‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ lands anew on Crave 1
It has familiar elements from earlier incarnations, but the series version of “The Man Who Fell to Earth” uses those largely to go its own way.
Following the Walter Tevis novel and the David Bowiestarring 1976 movie, Crave 1’s take on the story of an alien who comes to our planet debuts Sunday, April 24.
Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “Love Actually”) stars as the extraterrestrial, named Faraday, whose presence on Earth could dictate the future of mankind – something that already started to be charted by Thomas Jerome Newton, the Bowie character now portrayed by another “Love Actually” alum, Bill Nighy. Naomie Harris (“Moonlight,” “Skyfall”) also has a prominent role as a scientist who monitors the situation closely. Jimmi Simpson, Rob Delaney, Sonya Cassidy, Kate Mulgrew and Clarke Peters are among other cast regulars.
“Because of the nature of the part, you have to rely on your own experiences quite a lot,” Ejiofor reasons of playing Faraday. “You have to rely on the ways that you’ve interacted with people, the ways that you felt like an outsider, the ways that you’ve tried to belong, all of these kind of very personalized sort of dynamics in the ways that you’ve grown up and the way you’ve lived. And inevitably, that kind of throws out all of this contemplation about your own journey, your own personality.
“We have seen aliens portrayed before and so many times so incredibly well,” adds Ejiofor, “that you just feel like the only thing that you can really do ... you can’t borrow any of that. The only thing you can really do is internalize it to try to understand it for yourself. You kind of learn a lot. You investigate a lot, I think.”
Executive producer Alex Kurtzman, heavily immersed in current incarnations of the “Star Trek” franchise as well, says the “Man Who Fell to Earth” series takes “tremendous inspiration from both (director) Nicolas Roeg’s film and also Walter Tevis’ novel, but I think we also felt that it was important for us to find a way to both interpret and reinterpret the themes. Everybody feels it every day all over the world, and the idea of getting to try and explore and understand what’s happening was really the task of the show, what it means to be a human being.”
For all her work in recent years, actress Harris notes she finds particularly appeal in “this marriage between entertainment and something that’s edifying. That’s why I fell in love with ‘The Man That Who Fell to Earth,’ because I just think that it has an incredibly powerful and relevant message for us to really examine what we are doing to our beautiful planet.”
Saturday NHL Hockey 12 p.m. on KOMO, ABC
A clash of Original Six teams in the offing tonight at TD Bank Garden, where David Pastrnak and the Boston Bruins will welcome in Artemi Panarin and the New York Rangers. The Blue Shirts have had their way with their longtime Eastern Conference rivals this season, winning both games, the most recent a 2-1 win in a shootout on Feb. 15.
Movie: Locked Down 6 p.m. on LIFE
Written (by Steven Knight), financed and filmed entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic, Doug Liman’s 2021 romantic comedy and crime caper stars Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor as a thoroughly disgruntled London couple during lockdown. Frustrated and feeling increased economic pressures, romantically estranged Linda and Paxton hatch a scheme to turn health restrictions to their advantage and pull off a heist at a jewelry store.
Sunday The Globe 7 p.m. on FOOD; 10 p.m. on FOOD
Robert Irvine (“Restaurant: Impossible”) hosts this reality competition series in which four talented chefs face off across three rounds of culinary gameplay with ingredients from around the world. In the premiere, “From Hot Pots to Cassava,” the rival chefs are transported to Beijing to master the hot pot. Later, they take on the cuisines of Tel Aviv, Israel, and Accra, Ghana, where the final two chefs must create a dish using plantains and cassava.
Barry 7 p.m. on HBO; 10:40 p.m. on HBO
Series co-creator and star Bill Hader returns to his Emmy-winning role of hitman-turned-actor Barry Berkman as this dark comedy returns following an extended pandemic-related hiatus. As the story resumes, Barry is desperately searching the dark web for jobs, while Sally (Sarah Goldberg), now starring in her own show, feels the pressures of success.
Sanditon on Masterpiece 9 p.m. on KCTS
In the Season 2 finale, Alison (Rosie Graham) prepares to leave Sanditon with her dreams of romance fading, while Esther (Charlotte Spencer) faces a bleak future. Elsewhere, Charlotte (Rose Williams) wonders what her future will look like, and Georgiana (Crystal Clarke) learns some shocking truths when Sidney’s (Theo James) belongings are returned.
The Rookie 10 p.m. on CTVBC, KOMO, ABC
Niecy Nash begins a multi-episode guest arc in the new episode “Simone,” in which Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and the Los Angeles division of the FBI enlist the help of her character, FBI trainee Simone Clark. Specifically, they’re seeking her insight into a case involving one of her former students, who is suspected of terrorism in the bombing of a local power station. Felix Solis, Kat Foster and Frankie Faison also guest star.
Monday We Own This City 6 p.m. on HBO; 9 p.m. on HBO
Adapted from a book by Baltimore Sun reporter Justin Fenton, this new six-episode limited series from executive producers George Pelecanos and David Simon (“The Wire,” “The Deuce”) chronicles the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force, and the concurrent corruption and moral collapse at the heart of the city. The main cast includes Jon Bernthal, Wunmi Mosaku, Jamie Hector, Josh Charles, McKinley Belcher III and David Corenswet; Treat Williams, Gabrielle Carteris, Tray Chaney and Domenick Lombardozzi are among the guest stars.
Gentleman Jack 7 p.m. on HBO; 10:05 p.m. on HBO
Based on the real-life diaries of free-spirited 19th-century Englishwoman Anne Lister, this critically acclaimed period drama returns for Season 2, which consists of eight episodes. The story resumes in 1834-era Yorkshire, England, where local eyebrows are sharply being raised as Anne Lister and Ann Walker (Suranne Jones, Sophie Rundle) set up home together at Shibden Hall, where they plan to live as husband and wife. In fact, they intend to be a power couple, combining their estates. Gemma Jones, Timothy West and Joanna Scanlan co-star.
Better Things 7 p.m. on FX; 8 p.m. on FX; 10 p.m. on FX
Series star, executive producer and frequent writer and director Pamela Adlon has said she wanted to wrap up the five-season run of this seriocomic show by pointing its major characters clearly toward their respective futures. That’s surely the case for actress and single mom Sam Fox (Adlon) as the program reaches its end, but viewers also can expect resolutions for Sam’s mother (Celia Imrie, for whom the production went to England to have her in its last episodes) and daughters (Mikey Madison, Hannah Alligood, Olivia Edward).
9-1-1
8 p.m. on CHBC, GLBBC, KCPQ, FOX After a social media influencer has an accident in a sauna, the 118 crew races to rescue her in the new episode “FOMO.” Other calls include an emergency at a reality show wedding and a mother-daughter hiking trek that leads to tragedy.
The Price Is Right at Night 8 p.m. on KIRO, CBS
Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) is among those who “come on down” in the latest primetime edition of this long-running CBS game show, in which contestants try to win valuable prizes — which include a trip to Paris — by guessing their retail value. The actress will play alongside contestants to raise money for Covenant House, a charity that offers support to young people in need by providing shelter, food, crisis care and more. Drew Carey is the host.
All American: Homecoming 9 p.m. on CW
Simone (Geffri Maya) and the gang rally around Amara (Kelly Jenrette) as she struggles with what to do when new information comes to light in the new episode “Ordinary People.” Meanwhile, Coach Marcus (Cory Hardrict) is excited about the all-HBCU baseball game he put together until an old teammate stirs up some bad memories that could torpedo everything. Elsewhere, Thea (Camille Hyde) has a close call that brings a possible new relationship into her life, but costs her another. Peyton Alex Smith and Sylvester Powell also star.
Tuesday The Julia Child Challenge 5 p.m. on FOOD
In the Season 1 finale, “Mastering the Art of Julia Child,” the final three home cooks face their ultimate test in Julia Child’s kitchen: preparing a four-course meal made up of Child classics. Head judge Antonio Lofaso tasks them with making a croque monsieur, duck a l’orange, boeuf bourguignon and a croquembouche. After a surprise appearance by chef Jacques Pépin, Lofaso and guest judges Dorie Greenspan and Brooke Williamson decide which competitor has earned three months of study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
Superman & Lois 5 p.m. on SCIFI; 8 p.m. on CW; 11 p.m. on SCIFI
Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) speeds through the portal in pursuit of Ally (guest star Rya Kihlstedt), but when he arrives on the other side, he finds himself in a parallel Earth that is, in a word, bizarre, in the new episode “Bizarros in a Bizarro World.” He quickly finds himself going on a discomfiting ride as he navigates his way through deceptively familiar faces and landscapes in his desperate bid to stop Ally from merging. Elizabeth Tulloch, Jordan
Elsass, Alex Garfin, Dylan Walsh and Emmanuelle Chriqui also star.
The Resident 8 p.m. on CTVBC, KCPQ, FOX
Conrad and Cade (Matt Czuchry, guest star Kaley Ronayne) gain new insight into prescription fraud while treating a Medicare patient in the new episode “Fork in the Road.” Meanwhile, Leela’a (Anuja Joshi) performance suffers when she works herself ragged to avoid having a difficult conversation with Devon (Manish Dayal). Elsewhere, The Raptor and Padma (Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Aneesha Joshi) try to reach a compromise on how to move forward, while Kit and Bell (Jane Leeves, Bruce Greenwood) make a big decision about their own future.
We Remember: Songs of Survivors 8 p.m. on KCTS
This new one-hour musical special, airing the week of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), celebrates the lives of Holocaust survivors through storytelling and music. The documentary follows four singer-songwriters in the Hudson Valley region of New York. who are tasked with creating original songs about the experiences of local Holocaust survivors. The film chronicles the relationships that develop and charts the songwriting process over several months, culminating in a highly emotional live concert.
New Amsterdam 10:01 p.m. on CHBC, GLBBC, KING, NBC
Concluding a two-part episode, the new “Unfinished Business” finds the New Amsterdam medical team continuing to deal with the consequences of their boozy night out together. Max and Helen (Ryan Eggold, Freema Agyeman) have a candid conversation about their options for a future together, and Martin (recurring guest star Mike Doyle) finally discovers his husband Iggy’s (Tyler Labine) secret.
Wednesday Chef Boot Camp 5 p.m. on FOOD
Host Cliff Crooks tries to help three more chefs keep their businesses afloat in the new episode “Two and a Half Chefs.” Matt is a psychologist who became a chef to help at his in-laws’ restaurant, but his lack of professional kitchen skills may be doing more harm than good. Bri runs a San Antonio food truck, but she hasn’t been able to pay herself for more than three months. Jamaica-born Lori-Ann came to America to chase her culinary dreams, but she’s struggling to run her own catering business.
Nature 8 p.m. on KCTS
The new episode, “Portugal: Wild Land on the Edge,” explores a country that once was a great power connecting the Old and New Worlds. Today, Portugal’s history is deeply linked to its wildlife and landscapes. The country’s only natural park is home to a unique breed of wild horses that are small yet hardy enough to have accompanied Portuguese explorers on ocean voyages. In the waters off the west coast of Nazaré, delicate seahorses cling to kelp beds, while endangered seals take shelter in the protected bays of Portugal’s islands.
The Flash 8 p.m. on CW
Joe (Jesse L. Martin) tries to lend a hand to local authorities as they collectively attempt to stop a new Meta that is terrorizing the city, while Barry (Grant Gustin) gets further assistance from Cecile (Danielle Nicolet) in their pursuit of a mass murderer in the new episode “Death Rises.” Candice Patton and Danielle Panabaker also star.
Thursday Legacies 6 p.m. on SHOW; 9 p.m. on CW; 12 a.m. on SHOW
As Hope (Danielle Rose Russell) continues her fight against impossibly long odds, Lizzie (Jenny Boyd) comes up with a plan that might provide significant help in the new episode “I Wouldn’t Be Standing Here If It Weren’t for You.” Meanwhile, Cleo (Omono Okojie) grows more apprehensive about what her fearsome visions could mean for those she loves, as Alaric (Matthew Davis) sends Kaleb, Ethan and MG (Chris Lee, Leo Howard, Quincy Fouse) on a high-stakes mission. Elsewhere, Landon (Aria Shahghasemi) makes a surprising discovery.
United States of Al 8:31 p.m. on KIRO, CBS; 9 p.m. on CHBC, GLBBC
Al (Adhir Kalyan) decides he’s finally ready to take his relationship with Cindy (guest star Jayma Mays) to the next level, but things go awry when he falls prey to a devastating attack of nerves in the new episode “Sock/Jeraab.”
The Girl From Plainville 9 p.m. on W; 3:05 a.m. on W
In a flashback, Conrad and Michelle (Colton Ryan, Elle Fanning) meet in Florida and discover a connection that will follow them back to their respective towns in Massachusetts in the new episode “Turtle.” Meanwhile, Michelle honors Conrad’s memory while the police review their text exchanges in the months leading up to his passing. Cara Buono and Chloe Sevigny also star.
Call Me Kat 9:01 p.m. on CTVBC, KCPQ, FOX
TV networks love crossover events, when they can use one of their shows to promote another one, but tonight’s episode of this Mayim Bialik sitcom is synergy on steroids. Entitled “Call Me Flatch,” the episode finds characters from time-slot neighbor “Welcome to Flatch” — Kelly and Shrub (Holmes, Sam Straley) — who drop by Kat’s (Bialik) Cat Cafe in Louisville, Ky., during a road trip they’re on. Robin Thicke from a third Fox series (“The Masked Singer”) also makes a guest appearance.
Friday Eden: Untamed Planet 8 p.m. on CBUT
“Patagonia: The Ends of the Earth” travels to the far tip of South America to visit a seemingly magical realm that appears to be frozen in time. Patagonia is a land of extremes, from the dizzying heights of the Andes mountain range to coastal fjords. In these extreme conditions, any life follows one of two strategies: specializing in a single habitat and living there exclusively, or somehow evolving to become tough enough to endure multiple conditions. Helena Bonham Carter narrates.
The Blacklist 8 p.m. on KING, NBC; 9 p.m. on CHBC, GLBBC
Red (James Spader) finds himself questioning the presumed current whereabouts of one of his former “associates” in the new episode “Laszlo Jankowics.” Meanwhile, the agents on the Task Force track down a criminal believed to be dealing in illegal and potentially deadly psychedelic substances. Diego Klattenhoff, Harry Lennix, Hisham Tawfiq and Amir Arison also star.
Charmed 8 p.m. on CW
Mel, Maggie and Kaela (Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Lucy Barrett) realize they’ll have to divide and conquer after they become aware of a formidable new threat inspired by the Tallyman (guest star Jed Rees) in the new episode “Cats and Camels and Elephants, Oh, My ... . ” Elsewhere, Maggie and Harry (Rupert Evans) travel to a dangerous magical realm to chase down a lead, while Mel turns to Jordan (Jordan Donica) to help heal a creature with whom she has a deep emotional connection.
Blue Bloods 10 p.m. on CTVBC, KIRO, CBS
When Erin (Bridget Moynahan) discovers she is being stalked by a recently released prison inmate who spent 12 years behind bars, she asks Danny and Anthony (Donnie Wahlberg, Steven Schirripa) to probe her office’s role in the man’s sentencing in the new episode “Tangled Up in Blue.” Meanwhile, after unwittingly taking drugs at a party, Jamie (Will Estes) is caught driving under the influence and must work to save his badge. Elsewhere, Frank (Tom Selleck) deals with a troubling medical diagnosis for Henry (Len Cariou).