Classy clowns
IFC's irresistible one-two punch of "Portlandia" (9 p.m. Friday, IFC) and "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret" (9:30 p.m. Friday, IFC) returns with neither losing any of its oddball charm. Can't wait for the inevitable crossover episode: "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Portlandia."
Someone to pay tribute to me
Everyone these days seems to be wild about George Gershwin, including one of the most innovative jazz musicians of our time. "Herbie Hancock, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil Celebrate Gershwin" (9:30 p.m. Friday, KTCA, Ch. 2) finds the artists interpreting such classics as "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris" and "Someone to Watch Over Me." Now if only people would give the same props to George Gobel.
The aristocrats
"Downton Abbey" (8 p.m. Sunday, KTCA, Ch. 2) is back open for business, just in time to remind that us that all you really need to make great television is a top-shelf cast and a gifted writer like Julian Fellowes. The romance and twists are even more dizzying in this second season, which runs through Feb. 19. For an in-depth look at the series, see Sunday's Variety section.
How to succeed in business
Mixed Blood Theater veteran Don Cheadle plays a shifty business consultant in the new series "House of Lies" (9 p.m. Sunday, Showtime) -- a puzzling failure given Cheadle's talent and eye for great material. The premise is loosely based on a book written by local author Martin Kihn.
