AMC — home of The Walking Dead — continues to cash in on the comic book craze currently taking over screens with its latest original series. Developed by Seth Rogen and frequent contributor/childhood friend Evan Goldberg along with Breaking Bad writer/producer Sam Catlin, Preacher (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Sunday, AMC) brings to life the dark graphic novel by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon.
The Preacher at hand is Jesse Custer, a rugged Texan minister who develops an unbelievable power and sets out on a mission of biblical proportions: a journey to find God — literally. By his side are his BFF Irish vampire Cassidy (the stellar Joe Gilgun) and his trigger-happy, on again, off again girlfriend Tulip (Ruth Negga). Expect the action-packed brutality of Dead with far more twisted humor.
And because Chris Hardwick is AMC’s Ryan Seacrest, of course he’s hosting a Talking Preacher after-show — but only following the May 29 re-airing of the premiere and the July 31 finale. Catlin, Cooper, Goldberg and Rogen will join Hardwick on the show next Sunday at 10:30 p.m. New episodes will pick up at Preacher’s regular 9 p.m. Sunday time slot on June 5.
WEDNESDAY 18
The Path (Hulu) – Eddie and Hawk return from the walk; Sarah finds Eddie’s second phone, meets with Alison and confronts Eddie; Cal gives Sarah a promotion.
Modern Family (Season Finale, 9 p.m., ABC) – In this season closer, Jay thinks going back to work will be a breeze while Claire has trouble firing an employee; Phil catches Luke with a lady friend — he thinks; and Alex moves back home, but no one notices.
Empire (Season Finale, 9 p.m., Fox) – Jamal goes on a music-making strike in an attempt to stop the violence within the family; Anika is pressured to testify against Lucious; Hakeem and Laura are getting married!
Black-ish (9:30 p.n., ABC) – The Johnsons do Good Times.
THURSDAY 19
Inside Amy Schumer (10 p.m., Comedy Central) – Life on the road, abstinence, the Madonna-whore complex and some good, old-fashioned cosmetic surgery.
FRIDAY 20
Lady Dynamite (Premiere, Netflix) – The hilarious Maria Bamford gets the Louie (née Seinfeld) treatment in this new mockumentary comedy about her life — Target commercials, crippling neuroses and all.
SATURDAY 21
Saturday Night Live (Season Finale, 11:30 p.m., NBC) – Season 41 has probably been one of the weakest in recent memory, but finale host Fred Armisen could knock it out in the final episode. Aussie singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett performs as musical guest.
SUNDAY 22
Fear the Walking Dead (Midseason Finale, 9 p.m., AMC) – The survivors tackle their biggest challenge yet as they fight to stay together.
Game of Thrones (9 p.m., HBO) – Sansa finally gets to confront Littlefinger for setting her up with Ramsay; Arya goes to work; Tyrion meets with a new Red Woman; Bran’s latest voyage brings him face to face with the Night’s King and White Walker army.
MONDAY 23
The Bachelorette (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., ABC) – JoJo meets her men.
TUESDAY 24
Fresh Off the Boat (Season Finale, 8 p.m., ABC) – Ken Jeong guest stars as Louis’ fraternal twin brother, who surprises the family with a major announcement. Meanwhile, Eddie schemes a way to watch Chris Rock’s latest uncut comedy special.
Woman (10 p.m., VICELAND) – A look at the Aboriginal Canadian women of the First Nations and their startling murder rates.
CONTACT JAC KERN: @jackern
This article appears in May 18-25, 2016.