There are many words that inspire me. Let’s start with “Trigger”! Call me old-fashioned, but when I see the words “post-apocalyptic,” “steampunk,” “alternate history,” “retrofuturism,” and “based on video games,” I reach for the remote control. I'll put it away.
All of this applies to the sprawling series “Fallout,” which is available to stream in its entirety on Prime Video today. “Fallout” is a role-playing video game series set in a grim future, approximately 200 years after some kind of nuclear disaster.
This limited series stars Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, and Kyle MacLachlan and features sentient robots and bizarre Western-themed gunfights.
Video games seem to be a likely source for fantasy works that have been adapted into films, but their record as an inspiration is spotty. While it can be fun to see comic books come to life on screen, a fixed narrative approach to role-playing games may seem like a step backwards for those steeped in the genre. not. Why passively watch when you can play and participate?
I freely admit that I have no interest in subjects like Fallout. What I'm most interested in is whether this ambitious series will catch on or just become another expensive Prime Video blockbuster like “The Rings of Power” or “The Wheel of Time.”
— “Young Sheldon” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) counts down to the final episode in typical fashion, starting with tonight's “very special” episode, “The Right Wedding and the Skeletons in the Closet.” George and Maddie's big episode begins on the day.
At the time, the final months of the television season could be expected to include major series finales, long-awaited weddings, and engagement cliffhangers. But an entire generation of viewers came of age completely unaware of the concept of television “seasons.”
We've seen recently that even the most innovative streaming platforms rely on vintage material. And over the years, rights to series like “Friends'' have commanded a king's ransom, and basic cable TV shows like “Suits'' have become the backbone of movies. Bing culture.
Which current series might meet that requirement? With the possible exception of “Abbott Elementary,” can you name a series that could form part of a strong back catalog for future audiences? I'm confused.
— “Cities of Success” (10 p.m., CNBC) interviews business and civic leaders in Denver and Boulder, Colorado, who believe they can help cities grow and adapt in a changing business environment and evolving society. I would like to talk about the policies that we have adopted.
Other highlights from tonight
— Shortly after giving revealing testimony, a Congressional aide is found murdered on “Law & Order” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
— A missing teen may be involved in a massive plot on “Law & Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
— “Blind Date Book Club” (9 p.m., Hallmark, TV-G), where a bookstore owner’s reviews of popular novels lead to romance in 2024.
— Stabler calls an old acquaintance on “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
— On “Elsbeth” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14), the story of a socialite's missing husband may be too good to be true.
cult choice
A budding writer (Mark Lynn Baker) is tasked with babysitting a hard-drinking celebrity guest (Peter O'Toole, in an Oscar-nominated role) in a live comedy showcase for the 1982 period comedy My Favorite Year ( 8pm, TCM, TV-14). A love letter to the early days of live television, directed by Richard Benjamin. Joseph Bologna stars in a role modeled after “Your Show of Shows” host Sid Caesar.
series notes
“Next Level Chef” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14) … The bill comes up an arm and a leg on “9-1-1” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14) … The guests’ kindred spirits Alberta's “Ghosts” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
“So Help Me Todd” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) shows even opera divas need lawyers… “Farmer Wants a Wife” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-PG)… “Grey’s An intern party turns deadly on “Anatomy'' (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14)…A city landmark catches fire on “Station 19'' (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
late night
Paul Rudd and Cecilia Vega appear on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS, Right)…Jimmy Fallon appears on “The Tonight Show” (11 p.m.) NBC welcomes Ryan Gosling, Johnny Knoxville and Girl in Red to CBS)… Tom Hiddleston, Joey King and Phosphorescent appear on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' (afternoon) 11:35am, ABC).
Liev Schreiber and Busy Philipps visit “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC)… Taylor Tomlinson hosts “After” with Diona Reasonover and Doug Benson・Midnight” (12:35 a.m., CBS).
