TV picks for Oct. 18: 'Empire,' Tim O'Brien, 'CMT Artists of the Year'

October 17, 2017 at 8:25PM
Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard in "Empire."
Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard in “Empire.” (Fox/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Dearly beloved

Sanaa Hamri, an executive producer of "Empire," was tight with Prince. While she wasn't able to get him to appear on her show before his death, she did get permission from his estate to incorporate "Let's Go Crazy" into an episode that centers largely on the artist's legacy, and includes a party scene with a cameo by his sister Tyka Nelson and his old bandmates.

7 p.m., KMSP, Ch. 9

The things he carried

Those moved by "The Vietnam War" may recall the contributions of Minnesota author Tim O'Brien. Now you can share your thoughts directly with the veteran as he dives deeper into the memories with the PBS documentary's co-director, Lynn Novick, at Macalester College in St. Paul. For info on attending, visit tpt.org.

7 p.m., Kagin Commons, 21 Snelling Av. S., St. Paul

Rise up

In light of the Las Vegas tragedy, the "CMT Artists of the Year" celebration will transform into a night of hope and healing with guest appearances by Common and Little Big Town. Chris Stapleton, who recently played Xcel Energy Center and "A Prairie Home Companion," is among those who will perform.

7 p.m., CMT

Neal Justin

Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton (Invision/AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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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