TV picks for Jan. 9-10: 'Farm Aid 30,' 'Brian's Song,' 'Shameless'

January 8, 2016 at 4:58PM
January 29, 1994 Critic’s choice TODAY/ If you recognize the photo above as a scene from “Brian’s Song” (7 p.m. and 11 p.m., AEN), you may be choking up already. It’s a tear-jerker for sure, but there’s no cheap sentimentality in this excellent 1971 TV-movie with James Caan, as terminally ill Chicago Bears fullback Brian Piccolo, and Billy Dee Williams, as his team?mate and friend Gayle Sayers. ... November 9, 1971
Billy Dee Williams as Gale Sayers and James Caan as Brian Piccolo in 1971’s “Brian’s Song.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Down on the farm

Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young were on the road again for last fall's "Farm Aid 30" in Chicago. This special features highlights from the eclectic benefit concert, along with some of the best moments from past years. 7 p.m. Sunday, AXS TV

Bear hugs

Macho men will gladly 'fess up to shedding a few tears while watching 1971's "Brian's Song," the heartbreaking tale of a bond between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. Even if your favorite team fades in the playoffs, this classic puts everything in perspective. 7 p.m. Sunday, GetTV

Lowdown, crying shame

For every pair of noble Chicagoans, there's a South Sider like Frank Gallagher, William H. Macy's incorrigible drunk on "Shameless," which returns for its sixth season. Those without Showtime can get a free preview of the premiere through various platforms, including YouTube and Facebook. 8 p.m. Sunday, Showtime

Neal Justin

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