TV picks for Jan. 16: Tom Papa, 'Parenthood,' 'The Merv Griffin Show'

January 15, 2017 at 8:00PM
PARENTHOOD -- "We Made It Through The Night" Episode 612 -- Pictured: (l-r) Erika Christensen as Julia Braverman-Graham, Peter Krause as Adam Braverman, Bonnie Bedelia as Camille Braverman, Craig T. Nelson as Zeek Braverman, Lauren Graham as Sarah Braverman, Dax Shepard as Crosby Braverman -- (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC) ORG XMIT: Season:6
Erika Christensen, Peter Krause, Bonnie Bedelia, Craig T. Nelson, Lauren Graham and Dax Shepard in “Parenthood.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Keep the laughs coming

The special may be called "Howie Mandel's All-Star Comedy Gala," but the draw here isn't the host; it's his impressive guest list, which includes Alonzo Bodden, Tom Papa, Russell Peters and Iliza Shlesinger, standups who deserve more attention. Papa, a Twin Cities favorite, will perform Feb. 3 at the Woman's Club in Minneapolis.

7 p.m., WUCW, Ch. 23

Meet the parents

It's great to watch "This Is Us" explode, but I wish audiences had shown as much love for "Parenthood," another tender, smartly crafted family drama that NBC aired for five years. Fortunately, UP regularly shows repeats of the series, giving a new crop of viewers a chance to go on an even more sentimental journey.

7 p.m., UP

Honoring King

Those looking for a unique way to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day can check out a 1967 episode of "The Merv Griffin Show" featuring the civil rights leader along with Harry Belafonte. No one will ever mistake Griffin for Charlie Rose, but his casual approach to interviewing may provide new perspective on a figure not exactly known for his softer side.

7 p.m., GetTV

Neal Justin

FOR USE WITH FYI_TV CONTENT ONLY. Howie Mandel All-Star Comedy Gala -- Image Number: JFL2016_HowieMandel_0012r.jpg -- Pictured: Howie Mandel -- Credit: …ric Myre / Just For Laughs TV -- © 2016 Just For Laughs TV. All rights reserved.
Mandel (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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