The night was not going Naz’s way. After finally getting invited to a party by the college basketball team he tutors, his plans fall through, and he begrudgingly decides to borrow his cab-driver dad’s taxi and sets off from his family’s home in Queens to Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
After failing at navigating the city — and at learning how to turn off his “on duty” sign — a young woman enters his cab and he obliges, taking her for a ride. She’s troubled, and Naz sets out to turn her night around. The two hit it off, but it’s clear the beautiful stranger is in need of more than a friend. There’s a sense of doom that only intensifies as events quickly unfold. Those lingering glances from passersby just don’t feel right.
They return to her apartment on the Upper West Side, where their partying gets reckless. Within hours, the girl we’ve just met is dead.
The Night Of (Miniseries Premiere, 9 p.m. Sunday, HBO) delivers everything you want out of a murder mystery. The tension is palpable. The characters are deeply developed. We have no idea whether Naz (Riz Ahmed, Nightcrawler) is guilty, because he has no memory. He’s terrified himself. Surely the kind, nerdish student could not be capable of such a brutal crime. But what happened?
While some may see an unlucky kid in over his head, others see a terrorist — as a Pakistani-American, Naz’s ethnicity quickly comes into play. Naz sees a glimmer of hope when lawyer Jack Stone (John Turturro) steps up to defend him. The role originally belonged to James Gandolfini — the show, based on the BBC miniseries Criminal Justice, was one of his final passion projects before he died in 2013.
The eight-part series follows Naz beyond that fateful night through the investigation, court proceedings and the criminal justice system.
WEDNESDAY 06
VICE Does America (Series Premiere, 10 p.m., VICELAND) – Hosts Abdullah Saeed, Wilbert L. Cooper, and Martina de Alba road trip around the States during the 2016 election season, each bringing their unique perspectives of America as a Muslim Pakistani-American, African-American and Spanish woman, respectively.
Another Period (10 p.m., Comedy Central) – The “trial of the century” follows Hamish as he’s accused of killing Scoops LaPue. Lillian uses the trail get get publicity. Peepers celebrates his freedom before confessing to the murder.
THURSDAY 07
Thirteen (10 p.m., BBC America) – As the detectives make a breakthrough in the investigation, Ivy’s personal life grows more chaotic. Family lies are uncovered; Merchant and Carne fail to see eye to eye.
Dead Set on Life (Series Premiere, 10 p.m., VICELAND) – Canadian chef Matty Matheson explores the food we eat — where it comes from, how to make it and where to get the best grub.
Party Legends (Series Premiere, 10:30 p.m., VICELAND) – Comedians, musicians, skaters and other celebs share their craziest party tricks, tips and tales, which are anmated to hilarious effect.
FRIDAY 08
Outcast (10 p.m., Cinemax) – Kyle insists on meeting with his wife Allison; Chief Giles grows suspicious of his own best friend and starts following him.
SUNDAY 10
Preacher (9 p.m., AMC) – After sending Eugene to Hell, Jesse continues to act out and the sheriff searches for his son. In a flashback, we get a glimpse into the source of Jesse’s guilt.
TUESDAY 12
Black Market With Michael K. Williams (10 p.m., VICELAND) – Fishermen in Hout Bay resort to poaching to make a living as opportunities diminish in post-apartheid South Africa.
CONTACT JAC KERN: @jackern
This article appears in Jul 6-13, 2016.