TV picks for Aug. 21:   "The Simpsons," "Welcome to Sweden," "2 Guns"

August 20, 2014 at 6:30PM
WELCOME TO SWEDEN -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: Patrick Duffy as Wayne Evans -- (Photo by: Linus Hallsenius/NBC) ORG XMIT: Season: 1
Illeana Douglas, left, and Patrick Duffy play Bruce’s parents in “Welcome to Sweden.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Cowabunga!

There are certain things we take for granted: Electricity, a comfortable bed, Mom's home cooking — and "The Simpsons." The show, which recently wrapped up its 25th season, is older than some of its fans. While we can moan that later episodes don't measure up to the early years, it's still one of TV's wittiest shows. To celebrate its milestone, tune in to a 12-day lovefest with all 552 episodes being broadcast in chronological order, making it the longest-running marathon in TV history. 9 a.m. FXX

Meet the parents

Patrick Duffy and Illeana Douglas are not considered comedic giants, but they manage to get more than their fair share of laughs as Bruce's puzzled parents in "Welcome to Sweden," the summer treat that we hope will return next year. Kudos to the network for sparing us another hour of "America's Got Talent" and getting behind a refreshing sitcom. 8 p.m. KARE, Ch. 11

Bang! Bang!

Sure, Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington may be slumming it in 2013's "2 Guns," the action thriller that's short on plot and long on explosions. But that doesn't mean you won't have a lot of fun watching these two reliable actors go toe-to-toe with each other. Washington's pork pie hat should get its own sequel. 8 p.m. HBO

Neal Justin


WELCOME TO SWEDEN -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: Illeana Douglas as Nancy Evans -- (Photo by: Linus Hallsenius/NBC) ORG XMIT: Season: 1
WELCOME TO SWEDEN -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: Illeana Douglas as Nancy Evans -- (Photo by: Linus Hallsenius/NBC) ORG XMIT: Season: 1 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg in "2 Guns"
Denzel Washington, left, and Mark Wahlberg star in “2 Guns.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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