Between network, cable and streaming, the modern television landscape is a vast one. Here are some of the shows, specials and movies coming to TV this week, Feb. 5-11. Details and times are subject to change.
Monday
THE EXORCIST (1973) 5:55 p.m. on Flix. There are two things I’m always in the mood to watch: reality television and horror movies (both involve a bit of schadenfreude). “The Exorcist,” of course, is genre royalty, and since it turned 50 last year, it’s a good time to watch Regan’s head go around and lament the ever-decreasing quantity of practical effects. You can also play my favorite TV game: trying to catch which parts have been edited out for broadcast.
BELOW DECK 9 p.m. on Bravo. Our beloved “stud of the sea” Captain Lee Rosbach has finally sailed off into the sunset after 10 seasons of managing unruly young yachties (don’t worry, he’s fine: he’s gabbing about all things “Below Deck” on his podcast, “Salty”). Captain Kerry Titheradge, of “Below Deck Adventure” fame, is now manning the helm. Fraser Olender returns as the chief stew, and with the rumors that he’s now dating a charter guest confirmed, there’s sure to be plenty to rock the boat this season.
FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF (1986) 5:30 p.m. on Freeform. References to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” abound in the latest season of “True Detective.” The “Twist and Shout” parade sequence plays in the Tsalal station leading up to the mysterious death of the researchers — and it’s on a loop when Chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) inspects the scene. Later, a murderer eerily whistles the Beatles tune as both taunt and callback. Perhaps a rewatch of the John Hughes classic, with Matthew Broderick starring as the charming truant, will unlock the deepening mystery?
Wednesday
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY 9 p.m. on ABC. Coming off another semi-successful awards season (Quinta Brunson won an acting Emmy for her role in the show), “Abbott Elementary” returns for its third season. Once again, optimism and hilarity will be set against the backdrop of the grimly underfunded Philadelphia public school system. Last season ended with an unexpected turn for Brunson and Tyler James Williams’s will-they-won’t-they couple (and a cameo from my favorite local celebrity, the massive anatomical heart at the Franklin Institute), so I’ll be eager to check back in.
Thursday
JERSEY SHORE FAMILY VACATION 8 p.m. on MTV. Our favorite group of hot messes have grown up, had children and started businesses. For the seventh season (which is longer than the original run of the show in the early aughts, for anyone keeping track), the whole group is back together and heading to Seaside Heights, N.J. — and yes that means even Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, who didn’t appear on Season 6 of the show. From the trailer, we can expect him to reunite on-screen with Sammi Giancola — and if the idea of having to see more of their toxic dynamic makes your stomach turn, you aren’t alone.
Friday
SUPER BOWL GREATEST COMMERCIALS XXIII: THE ULTIMATE COUNTDOWN 8 p.m. on CBS. For those who watch the Super Bowl only for the commercials: This one’s for you. This CBS special, which has been airing annual for 23 years, recaps the all-time MVPs of Super Bowl commercials, including presumably at least one E-Trade baby and one sappy animal montage.
Saturday
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (2004) 9:30 p.m. on Paramount. When Roland Emmerich’s somewhat silly and scientifically inaccurate disaster movie hit theaters two decades ago, it was supposed to evoke anxiety. Now that we’re living through climate disasters (albeit less dramatic and generally warmer than Emmerich’s blizzard here), the movie is more a fantasy of surviving said disasters holed up in a dilapidated New York Public Library with a young, flood-soaked Jake Gyllenhaal.
Sunday
PUPPY BOWL XX 2 p.m. on Animal Planet. If football isn’t your thing or you need a little bit of calm before the storm: The Puppy Bowl is back and bigger than ever. This year, 131 puppies from 73 shelters will be showing up to compete in a showdown between Team Ruff and Team Fluff for the Lombarky trophy.
SUPER BOWL LVIII 6:30 p.m. on CBS. If you feel like you’re trapped in a weird deja-vu, it’s not just you. In 2020, it was a leap year, the election was between Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Donald J. Trump and the Kansas City Chiefs played the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Some things are different this year: The game will be held in Las Vegas and Usher will be the halftime performer, but for some, Taylor Swift, if she can make it from her concert in Tokyo on time, will be the draw, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.