Top TV picks for April 17: TV Land Icon Awards, 'Frontline,' 'Time Traveling Bong'

April 14, 2016 at 11:20PM
FRONTLINE's"Children of Syria" tells the story of four children surviving in war-torn Aleppo, and their escape to a new life in Germany. The film follows the family over three years, from the siege of their city to the kidnapping of their father to the struggle of becoming refugees. credit: Frontline
“Children of Syria” follows a family from the seige of Aleppo to a new life in Germany. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

I am legend

Forgive Norman Lear if he channeled Archie Bunker the minute he heard that he would be honored at the TV Land Icon Awards along with John Stamos. Yes, the "Full House" star has proved pretty boys can deliver a sitcom joke, but has he really earned "icon" status? Watch legendary producer Garry Marshall make the case when he presents the hardware during the taped ceremonies, hosted by George Lopez.

8 p.m. Sun. TV Land

Where do the children play

"Frontline" is best known for peeling the top-secret cover letter off important documents, but the long-running series is also capable of personalizing complex issues. Its latest documentary, "Children of Syria," does just that, with filmmakers following a plucky family as they make their way to Germany, barely flinching at the sound of gunfire and red tape that has become an everyday part of their lives.

9 p.m. Tue., TPT, Ch. 2

Up in smoke

Ilana Glazer, one half of "Broad City," should have inhaled a higher grade of inspiration before booking a flight on "Time Traveling Bong," a new series in which numerous drug trips lead to encounters with pilgrims, dinosaurs and cavemen. Predictable jokes and a lack of focus result in a less than excellent adventure.

9:30 p.m. Wed., Comedy Central

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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