Tom+Chee, the local gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup restaurant, will be featured on this week’s episode of Shark Tank (Season Finale, 9 p.m., ABC). Founders Trew Quackenbush and Corey Ward will pitch their business proposition to a panel of entrepreneur-investors (“The Sharks”) in hope of striking a deal and expanding the franchise. Famous for its unique sandwich toppings (from “fancy cheeses” to Grippo’s potato chips) and the infamous grilled cheese donut, Tom+Chee has made waves since its humble beginnings as a Fountain Square vendor in 2009. T+C now boasts five locations across Greater Cincinnati and Louisville — a sweet deal with one or more of the sharks could mean more restaurants in more cities.
This week’s sharks include Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks, billionaire bad boy), Daymond John (creator of FUBU), Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary (venture capitalist, mean guy), Barbara Corcoran (real estate mogul, token female investor) and Robert Herjavec (poor immigrant-turned-self-made millionaire).
The cheeserie is no stranger to the spotlight: the restaurant and its sandwiches have been featured on Man v. Food Nation, The Chew, Amazing Eats and The Today Show. As for Shark Tank, these investors can be brutal in their critiques, and it will take more than a taste of a gooey golden sandwich to get a bite. Hopefully Ward and Quackenbush have the business savvy and charisma to back up their delicious product.
WEDNESDAY MAY 15
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) – Phil buys an RV perfect for family road trips and Claire lets him figure out why it will result in disaster. Mitchell and Cameron turn into “those parents” at Lily’s gymnastics competition.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (9 p.m., NBC) – An unconscious woman found in the river near the mayor’s home turns out to be a mom with a hard-partying secret.
THURSDAY MAY 16
The Office (Series Finale, 8 p.m., NBC) – The two-hour end to the series
based on the British series
that redefined workplace comedies. The first hour looks back on the past nine years with clips and interviews with the cast. Then, at 9 p.m., the staffers give their exit interviews; Dwight and Angela tie the knot; expect the ghosts of Office past (including Michael Scott!) to make one last appearance.
Small Town Security (10 p.m., AMC) – Croft continues his mission to whip his crew into elite force shape; the JJK staff gives Joan a diet intervention so she can get into shape.
Hannibal (10:15 p.m., NBC) – The BAU investigates a murder in which the victim’s vocal cords are exposed, to be played like a cello (gross); Hannibal comes face-to-face with the killer.
FRIDAY MAY 17
Maron (10 p.m., IFC) – Marc’s estranged dad (Judd Hirsch) interrupts a podcast recording in Marc’s garage to share his get-rich-quick plan du jour
SATURDAY MAY 18
Saturday Night Live (Season Finale, 11:30 p.m., NBC) – Host Ben Affleck and musical guest Kanye West round out Season 38. This will be the final SNL for Bill Hader, who is leaving the cast. Next season, Seth Meyers will continue his roles as head writer and Weekend Update host through the fall. Meyers will the leave to replace Jimmy Fallon as the Late Night host when Fallon takes over The Tonight Show with Jay Leno next year.
SUNDAY MAY 19
Billboard Music Awards (8 p.m., ABC) – Tracy Morgan hosts the show, with awards given based on year-end Billboard chart status. Performers include Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Miguel, Christina Aguilera, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Prince, who will be given the Billboard Icon Award.
Game of Thrones (9 p.m., HBO) – One of the season’s most shocking couples ties the knot. Dany continues to rack up enemies — this time, in the Titan’s Bastard. Also, I just realized Sam’s little lady is named Gilly after assuming Kristen Wiig’s SNL character would be making a cameo.
Mad Men (10 p.m., AMC) – Ugh, every week someone is “surprised with an unexpected guest” — last week it was Campbell (senile mom or not, I still give you no pity, Pete!) and this week it’s Don. Peggy tries to get inspired.
Veep (10 p.m., HBO) – It is Selina’s daughter Catherine’s 21st birthday, but the party soon turns into a budget negotiation hearing/meet-and-greet with Selina’s ex-husband.
Family Tree (10:30 p.m., HBO) – Tom learns about his great-grandfather, goes on a date and tries his hand at pantomime horse racing (which is an actual thing).
CONTACT JAC KERN: [email protected] or @jackern
