Simpsons supersized
It’s the show’s first hour-long episode! Titled The Great Phatsby, the instalment will pay homage to The Great Gatsby and feature guest voices such as Taraji P. Henson (Empire) and KeeganMichael Key (Key & Peele). In it, Mr. Burns is looking for revenge against Jay G, a musical mogul who conned him. He enlists the help of Homer, Bart, rapper Jazzy James and the Mogul’s ex-wife. Plus, the richest kid in town becomes sweet on Lisa, Smithers embarks on a journey and Marge opens a boutique store. (Fox, Global)
HOWIE MANDEL ALL- STAR COMEDY GALA
This two-hour prime time special was filmed at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and, as the title suggests, is hosted by Toronto-born funnyman Howie Mandel. Among the standup performers are former Saturday Night Live star Jay Pharoah, Last Comic Standing winner Iliza Shlesinger, viral comedian Russell Peters, and Curb Your Enthusiasm actor J.B. Smoove. There will also be tributes to influential comics such as Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan and Wanda Sykes. (CTV)
VICTORIA
Airing under the Masterpiece banner, this new drama stars Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) as the young Queen Victoria. The highly promoted and lavish eight-part series follows Victoria from the time she becomes queen at age 18 through to her marriage to Prince Albert. The cast also includes Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle) as Lord Melbourne, Victoria’s first prime minister and intimate friend, and Tom Hughes (Page Eight) as her husband, Prince Albert. (PBS)
MICHAEL: EVERY DAY
It’s back! Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays — last seen on CBC in 2011 — debuts its second season, as well as a new title. In the première, titled Squirrels and picking up five years after Season 1, therapist David (Bob Martin) tries to find happiness after a patient dies. Meanwhile, his neurotic patient Michael gets a promotion at work. (CBC)