TV picks for Aug. 26: - "American Experience," Joan Rivers, "Chelsea Lately"

August 25, 2014 at 8:09PM
Annie Oakley, crack shot with a rifle, and an American folk hero. Historical photo courtesy of Culver Pictures, via A&E Biography (television).
Annie Oakley and Jesse James are featured on TPT, Ch. 2. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Stick 'em up!

"American Experience" reignites its 2006 love affair with Wild West figures with back-to-back repeats of "Jesse James" and "Annie Oakley." Of the two, "Oakley" is slightly superior, if only because so little is known about the charismatic gunslinger. Laura Linney narrates. 7 p.m. TPT, Ch. 2

Rivers run dry

One of the real head scratchers during awards season is why TV producers yanked Joan Rivers, who remains one of our best comics, from the red-carpet sidelines. Are celebrities really that sensitive to her verbal jabs? Fortunately, we can still enjoy her wit and wisdom on "Awards Fashion Police," which will focus on Monday night's Emmys. 7 p.m. E!

Hard to Handler

I have mixed feelings about this week's live finale of "Chelsea Lately." On one hand, Chelsea Handler was the sole woman in late-night TV, holding her own in a field that continues to all but ignore females and minorities. On the other hand, Handler's caustic treatment of staff members — whether in jest or in reality — got old really fast. A lot of Hollywood disagrees. More than 30 celebrities are expected to stop by, including ex-lover 50 Cent. For those craving more of Handler, look for a new talk show to pop up soon through Netflix. 10 p.m. E!

Neal Justin


Chelsea Handler arrives at a panel discussion with the cast of "Orange Is The New Black" at the Directors Guild of America Theater on Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)
Handler (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Jesse James, famous outlaw. File photo.
Jesse James, famous outlaw. File photo. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer