TV picks for Sept. 15-17: 'Evil Things,' 'American Vandal,' 'The Vietnam War,' 'Vice Principals'

September 14, 2017 at 8:09PM
From left, Dale Dickey, Danny McBride and Walton Goggins in "Vice Principals."
photo: Fred Norris/HBO
From left, Dale Dickey, Danny McBride and Walton Goggins in “Vice Principals.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Touch of evil

"Evil Things," a new docu-drama that re-creates real-life horror stories, kicks off with a "Blair Witch"-type incident and another about a cursed watch. The tales are spooky, but won't keep you up past your bedtime.

9 p.m. Friday, TLC

From the front line

Instead of the usual talking heads, "The Vietnam War" tells its stories through the unsung men and women on both sides of the conflict. It's a brilliant choice by directors Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, one that makes all 18 hours of this epic documentary worth the investment. See Sunday's Variety for an in-depth interview with Burns.

7 p.m. Sunday, TPT, Ch. 2

Detention hall

"American Vandal" spoofs "Making of a Murderer" and other crime documentaries by making the suspect a teen accused of drawing lewd pictures in the school parking lot. It's a clever concept, but the young cast isn't quite up to the challenge.

Now streaming on Netflix

A matter of principals

Who shot Neal Gamby? The question, which will dominate the second season of "Vice Principals," isn't as compelling as the one broached in that historic season of "Dallas" — unless you're a big fan of star/co-creator Danny McBride's deadpan anti-heroes. Walton Goggins continues to have a ball as his frenemy.

9:30 p.m. Sunday, HBO

Neal Justin

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