The Collider Weekly TV Guide is a rundown of notable episodes*, premieres, returns, and finales ... and the occasional TV low point. Here is the list for the week beginning Monday, May 18th:
Monday 5/18
The Bachelorette (ABC, 9 p.m.) -- Let's start with this mess: Season 11's premiere introduces a new concept: 2 Bachelorettes. But instead of having them compete side-by-side, the dating series will subvert any agency the women have by allowing the 25 male suitors to pick which woman stays, and which one goes home. In passing the buck on making a decision themselves, ABC has truly reached a new low.
Tuesday 5/19
The Flash, "Fast Enough" (The CW, 8 p.m.) -- The show's excellent first season finishes up tonight with Dr. Wells presenting Barry with a life-changing choice (that probably involves time travel!) But Barry doesn't have to fight alone -- Firestorm shows up to help the team.
Wednesday 5/20
500 Questions (ABC, 8 p.m.) -- ABC's attempted answer to Jeopardy. In this "intelligent game show" (that remains to be seen), contestants (like attorneys and neuroscientists, which really doesn't mean anything when it comes to trivia) are asked rapid-fire questions, and eliminated after answering three incorrectly.
The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 p.m.) -- This final show will feature many highlights of the long-running series, and one last Top 10 list.
Thursday 5/21
Between Series Premiere (Netflix, 9 p.m. ET) -- Jennette McCurdy stars as a pregnant teenager living in a small town where a mysterious disease is killing off everyone over the age of 21. An advertiser's dream! New episodes (six total) will be released weekly on Netflix following the Canadian broadcast.
Red Nose Day (NBC, 8 p.m.) -- Based on a British fundraiser of the same name, the live event that combines comedy and music will benefit children and young people living in poverty. Celebrity appearances include Will Ferrell, Jennifer Hudson, Jack Black, John Legend, Adam Levine, Martin Short, and many more.
Saturday 5/23
Outlander, "To Ransom a Man's Soul" (Starz, 9 p.m.) -- The first season finale finds Claire and the Highlanders enacting a risky escape to free Jamie from the clutches of Black Jack, and Claire needing to rehabilitate her traumatized husband.
Sunday 5/24
The Cannibal in the Jungle (Animal Planet, 9 p.m.) -- A new scripted documentary-style movie from Animal Planet "investigates" the story of an American scientist charged with killing and eating two of his colleagues in the Indonesia jungle in 1977, though claims a prehistoric creature is responsible. Go into it knowing it's fake, and you may just enjoy the weirdness.
Game of Thrones, "The Gift" (HBO, 9 p.m.) -- Sansa desperately tries to remind Reek that he's Theon so he can help her, while Stannis gathers his armies to march from the Wall. Jon prepares for a major conflict, and Brienne is patient as she waits for an opportunity.
Penny Dreadful, "Evil Spirits in Heavenly Places" (Showtime, 10 p.m.) -- The sentiments of the Verbis Diablo relics are revealed, and they have a disturbing effect on Vanessa. Elsewhere, Rusk begins closing in on Ethan's trailer, while Sir Malcolm's Halfway House for Wayward Supernaturals fights it own evil.
Veep, "Mommy Meyer" (HBO, 10:30 p.m.) -- President Meyer continues to struggle against her new popular runningmate Tom James, and Mike tries to do damage control by extolling the virtues of Selina's Families First bill. Jonah and Richard reveal a secret, and Dan and Amy attend a lobbying event.
*Note: Not all series provide upcoming episode synopses; examples include Louie and Orphan Black, which we certainly do recommend.
