One more cup of coffee
Kelly Ripa may look like she was just named valedictorian of her college class, but she's been logging the morning shift at "Live With Kelly and Michael" for 15 years, a milestone that will be celebrated with a special episode featuring clips from past shows and surprise guests. Ripa deserves the confetti as she remains one of the freshest, smartest and engaged personalities in A.M. television. 9 a.m. Friday, KSTP, Ch. 5
Riding with the king
Modesty isn't usually an attribute associated with music legends, but it seems appropriate after watching "B.B. King: The Life of Riley," a blistering hour featuring the late blues star downplaying his gifts. Eric Clapton, Bono and Bonnie Raitt are on hand to set the record straight. 8 p.m. Friday, TPT, Ch. 2
It's only rock 'n' roll
Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger are the power duo behind "Vinyl," a new drama about the New York music scene in the 1970s that lives up to high expectations. Bobby Cannavale is mesmerizing as a label executive trying to balance an ever-changing business and a nasty coke habit. For perspective from Scorsese and Jagger, see Sunday's Variety section. 8 p.m. Sunday, HBO
St. Valentine's Day massacre
Anyone who thought Rick and company would be able to trick the zombies by dressing up in dirty laundry hasn't been paying close attention to "The Walking Dead," which returns after graciously giving viewers a few months to catch their breath. No major spoiler alerts, other than to say the carnage level is higher than usual, so be prepared to warn your family ahead of time that the screams coming from the living room during the midseason premiere do not indicate that actual zombies have infiltrated the household. 8 p.m. Sunday, AMC
Neal Justin
