December 7, 2021: here’s some TV recommendations that will live in infamy. Too soon? Interestingly, it’s a bit of a throwback day as all our editor’s suggestions are on traditional TV–and even include the latest in star-studded re-creations of classic 1970s Norman Lear TV shows.

FIONA’S PICK:
Abbott Elementary [ABC, 9p]
This new workplace comedy follows a group of elementary school teachers in an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, this looks absolutely hilarious and I can’t wait to watch. 

KATHERINE’S PICK:
The Slow Hustle [HBO, 8p]
The Wire‘s Sonja Sohn directed this documentary, which questions the “mysterious death” of Baltimore detective Sean Suiter, which followed an FBI investigation into the Baltimore Police department’s widespread corruption. (Look for more of this on HBO when it airs We Own This City.)

BRAD’S PICK:
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes” [ABC, 8p]
The latest entry in entry in ABC’s series of live recreations of classic sitcoms returns with some fan favorite shows from the 1980s. The star power is pretty incredible–including Jennifer Aniston, Gabrielle Union, Kathryn Hahn, Allison Tolman , Ann Dowd. (sent with love effect).

JASON’S PICK:
Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo) [Netflix]
The other day, comedian Nicole Byer’s name came up on the podcast “How Did This Get Made” and you could just tell how much everyone there loved her and that seems to be a theme. Utterly affable–and also raucously sexual–the host of Netflix’s cake fails competition Nailed It! gets an hour to shine as a stand-up on the same network and it should be funny.

BUT, WAIT, THERE’S MORE:

• With a name like Alaskan Killer Bigfoot, well, you know what you’re gonna get. Be ready to get grainy! On Discovery+.
• Over on Nat Geo, we’ve got the new show Called to the Wild. Call it Naked and Afraid, but you are fully clothed and paired with a best friend to keep your confidence at a high level while you are trying to survive in the Maine wilderness. If that’s not clear, the reality contestants of this survivalist show get to bring their dogs along.
• From the “There-Was-A-First-One” Files, The Claus Family 2 is the heartwarming Dutch remake of a heartwarming Dutch film from last year, and it’s on Netflix.
• Lifetime’s offering tonight could win a generic title-off. In Christmas Movie Magic, our generic busy businesswoman is a film reviewer, the generic small town is where the classic xmas film she has been assigned to profile was filmed, and the generic handsome love interest is the local theater owner.