DVR Digest is a weekly column that highlights 10 hours of programming SLING subscribers can record to fill up their complimentary Cloud DVR Free service. Check out this week’s best picks below.
Prodigal Son (Season Finale)
Monday, April 27, 9pm ET
FOX (Available in select markets)
Prodigal Son was the breakout drama of FOX’s fall premieres and although its status for season 2 is still unclear, the ratings have been solid. The first season of the show — which focuses on a criminal profiler whose father is a serial killer known as “The Surgeon” — featured plenty of twists and turns, especially in the previous episode when Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne) was arrested for murder, landing him in the clink with his father Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen). Did he do it or is Malcolm just another patsy in the grand evil scheme of Nicholas Endicott (Dermot Mulroney)? It’s a credit to the show’s writing that we’re honestly not sure.
Forged in Fire
Wednesday, April 29, 9pm ET
HISTORY
The HISTORY show Forged in Fire is basically Top Chef meets real life Vikings. Each episode features a quartet of smiths attempting to forge a classic weapon, with one contestant eliminated after each round and the winner taking home $10k. The nice thing about the show is that each episode features a different group of contestants, so unlike season-long reality competitions, you can step into the fire at any time. Things typically get a little crazier as the season progresses and with just two episodes left in season 7, things are about to get real hot.
Coronavirus: Facts and Fears: A CNN Global Town Hall
Thursday, April 30, 8pm ET
CNN
Because there’s still so much we don’t know about coronavirus, there’s new information to process on a daily, even hourly, basis. CNN’s weekly show Coronavirus: Facts and Fears: A CNN Global Town Hall features interviews with experts, news headlines from around the world, and a healthy dose of viewer interaction courtesy of their partnership with Facebook. Even if you’re not a Sling subscriber, you can watch the weekly 2-hour show on Sling Free.
Parks and Recreation
Thursday, April 30, 8:30pm ET
NBC (Available in select markets)
Following the lead of Saturday Night Live, which aired its second “At Home” episode this past weekend, NBC is tapping the all-star cast of Parks and Recreation for a special reunion episode that will raise money for Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The entire cast — including Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir, and Retta — is expected to return. According to Deadline, “The story comes from the events of the day – Pawnee’s most dedicated civil servant, Leslie Knope (Poehler), is determined to stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing.” We’re more excited than Ron Swanson staring down a plate of bacon.
Shaq Life
Thursday, April 30, 9pm ET
TNT
It was obvious from the jump that Shaquile O'Neal was one of our most entertaining athletes and now that he’s comfortably retired, he’s transitioned to one of our favorite celebrities. His new TNT show Shaq Life captures Shaq in all of his goofy glory, whether he’s hitting the gym to get rid of his “dad bod,” attending his daughter’s graduation, or helping out a kid who can’t afford his extra-large size 18 shoes. Did we mention the whole thing is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson?
Total Bellas
Thursday, April 30, 9pm ET
E!
Speaking of reality shows that center on retired athletes, the third season of Total Bellas premiered earlier this month. The show focuses on the lives of former WWE divas Brie and Nikki Bella and this year, the domestic drama is in full swing, as the two sisters negotiate their relationships with their partners, mother, and brother JJ. Back in January, real life provided something of a spoiler for this season when the sisters announced that they’re both pregnant, so expect even more of a family-focus as the show continues.
Better Things (Season Finale)
Thursday, April 30, 10pm ET
FX
We’ve been singing the praises of Better Things for a while now and the show's excellent fourth season will wrap up on Thursday night. The previous episode resolved the “Quinceanera” subplot that opened the season, so it should be fun to see where the show leaves us during the finale. You can binge the full season leading up to the finale on Sling On Demand.
Good Witch
Sunday, May 3, 9pm ET
Hallmark Channel
The Hallmark Channel fantasy drama Good Witch returns Sunday night for its sixth season. A spin-off from the popular movies, the new season finds titular witch Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell) juggling her relationship with Sam while continuing to hide her identity from her suspicious neighbors in Middleton. Although there are allusions to the supernatural, Good Witch is way more Hallmark than American Horror Story. In other words, your mom is gonna love it.
Married To Medicine LA
Sunday, May 3, 9pm ET
Bravo
The second season of this Bravo reality hit kicks off on Sunday with some familiar faces and new doctors joining the cast. Dr. Britten Cole, Dr. Imani Walker, Shanique Drummond, and Jazmin Johnson are all back for another checkup, and they’ll be joined by new cast members Dr. Kendra Segura and Lia Dias. This season will see the ladies taking road trips to New Orleans and Palm Springs, while dealing with drama from their careers, spouses and, based on the trailer above, each other.
Vida
Sunday, May 3, 9pm ET
Starz
Last but not least, be sure to check out the third season of the Starz original Vida, which premiered last week. The show — which centers on a pair of formerly estranged sisters who reunite after their mother’s death — is about a lot of things: Latino culture, the challenges of coming out, mental illness, and the gentrification of Los Angeles, among them. Prior to its premiere, Starz announced that its six-episode third season would be its last. But with a devoted following and plenty of critical acclaim, don’t be surprised if it comes back elsewhere.
