The ups and downs of dating and marriage have long lent themselves to comedic entertainment. From I Love Lucy to Married with Children, it’s fun to watch couples navigate their quirks. This week, FX adds two new comedies to its repertoire (which includes the Emmy-nominated Louie and popular fan faves like Wilfred, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The League — which have all relocated to FXX), each focusing on very different romantic relationships.
Married (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Thursday, FX) follows Lina (Judy Greer) and Russ Bowman (Nat Faxon), a typical married couple — if such a thing existed — working to prevent bills, bickering and babies from squashing their spark.
If the stars’ names don’t ring a bell, you’ll likely recognize their faces (and voices). Greer is possibly best known for her wacky role as Kitty on Arrested Development and the voice of Cheryl on Archer, another FX offering — but she’ll always be Jawbreaker’s Fern Mayo to me. Oscar winner Faxon (Best Writing: Adapted Screenplay, The Descendants) has a long resume of small but funny roles in film and TV; he also starred in the short-lived Fox comedy Ben and Kate and voiced Raymond the Bear on The Cleveland Show. Add in support from the hilarious Jenny Slate and Brett Gelman, and I can foresee a long-term relationship with Married.
Next up is a show about a younger couple — just don’t call them a couple. You’re the Worst (Series Premiere, 10:30 p.m. Thursday, FX) highlights a more modern dating concept — the hookup buddy.
Neither Jimmy (Chris Geere) nor Gretchen (Aya Cash) are “relationship material” and that’s OK — they aren’t interested in some cutesy commitment. After a one-night-stand that doesn’t quite end the next morning, they agree on a strictly fun, physical arrangement. You know, one of those doomed to end either with at least one party hurt — or worse! — with love.
WEDNESDAY JULY 16
Wilfred (10 p.m., FXX) – Ryan and Wilfred come to different conclusions about the same upsetting experience.
SATURDAY JULY 19
Expecting Amish (8 p.m., Lifetime) – Teen Mom meets Breaking Amish in this dramatic TV movie debut. Throw in a former boy-bander (Jesse McCartney) as the baby daddy, and you’ve got a delicious slice of guilty pleasure viewing.
SUNDAY JULY 20
True Blood (9 p.m., HBO) – Sookie reluctantly hosts a party for all of Bon Temps, because when half of your town has been murdered or infected with vampire diseases, you really just need to cut loose. Pam and Eric’s hunt for Sarah Newlin brings them to Dallas. More human Bill flashbacks. Hoyt, please come home.
Halt and Catch Fire (10 p.m., AMC) -– The team preps for a big computer expo; Bosworth makes a bold move to support the PC program; Gordon presumably stops digging.
The Lottery (Series Premiere, 10 p.m., Lifetime) – In the near future infertility runs rampant, with the last six babies born in 2019. In 2025, a scientist is finally able to develop 100 viable embryos — but who will get access to these important keys to the future of mankind and how could this crucial decision be determined? The federal government seizes the research and holds a nationwide lottery to select the next 100 moms of the world. Hey Lifetime, Imma let you finish, but can’t you just stick to pregnant Amish teens?
The Leftovers (10 p.m., HBO) – The holidays mean more drama for Kevin and the town of Mapleton as the Guilty Remnant pushes its influence. Elsewhere, Tom cares for a sick Christine as he anxiously waits for Holy Wayne to make contact; reunions in the Garvey family.
MONDAY JULY 21
The Newburgh Sting (9 p.m., HBO) – Four Newburgh, N.Y., men were charged as terrorists after being drawn into an elaborate FBI sting operation in 2009. This documentary uses FBI hidden camera footage and interviews with the families of the “Newburgh Four” to question post-9/11 surveillance and anti-terrorist measures.
TUESDAY JULY 22
Restaurant Startup (10 p.m., CNBC) – Think Shark Tank, but with emerging restaurants, food trucks and other dining concepts. Investors Joe Bastianich and Tim Love don’t pull any punches with their critiques and business demands as two startups compete each week to launch a pop-up restaurant and, hopefully, strike a deal.
Nathan For You (10:30 p.m., Comedy Central) – Nathan offers his guidance to an exterminator, a car wash and a liquor store, where he finds a loophole to sell alcohol to minors.
CONTACT JAC KERN [email protected] or @jackern
