What’s Worth Watching: ‘Young Frankenstein’, ‘The Good Place’, ‘Pitch’ and more for Thursday, September 29

Young Frankenstein - Gene Wilder and Teri Garr
©20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, from left, Peter Boyle, Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, 1974, TM and Copyright

Tribute to Gene Wilder (8/7c, TCM): When Gene Wilder passed away last month, cinema lost one of its sweetest, funniest, most authentically oddball souls. TCM begins its prime-time salute with a replay of a 2008 Role Model interview, in which Alec Baldwin sits with Wilder to discuss his career. Followed by an undisputed career highlight from Wilder’s long collaboration with Mel Brooks: 1974’s uproarious homage to Universal horror movies, Young Frankenstein (9:15/8:15c). Also on the lineup: 1970’s period farce Start the Revolution Without Me (12:30 am/11:30c) and 1979’s peculiar Western comedy The Frisco Kid (2:15 am/1:15c).

The Good Place (8:30/7:30c, NBC): In the latest twist of this quirky fantasy comedy, Eleanor (Kirsten Bell) learns she’s not the only one in her neighborhood who’s not meant to be in Heaven. If this reminds you a bit of when The Last Man on Earth began to grow out its world, and not for the better, not to worry. There are lots more comic avenues for this comedy to explore.

Pitch (9/8c, Fox): The best news about the second episode of this earnest sports drama: No mention or sighting of the pilot’s Achilles heel (let’s call it Ghost Dad). As Ginny (the terrific Kylie Bunbury) settles in with the team, she desperately wants to be seen as “one of the guys,” which isn’t easy with all of the media scrutiny, including an invitation to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live. When a sexist comment by team manager Al (Dan Lauria) surfaces from the past, Ginny is back in the spotlight with everyone awaiting comment, and she has no idea how precarious Al’s job is. As usual, the best advice comes from team captain/star catcher Mike (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), who reminds her, “You’re bigger than the game right now, rookie. … At least use it for good.”

Inside Thursday TV: Now that everyone knows Alex (Justin Chambers) was behind Andrew’s (Giacomo Giannotti) beatdown, it’s time for everyone to take sides on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy (8/7c) in an episode directed by series star Kevin McKidd. … Are Better Things (10/9c, FX) in store for Sam’s (Pamela Adlon) career? While she considers cosmetic surgery, two Hollywood sitcom producers (played by Community‘s Danny Pudi and Silicon Valley‘s Zach Woods) consider her for their next TV pitch. … One night after his cameo on Law & Order: SVU, Vice President Joe Biden makes his first appearance on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (11:35/10:35c).