TV picks for July 31: 'Four Weddings and a Funeral,' 'Jihadi John, 'Sherman's Showcase'

Mindy Kaling's series is loosely based on the 1994 film.

July 30, 2019 at 8:57PM
Four Weddings and A Funeral -- Four American friends reunite for a fabulous London wedding. But after a bombshell at the altar throws their lives into turmoil, they must weather a tumultuous year of romance and heartbreak. Relationships are forged and broken, political scandals exposed, London social life lampooned, love affairs ignited and doused, and of course, there are four weddings... and a funeral. Craig (Brandon Mychal Smith), Maya (Nathalie Emmanuel), Ainsley (Rebecca Rittenhouse), and C
Brandon Mychal Smith, Nathalie Emmanuel, Rebecca Rittenhouse and John Reynolds in “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Going to the chapel

Mindy Kaling's obsession with rom-coms pays off big time with "Four Weddings and a Funeral," a series as delightful as the movie it's oh-so-loosely based on. Creator Kaling nods to the 1994 film (Andie MacDowell appears in an entirely different role) as well as other beloved comedies, but this is a wholly original creation with an international cast balancing love, friendship, work — and the urge to watch the world's most hilarious rip-off of "The Bachelor."

Now streaming on Hulu

Becoming evil

"Unmasking Jihadi John: Anatomy of a Terrorist" can't quite explain what made Mohammed Emwazi turn to ISIS and play a pivotal role in the beheadings of Western hostages. But the documentary does its best to show the pain the British-bred killer caused his victims' families.

7 p.m., HBO

All about soul

If you dig "Documentary Now!" you'll groove on "Sherman's Showcase," a spoof of "Soul Train" and other touchstones in black pop culture, including James Brown's electrifying performances, the Apollo Theater's Sandman and Debbie Allen's sermon in "Fame." Check out this space next Wednesday for a thorough breakdown on a Prince-related episode hosted by Morris Day.

9 p.m., IFC

Neal Justin

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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