TV's Best Bets

Mike Hughes
·2 min read
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Wednesday, June 1

“Abbott Elementary,” 9 p.m., ABC. At a time when most new shows stumble, this has been an exception. It arrived at mid-season, with just 13 episodes and a little-known star; praise (and solid ratings) followed. Now “Abbott” has been promoted to the central spot in the comedy line-up (nudging “Conners” to 8 p.m.) this summer and next fall. Here’s the pilot film, written by Quinta Brunson; she plays a new elementary teacher, with earnest colleagues and a clueless principal.

“Let’s Make a Deal,” 8 p.m., CBS. For the next two Wednesdays, “Deal” will have new, primetime specials. This one looks back at its long history — it began almost 59 years ago — with clips and past contestants. It will be followed at 9 p.m. by a rerun of a “Price is Right” special, with first-responders competing.

“So You Think You Can Dance,” 9 p.m., Fox. The auditions continue, now with a glitch: Matthew Morrison is one of the judges (alongside Stephen “tWitch” Boss and JoJo Siwa) for these audition episodes, taped in advance. But once the show has its top 12, he’s said he’ll be gone because of failure to meet “production protocols. Also, ”MasterChef” continues its auditions at 8 p.m., including a face-off of former “MasterChef Junior” contestants.

“Chicago P.D.,” 10 p.m., NBC. As the summer reruns begin, the “Chicago” shows bounce back to last winter. For “P.D.,” that’s a key time: The FBI is closing in on the Roy Walton investigation … which means trouble for Voight and Halstead; they envision a way out. That follows a Christmastime “Chicago Fire,” with the micro-brewery offering a sampling at the Winterfest.

Musicals: Casting can be crucial in a musical. “Moulin Rouge” (2001, 5:40 p.m., Starz) is stunning visually, as usual for a Baz Luhrmann film. But Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, who are merely adequate singers, were called on to do several OK pop songs. “Dear Evan Hansen” (2021, 8 p.m., HBO) is an emotional (if painful) film, with Ben Platt, 28, semi-successfully playing a high school, student. But “Respect” (2021, 8 p.m., Epix) soars, with Jennifer Hudson superb as Aretha Franklin.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Wednesday TV's Best Bets