday, May 13 – NBC – 8 p.m.

This show offers a variety of entertaining segments. Hosted by Nick Cannon, viewers get a taste of human events caught on video by many means: news footage, smartphones, security cameras, etc. This week promises tornado footage, a guy with a remarkable aim, an intruder attacked by a homeowner, an RV on fire, and a few internet stars. Never a dull moment.

30 for 30

Saturday, May 14 –ESPN – 6:30 p.m.

We have to hand it to ESPN, over and again. The network does a supreme job of creating masterful documentaries. In this episode, Andy Billman will chronicle Cleveland's struggles in the major sports franchise department. The last 50 years or so have been difficult to watch, a yet, we can’t look away from the train wreck that is the Browns and the team’s quarterback shuffle. Perhaps we will learn how Cleveland fans are able to remain Cleveland fans.

Food Network Star

Sunday, May 15 – FOOD – 8 p.m.

Bobby Flay is probably my favorite television chef. He is the perfect mix of tough-as-nails and warmly caring. As 12 chefs compete for the opportunity to host a Food Network series, we learn to make the most dramatic guacamole on the planet. In this episode, the competitors are challenged with modern baking methods using old-school tools. Yummy!

Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Sunday, May 15 – E! – 9 p.m.

Alright, I’ll say it: I’m obsessed with them. I’m that normal, hard-working American woman who absolutely delights in watching these all-black-wearing, sleek-haired, California goddesses take their gobs of money and make from it more gobs of money. I think Kim actually has great business sense, Courtney is a spitfire, and Khloe lives that just-can’t-win life in the most stylish way. Throw in two more sisters, a “momager,” and a transgender parent, and it’s impossible to stop watching. Really – just try to stop watching.

Bates Motel

Monday, May 16 – WGN – 9 p.m.

No one can look at a large kitchen knife without recalling the famous shower scene from the movie “Psycho.” This series, a spinoff of the movie, will keep you looking over your shoulder and showering with the bathroom door double-bolted. Norma Bates is super creepy as she should be, and son Norman tries to make new friends without upsetting his mommy. Watch it with the lights on!

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