Top TV picks for May 18: 'Black-ish,' 'Genius by Stephen Hawking,' 'Nashville'

May 17, 2016 at 5:45PM
NASHVILLE - "It's Sure Gonna Hurt" - After nearly two decades, Rayna and Deacon face the facts of their storied and often tempestuous relationship. Scarlett makes a startling self-discovery in between tour dates while Gunnar performs with one of his idols, rock-music legend Sir Elton John, who guest stars as himself. Luke stops by "The View" to trumpet a worthy cause-before a family emergency pulls his focus. Elsewhere, Juliette struggles to make a connection, and Layla launches her album at The
Sir Elton John guest-stars as himself on an episode of “Nashville.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Ain't we lucky we got 'em?

ABC had done a commendable job surrounding its hit "Modern Family" (8 p.m.) with three smart family comedies, all of which are ending their seasons with promising episodes. At the top of the DVR list: "black-ish," an increasingly bold sitcom that is sure to stir the pot in a plot in which the characters take on personas from "Good Times," the jive-talking 1970s series that could be seen as politically incorrect in these sensitive times.

8:30 p.m. KSTP, Ch. 5

Get smart

In "Genius by Stephen Hawking," the renowned scientist challenges young volunteers to solve mysteries that go beyond how to get beyond level 329 in Candy Crush. In the opening episode, the class explores time travel with the use of DeLoreans, followed by another new installment that explores whether there is life outside of planet Earth.

8 p.m. TPT, Ch. 2

Country comfort

Elton John prides himself on being up to date on the latest music trends, so it's a bit odd that he's making a guest appearance on "Nashville" long after the buzz has died down on this once provocative soap opera. The appearance may seem odd, until you factor in John's previous dalliances with country ("Tumbleweed Connection" being the most obvious example) and T Bone Burnett, the producer of his latest album, oversees music on the series.

9 p.m. KSTP, Ch. 5

Neal Justin

Stephen Hawking - GENIUS BY STEPHEN HAWKING PBS
Hawking (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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