Tonight’s TV Highlights

Must watch:

The X Factor USA (TV3, 7.30pm)
It’s the first live show tonight (well, it was live in the US at the time), so we get to see how the final 16 acts perform under pressure. Plus, if your favourite contestant didn’t make it through, there could still be hope, as a wild card round will be introduced. Get settled in for the night, though, because this episode goes until 10pm.

Cricket: HRV Cup Live (Sky Sport 1, 7.30pm)
If the cricket season has started, then summer is just around the corner! The new ‘Friday Night Under Lights’ HRV Cup kicks off tonight. The Otago Volts play the Northern Knights at Seddon Park in Hamilton.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

Sarah Palin: You Betcha! (Rialto, 8.30pm)
If only I had the Rialto Channel, I would be watching this with great interest. For those of you who do, though, it’s a 2011 documentary by director Nick Broomfield. He goes in pursuit of Sarah Palin, interviewing her family and friends, for an unauthorised perspective on one of America’s most polarising politicians.

Downton Abbey (Prime, 8.35pm)
On tonight’s episode, Edith’s big day finally arrives. Will her enthusiasm convince her family that Strallan’s age does not matter? Meanwhile, it’s the end of the line for Downton’s finances, and Mary takes charge.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

Paranormal Activity 3 (Sky Movies 1, 8.30pm)
I watched the first Paranormal Activity but it freaked me out so much that I couldn’t watch any of the sequels! However, for those of you who are brave, the third instalment is on Sky Movies 1 tonight. This one is a prequel to the first two, set in 1988. Two young sisters befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home.

Revolution (TV2, 9.30pm)
On tonight’s episode, after the gang rescues Miles from the Militia, they set off to meet Aaron and Maggie.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

New Girl (Four, 8pm)
New episodes are back from tonight. After spending a wild night out with Cece and her model friends, Jess jumps in the driver’s seat when she must fill in for Cece at a car show.

The Mentalist (TV2, 8.35pm)
Jane and the CBI team try to narrow down the list of suspects when a wealthy salesman with terminal cancer is found murdered. Meanwhile, Cho is forced to face his demons.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

Prime Rocks: The Beatles (Prime, 9.35pm)
In August 1967 The Beatles made their controversial feature film: Magical Mystery Tour. This documentary explores how it was made and the circumstances in which it was created.

Homeland (TV3, 8.35pm)
Oh boy, this show just keeps getting more and more exciting. On tonight’s episode, Brody finds himself prisoner again, but this time it’s on American soil. Meanwhile, Carrie’s rash judgement call at the hotel results in Estes trying to keep Jessica off their trail. Continue reading »

Must watch:

It’s Complicated (TV3, 8.30pm)
Perfect movie for a Sunday night. It’s good light entertainment. Meryl Streep stars as a mother of three whose amicable relationship with her remarried ex-husband unexpectedly becomes more than amicable…which in turn makes her the “other woman”.

60 Minutes (TV3, 7.30pm)
Valerie Adams speaks candidly about some of the most revealing, intimate moments in her life. Plus, 60 Minutes takes a look at Gerald Shirtcliff, the man responsible for the construction of the CCTV building. Then, there’s another twist in the saga of two sons who were switched at birth.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

ITM Cup Final (Sky Sport 1, 7.30pm)
It’s the final of the ITM Cup tonight, and Canterbury are hosting Auckland at AMI Stadium in Christchurch. A good old north vs south battle.

Secrets Of Bin Laden’s Lair (Discovery, 7.30pm)
When Navy SEALS fast-roped into Bin Laden’s compound, they found the mother lode of all intelligence. The computers and documents they found are still yielding secrets, even now.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

The First World War From Above (Prime, 7.30pm)
This will be fascinating, I’m sure. It’s the story of the First World War, told from a unique perspective. It features two remarkable finds, including archival footage from an airship, and aerial photos taken by pilots during the war.

Recount (Soho, 8.30pm)
Kevin Spacey stars in tonight’s HBO film. It looks at the 2000 US presidential election, following Florida’s voting problems that led to thousands of ballots being made void or inaccurately counted, dramatically affecting the outcome of the presidency.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

Downton Abbey (Prime, 8.35pm)
The future of Downton hangs precariously in the balance. Meanwhile, Mary and Violet conspire to put on the grandest party ever held at Downton, and Mrs Hughes faces some worrying personal news.

Rove LA (TV3, 9.35pm)
Rove is back for an all-new second season. On the couch tonight is British superstar Russell Brand, popstar Adam Lambert, and comedian Kristen Schaal.  Continue reading »

Must watch:

Fair Go Ad Awards (TV One, 7.30pm)
This is always good for a laugh. In tonight’s annual ad awards, find out which ads New Zealanders love…and love to hate.

Revolution (TV2, 9.30pm)
I still have to find the time to watch the first episode, but for those of you up with the play, on tonight’s episode, on the run from the militia, the gang are led back to the rebel camp. Meanwhile, Danny stands up to one of Captain Neville’s men.  Continue reading »