Networks offer Diana nostalgia on the cheap
With so many viewers turning to the final performances on “The Voice” or “Dancing With the Stars,” CBS takes a glance back at “Princess Diana: Her Life — Her Death — The Truth” (8 p.m.). This is at least the second “news” special about Diana. Expect more before the 20th anniversary of her death on Aug. 31, 1997.
The use of news divisions to recall a celebrity of her stature reflects a change in television practices and budgets. In the old days, we would have been on our 20th cheesy miniseries about Diana. Fifty years of mourning Camelot has inspired dozens of TV movies about the Kennedys. It’s hard to count the number of actresses who have tottered under pink pillbox hats.
In stark contrast, the list of fictionalized portrayals of Diana is surprisingly short. Naomi Watts starred in the 2013 theatrical release “Diana” and went on to say she regretted the role.
Having made one “Feud” about Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, Ryan Murphy and his team are producing another “Feud” about Charles and Diana. No word on casting has been announced. Netflix’s sumptuous Queen Elizabeth saga “The Crown” should also get around to the Diana story at some later date. But that may be several seasons away. Season one of “The Crown” ended in 1956, on the eve of the Suez conflict.
‘VOICE’ FINALS
The final four perform on “The Voice” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG). One of NBC’s more dependable non-football series, this talent showcase will soon get competition from the very show that it set out to imitate. ABC has announced the revival of “American Idol.” The long-running Fox favorite will air in early 2018. So far, Katy Perry has been named to be one of the celebrity judges.
Not to be outdone, “The Voice” has named two former “Idol” stars to be judges. Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson will join the chair-swiveling series for its 13th and 14th seasons, respectively.
Meanwhile, somebody named Rachel, who once appeared on “The Bachelor,” will greet 31 male worthies on the 13th season premiere of “The Bachelorette” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14). True confession: I haven’t wasted a single brain cell on this franchise since Trista met Ryan. Help yourself.
JUST PLAIN FOLKS
Time was, actors and celebrities went on talk shows to chat about their new projects, show a clip and hope they hyped the movie and offered a modicum of charm. Now they have become embedded in an industry of celebrity fluff, virtual co-producers of little performances designed to enhance their untouchable star status by projecting an aura of “just plain folks.”
Viewers may know Sterling K. Brown from “This Is Us” or from his Emmy-winning portrayal of the thoughtful and tortured Christopher Darden on “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” He’s clearly a good actor. But for some that’s not enough. That’s why he’s appearing on “Running Wild With Bear Grylls” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-PG), battling severe cold and jagged cliff faces in Colorado’s Rockies.
Meanwhile, boldfaced names Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez go about the business of acting spontaneous on “The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Primetime Special 2017” (10 p.m., CBS).
TONIGHT’S SEASON FINALES
› Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) returns on “Supergirl” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14).
› Revelations may delay a wedding on “Jane the Virgin” (9 p.m., CW, TV-PG).
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
› The music is almost over on this season of “Dancing With the Stars” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› Murky mysteries galore on repeats of parts 1 and 2 of “Twin Peaks: The Return” (8 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA).
› “Antiques Roadshow” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-G) visits Orlando.
› Jimmy has debts to settle on “Better Call Saul” (10 p.m., AMC, TV-14).
› Judgment day on “Gotham” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› Charlotte pitches in on “Lucifer” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.