TV picks for April 21-22: 'Symphony for Our World,' Black Eyed Peas, 'Hill Street Blues'

April 20, 2018 at 8:19PM
X Ambassadors' Sam Harris recorded vocals for "Symphony for Our World."
X Ambassadors’ Sam Harris recorded vocals for “Symphony for Our World.” (National Geographic/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Phunking with our hearts

Fergie may have ditched the Black Eyed Peas, but it didn't feel official until "Will.i.am and Friends Featuring the Black Eyed Peas — Landmarks Live in Concert: Great Performances," recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall. With the help of guests, the group manages to get through hits like "Let's Get It Started," but it's a shame to hear them without its charismatic lead singer, especially considering that she's committed herself to hosting subpar reality shows like "The Four."

9 p.m. Saturday, TPT Life

Cop rock

The recent death of producer Steven Bochco should have triggered more appreciation for "Hill Street Blues," the most ambitious drama in network TV history. If you still need convincing, check out the 1983 episode "Here's Adventure, Here's Romance," in which a detective is reluctant to come forward after witnessing a double murder in a gay bar. The homophobia may be dated; the impact is not. Repeats can also be seen on the Heroes and Icons channel at 2 p.m. weekdays.

9 p.m. Saturday, H&I

Strike up the band

Bleeding Fingers Music and X Ambassadors honor their favorite planet in "Symphony for Our World," a tribute featuring an original five-part composition dedicated to the sea, shore, land, mountains and sky. Seems like a decent way to celebrate Earth Day.

6 p.m. Sunday, National Geographic Wild

FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2016, file photo, television writer/producer Steven Bochco poses for a portrait at his office in Santa Monica, Calif. Bochco, a writer and producer known for creating "Hill Street Blues," has died. He was 74. A family spokesman says Bochco died Sunday, April 1, 2018, in his sleep after a battle with cancer. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
Bochco (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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