Sex, drugs and Rock & Roll — it’s a tale as old as time. Something about stories of success and excess in the music industry turns audiences on. So when Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger team up to transport viewers to the 1970s New York music scene in Vinyl (Series Premiere, 9 p.m. Sunday, HBO), you know it’s gotta be good.
Vinyl follows American Century Records founder Richie Finestra (Bobby Cannavale), a once-successful record exec with a knack for scouting fresh talent. When we meet him in 1973, he’s burnt out and on the verge of selling his company. A few stumbling turns and personal missteps lead Richie to the new burgeoning Punk scene, which reinvigorates his passion for music.
Showrunner Terence Winter and Scorsese were also behind Boardwalk Empire, in which Cannavale gave an unforgettable Emmy-winning performance as ruthless gangster Gyp Rosetti. Here, Cannavale steps up from one-season guest star to the main attraction, with support from a stacked cast including Ray Romano, Olivia Wilde, Andrew Dice Clay, Juno Temple — even Mick’s son, James Jagger.
WEDNESDAY 10
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) – Claire sets out to clean house before taking over Jay’s business; Jay looks to become a pilot in his retirement; Gloria picks up golf to connect with Jay.
Black-ish (9:30 p.m., ABC) – When the Johnsons don’t get invited to a neighbor’s pool party, Dre thinks people assume they can’t swim.
American Crime (10 p.m., ABC) – Leslie welcomes Eric back to Leyland — against the advice of the school’s lawyer; Anne considers suing the school; a protest erupts at Marshall.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (10 p.m., FXX) – A look at The Gang’s latest scheme through the eyes of Frank Reynolds (literally — the entire episode is shot from Frank’s point of view).
THURSDAY 11
Project Runway All Stars (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., Lifetime) – When a competition series’ “all star” spinoff enters its fifth season, one must wonder: Are we all stars?
Workaholics (10 p.m., Comedy Central) – Adam and Ders throw a weed party, but Blake’s new girlfriend doesn’t approve.
Portlandia (10 p.m., IFC) – The Weirdos plan a trip to the beach, deal with a hearse breakdown and buy surf wear from Glenn Danzig. Elsewhere: the perils of sharing a phone charger.
SATURDAY 13
Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m., NBC) – Melissa McCarthy hosts; Kanye West performs.
SUNDAY 14
The Bachelor at 20: A Celebration of Love (8 p.m., ABC) – It’s hard to believe The Bachelor has been skewing sad young women America’s view of love for 20 seasons. Chris Harrison looks back on the franchise, the couples that are still together (and ones that aren’t) and the wedding of Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert, which he officiated. It’s Valentine’s Day, guys!
The Walking Dead (Midseason Premiere, 9 p.m., AMC) – Picking up right where we left off, Alexandria’s walls have fallen and the survivors — employing the fan-favorite method of dousing oneself in zombie guts — are making a break for it when noise draws the walkers closer.
MONDAY 15
Better Call Saul (Season Premiere, 10 p.m., AMC) – Jimmy’s relationship with Kim takes a turn; Mike decides to cut ties with Price.
TUESDAY 16
American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (10 p.m., FX) – Robert Shapiro assembles O.J.’s “Dream Team” of attorneys.
This article appears in Feb 10-17, 2016.