In the treacherous, calculated world of House of Cards (Season Premiere, Netflix, Friday), Frank and Claire Underwood could always depend on one another. They were the ultimate power couple, until she began to feel powerless without him — or perhaps because of him. We last saw the two part ways in the White House, with Frank leaving for New Hampshire and Claire leaving him. Frank must now piece together his relationship and political career — all during an election year.
Both Frank and Claire begin to unravel from mounting stress and pressure in Season 4 — just peep Frank’s ever-graying hair. Whether they separate or stick it out for the campaign and possibly beyond, there are serious cracks in the Underwoods’ foundation.
After basically being resurrected and proving his ultimate loyalty to Frank last season, Doug Stamper now serves as the president’s chief of staff. Finally back in the position of being Frank’s right-hand man, it seems Stamper may now be Frank’s true confidant.
Season 4 features new faces including Neve Campbell, Cicely Tyson and Joel Kinnaman. There’s even word of a new power couple eager to snatch the title from the Underwoods. Viewers also get to meet someone who helped shape the complex character of Claire — her mother. Ellen Burstyn takes on the role, possibly the person Claire turns to amidst troubles with Frank.
WEDNESDAY 02
The Goldbergs (8 p.m., ABC) – Bev and Erica have the time of their lives planning a questionable Dirty Dancing-themed high school dance, but Barry is all about Footloose.
The Real O’Neals (Series Premiere, 8:30 p.m., ABC) – Based on an idea by Dan Savage, this new comedy follows a Catholic Chicago family that stops being polite and starts getting real — about sexuality, divorce, eating disorders and more. But in a funny way. Starring Martha Plimpton and Mad Men’s Stan, Jay R. Ferguson. Continues at its regular timeslot at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
THURSDAY 03
Portlandia (10 p.m., IFC) – Louis C.K. cancels a show in Portland using the fakest excuse of them all — “family emergency.”
The Family (Series Premiere, 9 p.m., ABC) – After being kidnapped and presumed dead for more than a decade, the son of a town’s mayor (Liam James, The Way, Way Back) returns home to his family — portrayed by Joan Allen, Rupert Graves, The Newsroom’s Alison Pill and Zach Gilford, aka Matt Saracen. But is this kid really their beloved son and brother? Sensing some Changeling vibes in this political thriller. Continues at its regular timeslot at 9 p.m. Sunday.
SATURDAY 05
Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m., NBC) – Jonah Hill hosts; Future performs.
SUNDAY 06
Downton Abbey (Series Finale, 9 p.m., PBS) – A proposal, an illness, a baby and business ventures fill this final episode with the Crawleys and company.
The Last Man on Earth (9:30 p.m., Fox) – Traveling via spacecraft, Phil’s brother Mike continues to make his way back home, where he believes he will be — you guessed it — the last man on Earth.
MONDAY 07
RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., Logo) – The eighth season of this highly entertaining drag queen competition show features the show’s 100th episode and 100th queen — RuPaul’s keepin’ it 100, okurr? Twelve contestants will model in a photoshoot with previous RPDR winners and use a design challenge from a past season as inspiration for their runway look.
TUESDAY 08
New Girl (8 p.m., Fox) – Jess returns to the loft, eager to discover the true identity of a juror that was sequestered with her; Reagan moves out; Winston and Cece encourage Schmidt to face his fear of dancing in public.
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This article appears in Mar 2-9, 2016.