TV picks for May 31: 'Troubled Waters,' 'Big Star Little Star,' 'House of Cards'

May 30, 2017 at 9:00PM
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in "House of Cards," season 5.
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are back for more machinations in “House of Cards.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Parental guidance

In the 1970s game show "Tattletales," celebrity couples tried to read each other's minds without having to call a divorce lawyer. "Big Star Little Star" has roughly the same concept, except this time it is famous people paired with their kids, with little of the old model's sarcasm. It's a pleasant enough diversion, especially if your own children are sitting beside you.

8 p.m., USA

Getting the lead out

"Nova" may be an intimidating title, but the documentary series does as good a job as any "Science for Dummies" book explaining complicated issues in layman's terms. The latest example, "Troubled Waters," will trigger a whole new wave of sympathy for the residents of Flint, Mich. — and have you thinking twice before you fill a glass from your own faucet.

8 p.m., TPT, Ch. 2

New deal

Real-life drama and the stream of zingers coming from Washington, D.C., may make the return of "House of Cards" a less-than-anticipated event. It remains to be seen whether President Frank Underwood can entice us with a new bag of tricks in Season 5, but it's worth noting that the Kevin Spacey-led series led a revolution in streaming. His character may not deserve respect, but that accomplishment does.

Now streaming on Netflix

Neal Justin

about the writer

about the writer