“Old Dads,” streaming on Netflix, mirrors his stand-up act. He plays a small-business owner on the verge of being canceled for “sins” like sharing a joke about Caitlyn Jenner during a work trip and telling off a snooty principal at his son’s school. His main gripe: Politically correct people don’t really care about the plight of others; they’re just trying to stay out of trouble.

Burr recruited some top talent for his directorial debut (he also co-wrote the script with Ben Tishler). Bobby Cannavale and Bokeem Woodbine play his hapless business partners. Bruce Dern pops up as a cranky Uber driver.

Burr unleashes some memorable rants, like when he lights into a motel owner who scolds him for smoking a cigar. But he ultimately pulls his punches. Just when the film is poised to rake the far left over the coals, he ends up throwing his own character onto the fire. All will be fine, he concludes, as long as you take a few anger management courses and listen to your level-headed wife.

Burr was much more daring in his animated series, “F Is for Family,” also available on Netflix. “Old Dads” is missing that show’s spunk.

Also this week

‘Peter and the Wolf’

Those who can’t afford to see U2’s groundbreaking show at the Sphere in Las Vegas can get a taste of Bono’s artistry in the latest adaptation of Sergei Prokofiev’s symphonic fairy tale. This 30-minute trifle has animation based on Bono’s illustrations and narration from fellow rocker Gavin Friday. The pair contribute some cute touches to modernize the story, but Prokofiev’s music remains the most compelling draw. Thursday, Max

‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’

For a more stupendous animated adventure, check out the newly restored version of the 1937 classic that changed cinema forever. The project’s release is timed to Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. Those who want the party to continue should also stream “Once Upon a Studio” with more than 540 beloved characters gathering for the ultimate group portrait. Disney+

‘The Burial’

Jamie Foxx plays a flashy, chest-pounding attorney who gets in over his inflated head while defending a funeral home operator (Tommy Lee Jones) struggling to keep his business alive. The film sneaks in some messages about race but they get shouted down by theatrical moments that would make even Judge Judy wince. Courtroom proceedings go out the window so that Foxx can deliver “this place is out of order” monologues without interruptions. Prime Video

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“Archer”

This James Bond spoof has managed to stay fresh by reinventing itself from time to time. One season even took place in 1938 French Polynesia. But for the 14th and final season, creator Adam Reed is going back to the beginning. The first four episodes find super-spy/super-jerk Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) falling for new team member Zara Khan (Natalie Dew), much in the same way he did for agent Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), who is now too busy running the agency to deal with his shenanigans. This isn’t the most ambitious way to say goodbye, but longtime fans will appreciate the familiar tone and nods to the past. 10 p.m. ET Wednesday, FXX; Hulu the next day

“Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland”

There may be more thorough history lessons on “The Troubles,” but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more emotional one. These five hours, premiering over three consecutive nights, consist largely of current testimonials from Catholics and Protestants who were just teenagers during the height of the conflict — and often on the front lines. Their emotional scars have not healed. 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 p.m. Wednesday, PBS

“Red, White & Royal Blue”

This film about an affair between a U.S. president’s son and a British prince is getting much-deserved attention for being a gay rom-com for all audiences. But attention should also be paid to Sarah Shahi, long underutilized in mediocre procedurals. She’s terrific here as a fast-talking adviser to President Ellen Claremont (Uma Thurman with a weird Southern accent). Yes, TV needs more stories about same-sex relationships. It also needs more Shahi. Prime Video

“The Chelsea Detective”

Detective Inspector Max Arnold (Adrian Scarborough) isn’t the most colorful sleuth. The most eccentric things about him: He rides a bicycle to cases and snacks a lot. But if you like compelling mysteries that wrap up in roughly 90 minutes, you’ll want to check out the four new cases that make up Season 2 of this British favorite. Monday, Acorn TV

“Champions”

Even when Bobby Farrelly was making a raunchy film like “There’s Something About Mary” with brother Peter, he made sure that the characters had a soft underbelly. He doubles down on the gooey stuff in this rah-rah comedy about an egotistical basketball coach (Woody Harrelson) who finds his soul while instructing players with intellectual disabilities. Tuesday, Prime Video

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But the show slowly shed its sense of humor. In this third and final season, now streaming on Apple Plus TV, Rubin has become a basket case and has more in common with Natalie Portman’s ballerina in “Black Swan” than a leotard-clad Jane Fonda.

The only person who seems to be having any fun is Zooey Deschanel. The “New Girl” star hasn’t done much acting in recent years, which may explain why she’s so eager to camp it up in her role as a rival instructor. She’s straight out of a Tennessee Williams play, always depending on the kindness of strangers — and perfectly toned abs.

Her performance doesn’t really fit in, but at least it lifts your spirits, a goal the rest of the series gave up some time ago.

Also this week:

‘FBoy Island’

Network TV has largely left steamy reality shows to cable and streaming services. But the strike may have convinced the CW to loosen its morals. That seems to be the only explanation for why executives decided to pick up this tawdry series in which bikini-clad bimbos decide which empty-headed studs are worth their time. Besides gawking, the only reason to tune is to watch host Nikki Glaser sneak in sexual innuendos. The network is showing the first two seasons before churning out new episodes in the fall. 8 p.m. Thursday

‘Elvis Costello/Burt Bacharach: Sessions at West 54th’

Die-hard fans of these accomplished musicians have already seen portions of this intimate 1998 concert. But this broadcast promises to look and sound better than it does on YouTube. The special revolves around numbers from their timeless album, “Painted From Memory,” but a tuxedo-clad Costello also covers the Bacharach/Hal David classic “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and digs into his own catalog for a gentler version of “Accidents Will Happen.”  PBS Video

‘The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge’

This spin-off has a sweeter side than the original series. This time around, the hapless contestants get coached by professional cake makers, even though their tips are often ignored. The show’s biggest cheerleader continues to be co-host Nicole Byer, who comes across like a sassier version of Glinda the Good Witch. Her upbeat spirit is reason enough to watch. Friday, Netflix

‘Nothing Compares’

The passing of Sinead O’Connor is ample enough reason to check out this 2022 documentary on how her career took a nosedive after her public stance on the Catholic Church and abortion rights. O’Connor herself provides the narration, which is almost as powerful as the riveting concert footage. One nit: The film barely acknowledges that Prince wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U,” but that may be because the late artist’s estate wouldn’t let director Kathryn Ferguson use the song. Paramount Plus

‘Futurama’

After nearly a decade break, Matt Groening’s space odyssey returns with new episodes. The writers make up for lost time with bits aimed at Alexa, Bitcoin, Impossible Burgers and “Black Mirror.” The animated series works best when it takes a break from spoofing everything under numerous suns and zooms in on the characters’ emotions. Hulu

‘Command Z’

Chloe Radcliffe has been a writer for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and been named a TBS Comic to Watch. Now, the Minnesota native has snagged a juicy role in this Steven Soderbergh side project, which dropped on the Oscar-winning director’s own website with little fanfare. Radcliffe plays a reluctant time traveler who could change the fate of the world, if she can manage to leave her cynicism at the wormhole door. In addition to stealing scenes from co-stars such as Roy Wood Jr. and Michael Cera, Radcliffe wrote two of the short episodes. The $7.99 price tag is a bit hefty considering that the entire series clocks in at less than an hour, but all the proceeds go to charity. commandzseries.com

‘Jim Gaffigan: Dark Pale’

He may have a reputation as the gentle giant of comedy, but Gaffigan has always had a subversive side. That’s never been more apparent than in his latest special, which kicks off with him riffing on COVID-19 deaths, funerals and the desire to watch Starbucks customers get pummeled. Prime Video

‘Run the Burbs’

The CW, best known these days for superhero shows, is suddenly the place to showcase Canadian TV. The latest, which first premiered on CBC in January 2022, features a mixed-race family who serve as head cheerleaders for the neighborhood, willing to go to great lengths to throw a block party. They’re a valiant bunch — but not a very funny one. This is one export that shouldn’t have crossed the border. 8:30 p.m. Monday, CW

‘Harley Quinn’

Margot Robbie may own this character on the big screen, but Kaley Cuoco is just as memorable in the animated version. In this fourth season, the superhero/supervillain battles have taken a back seat to Quinn’s kooky, kinky relationship with Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) — and we’re not complaining a bit. Max

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‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge’

Big stars continue to line up for the chance to “rough it’ with the popular thrill seeker. In the latest season, Bradley Cooper dines on the tongue of mule deer in the Wyoming Basin while Benedict Cumberbatch rappels down slippery rocks on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. It may not be as impressive as Tom Cruise doing his own stunts, but it’s darned close. 9 p.m. Sunday, National Geographic

‘See It Loud’

CNN’s latest docuseries on pop culture focuses on the history of Black actors on television, starting with their struggles and triumphs in sitcoms and dramas. The five episodes are most fascinating when they spotlight underappreciated shows like “Sanford and Son,” “Get Christie Love” and “New York Undercover.” 9 p.m. Sunday, CNN

‘The Price Is Right’

TV’s longest-running game show snags a prime-time slot to celebrate the end of an era. The episode marks the final taping at the Bob Barker Studio 33, its home for the past 51 seasons. In September, the show will be moving to a new facility in Glendale, California. The season finale originally ran in the daytime on June 26. 8 p.m. Monday, CBS

‘The 2023 ESPYS’

Previously announced winners for this year’s ceremony include the Buffalo Bills training staff, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and White Sox pitcher and cancer survivor Liam Hendriks. 8 p.m. Wednesday, ABC

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‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’

This “Bridgerton” prequel has a few things in common with the blockbuster original: witty dialogue, graphic sex scenes, orchestrated versions of pop songs, Julia Andrews’ narration. It also has a star-making performance from lead India Amarteifio, embracing a character who’s not afraid of embracing her character’s urges to wriggle out of her corset and romp in the royal hay. But the eight-part series is grounded in reality, which means creator Shonda Rhimes has to deal with the madness of King George III. The ways his advisers handle his “condition” could never be mistaken for romantic gestures. If you’re just thirsty for another costumed comedy, this won’t be your cup of tea. Netflix

‘Jewish Matchmaking’

Aleeza Ben Shalom has little in common with Yente, the village matchmaker from “Fiddler on the Roof.” She’s so warm, funny and open-minded that you might consider converting to Judaism just to get her help. The other draw to this series is the clients. Like the ones in “Indian Matchmaking,” they’re more interested in finding true love than sneaking into a fantasy suite. Netflix

‘MTV Movie & TV Awards’

Drew Barrymore has pulled out as host of this annual event. She made the decision just three days before the ceremonies, saying she wanted to show her solidarity to writers during their strike. The show is still expected to go on, but it won’t be the same without Barrymore, who has been enjoying a bit of comeback.

Her Ted Lasso-like spirit would have been the perfect match for a show that isn’t embarrassed to have categories like best kiss, give a lifetime achievement award to Jennifer Coolidge and nominate the Cocaine Bear as Best Villain. 8 p.m. Sunday, MTV

‘Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind’

The death of the legendary singer-songwriter on May 1 makes this the ideal time to check out this 2019 documentary that’s full of revelations, starting with the fact that he regretted writing “For Lovin’ Me.” Directors Martha Kehoe and Joan Tosoni also include plenty of performance excerpts, proving once and for all that Lightfoot is much more than the guy who taught us about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Pluto, Tubi, Roku

‘Jeopardy! Masters’

The long-running game show justifies its three-week stint in prime time with a showdown involving six of its most successful contestants. The slight favorite would have to be Amy Schneider, who has the second-longest winning streak of all time. Ken Jennings, who still holds the record, will host. 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Friday, ABC

‘The Muppets Mayhem’

Lilly Singh may still have her NBC talk show if she had hired Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem as her house band. As an ambitious music executive, the former host of “A Little Late” offers a nice contrast to the veteran Muppets, popping a new vein every time they resort to their hippy, dippy ways. But their act keeps getting upstaged by celebrity cameos from the likes of Billy Corgan, Kesha, Tommy Lee and others eager to fulfill a childhood fantasy — although I’m guessing more than a couple were bummed to learn they wouldn’t be sharing the screen with Miss Piggy. It’s fun to see the cavalcade of stars and hear our furry friends cover songs like “Have a Little Faith In Me” and “God Only Knows.” But the biggest laughs come when Animal and company drive Singh a little nuts. Disney+

‘The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards’

The ceremony is making news again. Last year, it became the first major awards show to go live on a streaming service. This time around, Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton will host from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility in Frisco, Texas. The other big change: The competition for the evening’s most coveted award, entertainer of the year, has expanded from five to seven contenders. 8 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video

‘Celebrating 50 Years of Broadway’s Best’

Musical lovers who can’t regularly afford theater tickets owe a debt of gratitude to “Great Performances,” the long-running PBS series that offers free admission to top-tier shows, all from the comfort of your living rooms. This all-star concert celebrates that special relationship with elaborate numbers from “Company,” “Jelly’s Last Jam” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” But the special is dominated by divas, most notably Solea Pfeiffer who belts out a heart-wrenching rendition of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” and Sara Bareillies, delivering a tender version of “She Used to Be Mine.” 10 p.m. Friday, PBS

‘Hannah Gadsby: Something Special’

In her previous two comedy specials, the Aussie stand-up has taken fans on soul-searching guilt trips, forcing us to rethink what makes us laugh — and why. This adventure is not nearly as intense. “This is going to be a feel-good show,” she says near the start of the show, taped at the Sydney Opera House last fall. “I feel I owe you one.” The result is a polished, but fairly routine take on loving her wife and their dogs. It’s not that special. Netflix

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In “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” her second masterpiece, the lead character has never had much time for her kids. She’s been too obsessed with another passion: herself.

You may not have noticed that selfish streak when the show first premiered on Amazon Prime in 2017. We were too busy admiring the brilliant zingers and collection of hats.

Watching a 1950s-era housewife rise through the stand-up comedy ranks in New York City was the perfect premise for a fashion show. The costumes, Skittles-colored backdrops and nods to the past were straight out of an old MGM musical.

That trend continues in the final nine episodes, three of which premiered Friday (subsequent ones will drop every Friday).

Midge Maisel’s (Rachel Brosnahan) new gig as a writer on a talk show requires a whole new wardrobe just for sitting. We get song-and-dance numbers (about waste management, of all things), flirting on the Rockefeller Plaza ice rink and pop-ins from a who’s who of storied figures, from Princess Margaret to club owner Toots Sher. And wait until you find out which famous author Maisel jilts at the altar.

But Maisel is too focused on her future to relish the surroundings.

For a woman to succeed in a man’s world, she has to look out for No. 1 — no matter the cost. She may look like Holly Golightly, but she has the drive of Gordon Gekko. She’s so self-absorbed, she can’t fully appreciate the wedding of the family’s longtime housekeeper. In the middle of the ceremony, Maisel wonders aloud who will now babysit her children while she’s telling jokes at burlesque clubs.

Of course, Sherman-Palladino and her most trusted writing partner, husband Daniel Palladino, make it clear that Maisel has to be this way to triumph over a sexist society. Maisel’s mirror image can be found in bulldog agent Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein). Like her favorite client, Myerson wants respect.

They’ve come a long way together, but their individual quests to reach the top threaten their friendship. It’s no spoiler to share that both see their dreams realized. Flash-forwards sprinkled throughout the season show them being profiled on “60 Minutes” and getting roasted by the Friars Club.

The real reason to savor this final season is to discover the price they paid for fame. In a scene set in 2004, we see Maisel plodding around her mansion alone, surrounded by photos of people who aren’t about to pay a visit.

It’s not all a downer. Sherman-Palladino and her staff still churn out more witty dialogue per minute than anyone other than Tina Fey. And the show continues to look wonderful.

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” streams on Prime Video

“Succession”

The Roys are back trying to win daddy’s love — and fortune — with bickering that makes the Ewings look like the Waltons. The insult fest, while still razor sharp, has gotten a bit tedious. But creator Jesse Armstrong drops a bombshell in the first four episodes that escalates the drama and reminds viewers that this is the final season. Armstrong could have easily extended the life of his Emmy-winning series another five years, but he’s learned a lesson the Roys never have: Don’t be greedy. 9 p.m. Sunday, HBO

“CSI: Vegas”

“CSI” actors rarely are in the running for Emmys. The franchise’s shows have always been more about procedure than performance. But don’t be surprised if guest star Regina Taylor gets award attention. The “I’ll Fly Away” standout is moving as the mother of a long-deceased child in this episode, co-written by series creator Anthony E. Zuiker. 10 p.m. Thursday, CBS

“Reggie”

Reggie Jackson may be considered one of the most successful sluggers in baseball but he’s still got a giant chip on his shoulder. This documentary does a superb job of showing why. His five World Series wins were often overshadowed by an Ali-like bravado, a risky personality trait for a Black athlete in the ’70s. Jackson, who turns 77 in May, spends a considerable amount of time in the film looking back at the good times with fellow legends Hank Aaron and Julius Erving. But most of the film is dedicated to Mr. October’s belief that he never got his proper due. By the end, you’ll probably agree. Friday, Prime Video

“Mark Twain Prize for American Humor”

Adam Sandler may specialize in juvenile humor but he’s a master of the craft. That’s why he fully deserves to earn this prestigious award, joining the ranks of other “Saturday Night Live” veterans like Tina Fey and Eddie Murphy. The TV presentation, which used to air on PBS, consists of highlights from the March 19 ceremonies, including speeches from Chris Rock and Jennifer Aniston. 8 p.m. Sunday, CNN

“Great Expectations”

Screenwriter Steven Knight, who created “Peaky Blinders,” doesn’t tinker much with Charles Dickens’ original soap opera, aside from adding curse words that might have earned a public flogging in the 19th century. Why mess with a good thing? The adventures of Pip (Fionn Whitehead), an orphan determined to join the one-percenters, still resonates. Even those who consider classic literature to be an early Stephen King novel will get a kick out of the colorful villains like Miss Havisham, played by Oscar winner Olivia Colman. Sunday, Hulu

“Waco: American Apocalypse”

This three-part documentary gives you every reason to despise David Koresh, the cult leader at the heart of a 1993 standoff with law enforcement that resulted in the death of 76 of his followers. But director Tiller Russell is just as interested in criticizing government officials who behaved worse than Keystone Kops. The testimonials from survivors and negotiators who tried in vain to seek a peaceful outcome are heartbreaking. Netflix

‘The Movement and the Madman”

This “American Experience” documentary dives deep into Richard Nixon’s under-reported strategy into winning the Vietnam War, one in which he tried to convince the enemy that he was crazy enough to push the nuclear button. The plan fell apart, thanks largely to antiwar protesters. Director Stephen Talbot gets firsthand accounts from key members on both sides of the conflict with a rich soundtrack that includes Bob Dylan classics. 9 p.m. Tuesday, PBS

“My Kind of Country”

The latest music competition series casts a wide net, recruiting a high number of contestants from India, South Africa and other countries far from Nashville. They’re all trying to make it in a genre not known for diversity. Mentors include Jimmie Allen and Mickey Guyton, two of the few Black artists to become country stars. It’s a noble effort — but kind of a tuneless one. You don’t get to hear any full musical performances until the second half of the early episodes. Friday, Apple TV+

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‘The Magician’s Elephant’

Celebrated author Kate DiCamillo should be tickled pink by this animated film version of her 2009 children’s classic, a rip-roaring adventure about a teenager who must perform three impossible tasks to find his sister. The story nods to “E.T.” and “The Wizard of Oz,” but it’s a wholly original tale, one that Hans Christian Andersen would be proud to call his own. First-time director Wendy Rogers steers the comedy and cast, which includes Mandy Patinkin and Oscar-nominated Brian Tyree Henry, like an old pro. Netflix

‘The Daily Show’

Since Trevor Noah stepped down as host in December, the series has relied on guest hosts like Wanda Sykes, Chelsea Handler, Kal Penn and Hasan Minaj. Now, it’s Al Franken’s turn. The former Minnesota senator may have taken a long hiatus from comedy but his substitute duties on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and stand-up tour prove that he still knows how to serve up laughs. 11 p.m. ET Monday-Thursday, Comedy Central

‘Marie Antoinette’

This eight-part miniseries focuses on the future queen’s early years in Versailles, when her one and only duty was trying to provide an heir to the Dauphin of France. It’s as much about sex as “Bridgerton” ever was. At one point, Antoinette gets kissing lessons from the court prostitute. But this is PBS. That means the cast, led by a luminous Emilia Schule, keeps the panting to a minimum. 10 p.m. Sunday, PBS

‘Extrapolations’

In this limited series about the horrors of climate change, creator Scott Z. Burns (the “Contagion” screenwriter) is mostly interested in lecturing non-deniers and recruiting big names like Meryl Streep, Edward Norton and David Schwimmer. Many of the episodes are chilling, although Burns’ activist agenda sometimes gets in the way of his storytelling. Apple TV+

‘Dr. Tony Fauci’

Fans of the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases will find even more reasons to adore him in this “American Masters” profile, cheering him on as he stands up to politicians who don’t heed his call. Detractors will focus on the doctor’s chest-beating boasts and lust for the spotlight. Both sides should agree that director Mark Mannucci manages to present a fascinating look at a complicated man in complicated times. 8 p.m. Tuesday, PBS

‘Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming’

U2’s self-reflection period continues with its two most prominent members reinterpreting classics in front of an intimate Dublin audience. David Letterman, making his first trip to Ireland, pops up to fawn over the rock stars and interact with locals. Those moments are not nearly as memorable as his road trips on “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.” This special is primarily for U2 fans. They’ll swoon over stripped-down versions of “Bad,” “Beautiful Day” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” Disney+

‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’

John Luther cements his reputation as one of TV’s most enthralling detectives in this fast-paced, stand-alone movie. In the course of two hours, our hero (Idris Elba) breaks out of jail to go up against a slimy tech terrorist (Andy Serkis) who seems more keen on hosting a sadistic YouTube show than robbing Fort Knox. The premise is ridiculous, as is the notion that Serkis could hold his own against the towering title character. But the top-notch cast, which also includes Cynthia Erivo, will bully you into submission. Netflix

‘Agent Elvis’

Priscilla Presley co-created the ultimate tribute to her late husband, turning him into a superspy who gyrates through madcap cases that incorporate figures like Charlie Manson and Howard Hughes. Matthew McConaughey doesn’t bother doing an impression but his interpretation of the King as a surfer dude is a hoot. Die-hard fans may cringe at the sidekick, a coked-up monkey with anger issues, but they’ll rock out to action scenes set to gems like “Guitar Man” and Viva Las Vegas.” Netflix

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Mel Brooks is still going strong.

His 2021 memoir, “All About Me,” was a sidesplitting look back at his greatest hits, told in a chatty manner that made the reader feel like the 96-year-old legend was sharing stories over pastrami sandwiches at the Carnegie Deli.

Now comes “History of the Word, Part II,” a follow-up to his 1981 feature film that skewers significant events via a textbook by Borscht Belt professors.

It’s hard to tell just how much Brooks contributed. He didn’t direct any of the episodes, two of which drop on Monday with all eight available by the end of Thursday. He narrates, but barely appears on screen. He’s among 14 credited writers, a list that includes noted comics like Wanda Sykes, Nick Kroll and Ike Barinholtz, all of whom play various characters in a cavalcade of vignettes.

But Brooks’ fingerprints are everywhere.

There are numerous nods to his classics. Kroll, playing a mud pie peddler dragged into the Russian Revolution, re-creates the “I’m hysterical” scene from “The Producers.” The “walk this way” bit from “Young Frankenstein” gets trotted out. There’s an update on “Jews in Space” from the original “History of the World, Part I.” Gen. U.S. Grant (Barinholtz) goes searching for whiskey in Rock Ridge, the name of the town from “Blazing Saddles.”

More importantly, the series captures Brooks’ sense of humor.

The most memorable bits are committed to showing that the emperor has no clothes. This has been a Brooks trademark since the 1967 film version of “The Producers,” which revolved around the staging of a musical called “Springtime for Hitler.”

This time around, you get Josef Stalin (Jack Black) singing a tender ballad about his need for acceptance and Grigori Rasputin (Johnny Knoxville) being the victim of some graphic editions of “Jackass.”

“Nothing bursts the balloon of pomposity and dictatorial rhetoric better than comedy,” Brooks wrote.

Brooks, ultimately, wants everyone to laugh.

That’s why “Your Show of Shows,” which he wrote for, remains the high-water mark for TV sketch comedy.

That’s why the stage version of “The Producers” is one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history. That’s why the American Film Institute lists both “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein” among the top 20 funniest movies of all time.

And that’s why we need to treasure these latest efforts, proof that Brooks isn’t ready to stop making history.

“History of the World, Part II” premieres Monday on Hulu

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‘Pamela, a Love Story’

Pamela Anderson’s campaign to rehabilitate her dumb-blonde image has included a critically acclaimed turn in a Broadway production of “Chicago” and a memoir. It also includes this sympathetic documentary in which the former “Baywatch” star reflects on her career and past romances from her home in British Columbia. The film takes some swipes at Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy,” which is ironic. Anderson may not realize it, but that miniseries did a better job of showing her resilience and recruiting viewers to her side. Netflix

“Full Swing”

This eight-part docuseries takes you into the homes and locker rooms of the top golfers, much in the same way “Break Point” did with tennis players. This peek is more fun, in part because the athletes here are less guarded and more willing to mug for the cameras. But the filmmakers also benefit from the behind-the-scenes drama of the 2022 tour in which top stars have to choose between the PGA and a Saudi Arabian-backed league. Watching the players grapple with that decision is just as captivating as the action on the greens. Wednesday, Netflix

“Stolen Youth”

No one commits murder in this docuseries, but it’s just as harrowing as any bio of a serial killer. The four-parter introduces viewers to Larry Ray, a master manipulator who slowly brainwashes his daughter’s pals at Sarah Lawrence College until he’s presiding over a sex cult. Ray’s habit of recording his evil means that director Zach Heinzerling doesn’t have to rely on reenactments, making the story much more riveting and disturbing. Hulu

“A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special”

When she’s not soaring to giddy heights on “The Flight Attendant,” Kaley Cuoco is voicing the character of Harley Quinn, the most delicious villain in the DC universe. In this new special, her lovesick baddie goes overboard trying to impress her girlfriend, arranging a murder as a romantic gift and stealing Wonder Woman’s lasso for a unique S&M session. If you like your animation painted with dark humor, Quinn remains your go-to gal. HBO Max

“African Queens”

Fans of “Wakanda Forever” will want to check out this four-part docudrama about Njinga, a 17th-century warrior who stood up to rival tribes and Portuguese slave traders in what is now known as Angola. It’s a little-known history tale with plenty of Shakespearean-like twists and a charismatic performance from lead Adesuwa Oni. Wednesday, Netflix

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“Love Without Borders”

Love means never having to say you don’t have a passport. In this new reality series, five singles agree to move overseas at a chance for true romance. Most viewers will be talking about the adventures of contestant Philip Michael Thomas Jr., the son of onetime “Miami Vice” star Philip Michael Thomas. 9 p.m. ET Wednesday, Bravo

“Love, Lizzo”

The red-hot singer has proved to be just as compelling on TV as she is onstage. She’s already nailed hosting duties on “Saturday Night Live,” cracked up David Letterman on his Netflix talk show and inspired young dancers in her Emmy-winning series, “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” Now comes this new documentary that promises to share intimate details about her journey to the top. HBO Max

“Josh Groban’s Great Big Radio City Show”

The 41-year-old entertainer is a PBS favorite; he’s the grandson its audience members wish they had. In his new special, Groban delivers the kind of big ballads older viewers will swoon over. But he also sneaks in covers of songs by Don Henley, Robbie Williams and Jay-Z. All generations will appreciate his take on “Time After Time” with Cyndi Lauper. 9 p.m. Friday, PBS

“Spirited”

Just when you thought there were no fresh twists on “A Christmas Carol” comes this holly-jolly musical in which Will Ferrell’s Ghost of Christmas Present struggles to convert a modern-day Scrooge (Ryan Reynolds). We’ve seen the two stars play these kinds of characters before. The real fun is watching them sing and dance. There are too many fast cuts to determine their real hoofing skills but it’s clear that they’re having a ball. You will, too. Apple TV+

“The Howard Stern Interview: Bruce Springsteen”

Anyone who thinks the King of All Media only peddles in sophomoric humor hasn’t been listening to the past few seasons of his SiriusXM radio show. The host has become a master of the long interview, probing deep into the lives of celebrities without restrictions or commercial breaks. His Oct. 31 conversation with the Boss was so riveting that it’s been edited into this TV special, which also features solo performances of “The Rising” and “Thunder Road.” 10 p.m. Sunday, HBO

“All Quiet on the Western Front”

The latest adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s novel is just as powerful as the 1930 Oscar winner. Viewers who think they may have a hard time sympathizing with German soldiers during World War I may want to opt to watch the English-dubbed version. It’ll help you forget you’re in the trenches with “the enemy.” Netflix

Star Tribune/Tribune News Service

If you liked the first season of “Lotus” as much as Emmy voters did, you’ll be satisfied with this new adventure. The setting is now a resort in Sicily but the viewers’ task remains the same: Figure out which of the many guests/murder suspects are worth rooting for. It’s a little harder this time to sympathize with Jennifer Coolidge, a holdover from last time, as she’s become colder and more selfish. But she still shows off the most hysterical crying fits since “I Love Lucy.” 9 p.m. Sunday, HBO

“Tales of the Jedi”

The latest “Star Wars’ animation series is strictly for die-hard fans obsessed with the back stories of Count Dooku, a Jedi who went to the dark side, and Ahsoka Tano, a former instructor to Anakin Skywalker. If those names mean nothing to you, this isn’t for you. None of the six episodes is longer than 17 minutes but each packs in enough info to keep you from looking out of touch at the next Comic-Con. Disney+

“Good Fortune”

Before catching her in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s upcoming Netflix series, see Fortune Feimster do what she does best. In her latest stand-up special, she offers a little bit of everything, from a hilarious take on the children’s game red rover to how a Des Moines, Iowa, audience forced her to chug Smirnoff Ice. As usual, Feimster delivers wholesome, warm humor, topped off with appearances from her wife and dog. Netflix

“Coal Miner’s Daughter”

Assembling a proper tribute to Loretta Lynn so quickly after her death earlier this month, seems like an impossible task. But organizers have already managed to recruit country-music superstars like George Strait, Wynonna Judd, Tanya Tucker and Tim McGraw for this live performance from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. 7 p.m. Sunday, CMT; repeated at 8 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. Nov. 6.

“God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty”

Poor Giancarlo Granda. First, he gets lured into a kinky sexual relationship with Jerry Falwell Jr. and his wife, both of whom turn on him when he needed them most. Then he agrees to sit down for this documentary in which he comes across as too naive to even return to life as a pool boy. Still, director Billy Corben saves most of his venom for Falwell and Donald Trump, who relied on the evangelist’s support in his presidential run. Hulu, Tuesday

StarTribune/Tribune News Service

That’s perfectly fine; those shows had their moments in the sun. But you would have hoped their snubs would have left more room for fresh faces that could benefit from the red carpet attention. Instead, much of the love went to established favorites, including “Succession” and “Ted Lasso.”

Voters did a better job of welcoming new talent behind the camera. Nearly half of the directors nominated for scripted series were women; three of the contenders for best director in a dramatic series have Asian roots.

Nearly 40% of the spots for writing scripted shows went to women, a list that includes Quinta Brunson, the star and creator of “Abbott Elementary,” the only network sitcom that got much fanfare.

But did the school-based comedy deserve so much love? Here’s my quick take on other snubs and surprises:

Biggest snubs

“Reservation Dogs”: “Elementary” is network TV’s best sitcom — which isn’t saying much. Voters could have made a bigger statement by doing more to honor this low-key, high-quality effort about Native American teenagers finding their place in the world. (FX)

“Pachinko”: It’s great to see “Squid Game” become the first non-English language series to make the best drama slate, collecting a total of 14 nominations. But it would have been equally satisfying to see this superior Korean series get more than a nod for main title design. (Apple TV+)

Julia Roberts and Sean Penn, “Gaslight”: This hilarious comedy about Watergate was always a long shot for best miniseries consideration, if only because it aired on a lightweight in the cable wars. But you would think these superstars were too famous — and too hilarious — to ignore. (Starz)

Michelle Pfeiffer, “The First Lady”: How has one of the greatest actors of her generation never won an Emmy or Oscar? Pfeiffer’s touching performance as Betty Ford should have righted that wrong, but she didn’t even make the cut. Nor did high-profile co-stars Viola Davis and Gillian Anderson. (Showtime)

Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”: Martin Short and Steve Martin will be competing for best actor, but voters overlooked the pop star’s contribution. Her dry wit was an essential ingredient in this comedy cocktail. (Hulu)

Nicest surprises

Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, “The Great”: This witty costume affair earned writing and directing nods for its 2020 inaugural season but the leads were overlooked. Not this time. When it comes to spitting out timeless insults, these young stars are royalty. (Hulu)

Supporting team on “Dopesick”: No shocker that Michael Keaton got a nomination for lead actor in a limited series, but how nice to see five of his lesser known co-stars — Will Poulter, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Kaitlyn Dever, Mare Winningham — also get invites to the party. Expect both Keaton and Dever to win. (Hulu)

Melanie Lynskey, “Yellowjackets,” and Jennifer Coolidge, “The White Lotus”: Lynskey was always the best part of “Two and a Half Men.” The same could be said about Coolidge in “2 Broke Girls.” But you always knew those simple-minded sitcoms were beneath them. Thank goodness they finally got TV projects worthy of their talents. (Showtime and HBO)

“Pam & Tommy”: This miniseries earned 10 nominations, considerably fewer than “White Lotus” and “Dopesick,” its stiffest competition in the race for outstanding limited series. But for a project about a tawdry sex tape, the tally is pretty impressive — and well deserved. (Hulu)

— StarTribune/Tribune News Service

Now comes “Dexter: New Blood,” a 10-episode series debuting Sunday on Showtime that’s as much of an apology as it is a new chapter.

“I think the way the series ended has a great deal to do with why we’re revisiting the show and the character,” said lead actor Michael C. Hall, who has earned five Emmy nominations for playing the title role. “The show did not end in a way that was definitive for people or gave anybody a sense of closure. We didn’t hear from Dexter. He didn’t say anything to us when the show ended. I think it left audiences, if nothing else, in a sense of suspended animation. I think a big part of our motivation was to definitively answer the question: ‘What happened to this guy?’ ”

Here’s what: After chopping wood in Oregon, he’s set down roots in a small New York town that couldn’t be more different from his former home in Miami. Instead of cruising the Atlantic Ocean in his fishing boat, he’s feeding goats.

His Mayberry lifestyle includes a new girlfriend — the local chief of police — and visits from his sister’s ghost, who helps keep him from answering his inner demons.

But Morgan can only be a good boy for so long.

“Of course, this is Dexter. People are going to die,” said original showrunner Clyde Phillips, who has returned for the revival. “He will find himself struggling with the urge, struggling with his dark passenger, struggling with the fact that he was born in blood, and finally give in to that struggle. But the whole point is to put him in this tiny town so that everybody he passes is a potential victim. He’s really got to do the work to find who deserves a stab, as we would say.”

In addition to temptation, Morgan has to deal with the sudden appearance of his son, Harrison, whom he abandoned when the boy was just 5 years old.

“Dexter has a lot of work to do to win his son back and prove that he’s a good father,” Phillips said during a virtual news conference with cast members.

Persuading Hall to return to his most famous character also took some work. Not that the actor had ever abandoned the idea.

“Occasionally he would be interviewed somewhere, and somebody would ask about ‘Dexter’ coming back, and he wouldn’t deny it,” Phillips said. “I would see it and call him and we would talk about a couple of things. But the timing was never right for Michael.”

Hall, who spent part of the past eight years doing the Broadway musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” said he entertained all kinds of pitches. His mom even floated the idea that the character would be in a monastery, meditating 10 hours a day.

“Honestly, I think from the day the show ended until we started this revisitation, it’s been percolating,” Hall said. It’s been somewhat of a conscious, maybe unconscious, preoccupation. There’s been a sense of it being unfinished business.”

— Tribune News Service

“McCartney 3,2,1,” out now on Hulu, shows how you can jazz up the most worn-out oldies by taking an innovative approach.

The six episodes, each 30 minutes long, feature a few familiar tales: the origins of the alias Sgt. Pepper, the true inspiration behind “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” being bummed out when the band broke up.

But interviewer Rick Rubin is much more interested in the long and winding road to musical excellence than pop-culture trivia.

Rubin, known for producing albums for everyone from LL Cool J to Johnny Cash, encourages the musician to dissect his greatest hits, a task made easier by using a mixing board to isolate tracks.

The pair go deep on Ringo Starr’s militant-style drumming on “Get Back,” McCartney’s bass playing on “Something” and those impossible high notes from the piccolo trumpet on “Penny Lane.”

The emphasis is on the Beatles catalog, but Rubin occasionally throws a solo number into the mix, including the underrated “Waterfalls” from “McCartney II.”

McCartney may not know how to read music, but he offers a master class on composing and performance, explaining why he deepened his voice on “Lady Madonna” and how he gave “Live and Let Die” a cinematic feel.

One of the best anecdotes has to do with how McCartney had to inform John Lennon that his original version of “Come Together” sounded too much like Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me,” forcing the duo to take a slower, swampier approach to their “Abbey Road” opener.

McCartney gives props to other influential artists, some of whom may be new names to viewers. He talks about being dazzled by Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti while Wings was recording “Band on the Run” in Nigeria.

He shares how John Cage was on his mind when they were assembling “A Day in the Life.” There’s also a fitting tribute to the Everly Brothers, whom the lads mimicked in their harmonies on “Baby’s in Black.”

If you’re already salivating, you’re not alone.

Rubin serves as the ultimate fanboy, interjecting the conversation with “amazing” and “wonderful,” his long beard draping over the piano as he gazes at McCartney. But his enthusiasm is an effective tool. Playing to an artist’s ego rarely backfires.

“I wish I had had you in school,” McCartney says as he chomps on gum and wigs out as Rubin cranks up “Back in the U.S.S.R.”

Director Zachary Heinzerling shot all the episodes in black and white, which gives the film an artsy feel that isn’t necessary. At times, you may wonder why two of the most successful music moguls are hunkered down in a fallout shelter.

The moody look is a sharp contrast to the bright, upbeat conversation.

The series won’t be the most talked about Beatles project of the year. That title belongs to “Get Back,” a fresh look at the making of the 1970s album “Let It Be” from director Peter Jackson that is expected to start streaming on Disney+ in late November.

— Tribune News Service

That’s fitting. The Emmy-winning role of Christine Baskets was not-so-loosely based on the late Ora Zella Anderson. His mom, however, never allowed herself the kind of happiness her on-screen counterpart enjoys, even while struggling to loosen the reins on her twin sons, played by the show’s co-creator, Zach Galifianakis.

As Anderson waited for a plane to take him from Los Angeles to his home in Las Vegas, the Minnesota native reflected on his Hollywood comeback, his hopes for the sequel to “Coming to America” and why we may not have seen the last of Christine Baskets.

What were you doing in L.A.?

I came in to pitch a new show about myself. I don’t want to tell you too much about it. I can tell you it centers around me. It’s not dark, but it’s mildly shady. The next adventure is going to be as crazy as the Christine thing, maybe crazier.

Is it just a coincidence that you’ll be in Minnesota for the series finale?

Well, I took into consideration when the State Fair would be going on. It’s almost impossible for me to go to the Minnesota State Fair, though. I’m not the kind of person who can just blow through a crowd without stopping to say hello and take pictures with people. I’m so full of gratitude right now. When you get your dream role at 61, you have no right to cop an attitude. Now I’m going for my second dream part at 66. I’m not wasting any time.

When you got the show, you were just coming off that competition series, “Splash,” where you were the celebrity who was best known for nearly drowning.

Yeah, but that show reminded people I was still around. And it inspired a lot of people to learn to swim. I know it was a giant risk, but it was cathartic to me. That was my mom again — and Christine. Neither ever gave up.

What was the hardest scene for you to film this past season?

There were a couple big gut punches. There’s a scene in which Christine can’t find her magnet and then Ken (her boyfriend) did the kitchen up for her and bought her more magnets. I had to ask myself: Was Mom ever this happy? That was a tough one.

There’s also a scene in the finale where Chip stands up to his mom in the goat stable. Zach doesn’t seem to be an emotional guy in real life, but he seems to dig pretty deep there. What would surprise people about him?

He’s so kind. He’s mischievous and can do little mean things, but he can’t back them up with any kind of bravado. He’s as sensitive as can be. One of the hardest things for Zach, I think, is being famous. I think he enjoys it, he loves having fun. But he also enjoys his solitude and spending time with his family.

What do you know about the planned sequel for Eddie Murphy’s “Coming to America”?

I think I’m going to be in it. I can’t wait to do it. My part in the original wasn’t that big, but people have never forgotten it. I think it’s one of Eddie’s best movies. (Anderson later confirmed he’ll be in the film.)

Any chance of a spinoff for Christine Baskets?

Maybe. One idea I’ve been toying with is “An Evening With Christine Baskets” where I give advice on life, love and parenthood on stage. I would try to include some of the people from the show to help me with it. It would be a nice alternative to stand-up. I already have folks who want to book it.

Did you take home any mementos from the show?

I have the cake topper from Christine’s wedding cake with the little hat. It looks just like my mom. I also took some stuff from the episode where she goes to the Ronald Reagan Library. I’ve got a lot of trinkets. I’m my mom’s son.

What about those wonderful floral dresses? Did you take home any of those?

I’ll never tell.

That crunching noise you heard earlier this week was the latest TV star biting the hand that feeds him. Angus T. Jones — the “Half” in “Two and a Half Men” — went off on a rant against the sitcom that pays him $300,000 an episode, labeling it filth and urging viewers to stop watching.

No worries, Angus. We stopped watching long ago.

As for your tantrum (for which you later sort of apologized), it’s small potatoes compared with former co-star Charlie Sheen’s epic rant against the sitcom’s creator, Chuck Lorre.

Now you’re both part of a TV club that seems to forget it makes a jillion more dollars than viewers, doing a job that requires spending half the day in an air-conditioned trailer and being forced to eat catered meals.

Here are some other favorite members:

Robert Reed, “The Brady Bunch” (1974): Keen followers of this timeless sitcom may have noticed that Mike Brady never appeared in the series finale. That’s because the classically trained actor had finally had enough of being involved in a series that often revolved around prom dates and sibling rivalry. He spent most of the show’s run complaining about the show’s silliness. Maybe the producers should have stuck to their original choice to play the father: Gene Hackman.

Suzanne Somers, “Three’s Company” (1981): She may have played dumb for a living, but Somers thought she was being smart when she demanded a raise — a 500 percent raise. When she didn’t get her way, she started skipping rehearsals and alienated her co-stars. Producers eventually fired her. Maybe a few hours a day with a Thighmaster would have cooled her down.

Jessica Biel, “7th Heaven” (2000): At age 17, she posed topless for Gear magazine, a blatant attempt to get out of her contract with the family-friendly series. Eight years later, Biel admitted she had made a mistake and did her penance by starring in “Valentine’s Day.”

Dave Chappelle, “Chappelle’s Show” (2005): Thanks to this Comedy Central series, Chappelle was poised to be the next Eddie Murphy — which is exactly what happened. Not the Murphy who did “40 Hours”; the one who did “Norbit.” Chappelle abruptly retired, saying later that he felt the audience was laughing at him, not with him. Now nobody’s laughing at all.

Katherine Heigl, “Grey’s Anatomy” (2008): After winning an Emmy for best supporting actress and scoring a film hit with “Knocked Up,” Heigl should have been the happiest actress in Hollywood. Instead, she publicly ripped the dramedy’s writers for not giving her enough meaty material and yanked her name from Emmy contention. By 2010, Heigl had left both the series and the public’s radar screen.

Chevy Chase, “Community” (2012): This prickly actor went into diva mode earlier this year, getting into a public feud with series creator Dan Harmon that included a voice mail so vicious it would make Alec Baldwin’s ears hurt. Chase formally left the show this month, oblivious to the fact that he hasn’t been a movie star in decades and that “Community” might be the smartest sitcom on network TV.

———

But the 90-minute production, which HBO will present live on Saturday, one night before the show closes, has struck a chord with audiences who can’t resist sharing one last laugh at the 43rd president’s expense.

Adam McKay (“Anchorman”), who is directing the show, said he understands that some fans will feel it’s time to move on, but that just as many aren’t quite ready to put the past eight years behind them.

“It seems like in our country, we tend to want to blow past stuff, like Ronald Reagan and the Iran-Contra controversy,” he said. “I think it’s kind of exciting that we’re not letting this go. Even though it’s a silly show, I think it’s healthy in a sense.”

The most important person who needed convincing was Ferrell, who stumbled into the impression on “Saturday Night Live” when Bush was a long-shot candidate. Speculation at the time was that Al Gore would win the election, putting the show’s master impressionist, Darrell Hammond, in the spotlight. Ferrell would occasionally do a walk-on, portraying Bush as a high-fiving, backslapping good ol’ boy.

“I thought, ’Well, this will be fun, but he probably won’t win, so I’ll play him for a couple months and that will be that,’” Ferrell said. “Then he eventually won and he just kept kind of gaining momentum in terms of his comedic persona. There was this incredible combination of insane news events that he had to deal with and obviously some poor decisions on his part, along with his type of personality and the fact that he kind of can’t speak properly. That, you know, makes for a wonderful kind of comedic stew. I like to use the word ’stew’ whenever I can.”

Ferrell said he had a previous idea for a one-man show on Broadway that fell apart, so he was open to the suggestion from McKay and his manager that he spend more than a month at the Cort Theatre — a stretch of time in which he probably could have churned out “Stepbrothers II.”

“I never would have thought of it actually on my own, oddly enough, but it just seemed, you know, apropos to the times that we are in right now and also just a great challenge comedically to kind of send this character off,” Ferrell said.

One person who is unlikely to attend the show in its final week is the real ex-prez, although at one point Ferrell was under the impression that Bush was a fan.

“It was back when he was governor, I had just started playing him and he was going to be on the show,” Ferrell said. “I was told that he and his people were huge fans of mine and would love to meet me. So I hurried down to the ’SNL’ studio and all these photographers were taking pictures and they pushed me into this circle of people and they said, ’Go say hi.’ So I went up and said, ’Hello, Mr. Governor. Thanks for doing the show.’ I could tell he had no idea who I was.”