Beer guy at Bears games narrates ‘We the Fans’
Proof that the best documentaries keep the focus on specific details arrives with the new series “We the Fans” (10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., ESPN). As the title implies, it’s about the diehard sports fanatic. But it’s more focused than that. “Fans” zeroes in on Chicago Bears fans. Make that season ticketholders. From Soldier Field’s section 250. Row 12, to be exact. And it’s narrated by the beer guy. How’s that for specific?
Employing 21st-century narrative media including smartphone cameras and podcasts, “Fans” ladles on the humorous detail. We meet with an extended family of Bears fans who seem to have little time for any other passions or distractions. Or other people. And as families go, they are tight. One cousin observes that they meet for a family reunion every month, before pausing for a beat worthy of a stand-up comedian and repeating, “Every month.”
While “Fans” does offer some stabs at the profound, wondering aloud if allegiance to the Bears might be a bridge between citizens of a violent and divided city, it keeps the focus on the more celebratory aspects of fandom. Did I mention it was narrated by the beer guy?
By way of sad coincidence, “Fans” arrives shortly after the NFL announced the reassignment of the Raiders franchise to Las Vegas, crushing hopes and hearts in Oakland, Calif., home to some of the most rabid and passionate football fans in the country. Simply put, Raiders fans are so devoted, they’re scary. And I mean that in all the best ways.
The NFL may think that the sport is all about money, but shows like “We the Fans” know the real score.
NIGHT 2 OF ‘THE GREAT WAR’
The mobilization of a 4-million-man army and mass casualties in France confront Americans with the realities of war on the “American Experience” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) presentation “The Great War,” night two of three.
READY TO FISH
Neither dwindling crab hauls not Capt. Sig’s heart attack and recuperation can keep “Deadliest Catch” (9 p.m., Discovery) from entering its 13th season.
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
› A glance back at the season’s performances on “The Voice” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).
› A teacher’s underage lover joins the defense team on “Bull” (9 p.m., CBS, repeat, TV-14).
› Lincoln and C-Note pursue clues on “Prison Break” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› “Space’s Deepest Secrets” (9 p.m., Science) enters a second season, surveying 60 years of
space exploration.
› The Farrells go to town on “Outsiders” (9 p.m., WGN, TV-MA).
› Gabriel makes a shocking announcement on “The Americans” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).
› A chaplain’s last rites on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, repeat, TV-PG).
› Teddy returns on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› Switched at birth on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
› Gorilla City swings all night on “The Flash” (8 p.m., CW,
repeat, TV-PG).
› A visitor judges Mick’s parenting skills on “The Mick” (8:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› A charity event on “American Housewife” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› On two helpings of “Trial and Error” (NBC, TV-14), opening statements (9 p.m.), a hostile jury (9:30 p.m.).
› Grandma slips into drive on “Fresh Off the Boat” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› Teenage brains leave an anxious aftertaste on “iZombie” (9
p.m., CW, TV-14).
› Alice may help Andy with his school play on “Imaginary Mary” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
› Petty officers go missing in Mexico on “NCIS: New Orleans” (10 p.m., CBS, repeat, TV-14).
› A legal matter on “Chicago Fire” (10 p.m., NBC, repeat, TV-14).
› No escape on “Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD,” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.