5 TV shows to watch: 'All the Light We Cannot See' is an eye-opening epic

'All the Light We Cannot See'

Fans of Anthony Doerr's novel, which spent more than 200 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, should be bowled over with this four-part adaptation, a throwback to the kind of World War II epics Hollywood used to churn out on a regular basis. It's the waning days of battle, but that won't stop certain Nazis from trying to track down a blind girl in Paris who is sending secret messages to the Allies through an underground radio show. It's a touching tale full of heartbreak and heroism with juicy roles for Hugh Laurie, Mark Ruffalo and newcomer Aria Mia Loberti. Netflix

'Fingernails'

Jesse Buckley continues to impress. In her latest role, she plays a schoolteacher who grows skeptical about a militant dating service in which computers determine whether you're truly in love. Opportunities to spoof Tinder and its competitors are washed out by the dark clouds that hover over this plodding drama, but Buckley still manages to capture your heart. Friday, Apple TV Plus

'This England'

Kenneth Branagh is nearly unrecognizable as Boris Johnson in this six-part indictment of the British government during the early months of the COVID pandemic. The limited series is most effective when it provides a seat at the table where politicians made one misjudgment after another. But director Michael Winterbottom ("24 Hour Party People") and his team are also determined to document the woes of various victims throughout the country. It's all a bit too much. BritBox

'JFK: One Day in America'

This three-part documentary is aimed at younger generations who have a limited knowledge of the events surrounding President John F. Kennedy's assassination. There's very little new insight and no acknowledgment of conspiracy theories. But even those old enough to remember the tragedy will be moved by testimonials by Secret Service agents and reporters who were on the scene. 7 p.m. Sunday, National Geographic. Streams Monday on Hulu and Disney Plus

'The Simpsons'

The long-running animated series is never shy about testing limits, but it always goes the extra mile when it comes to the annual "Treehouse of Horror" episode. This year is no exception. The most memorable of the three vignettes involves Homer spreading a virus that turns everyone into clones. Kelsey Grammer, Jimmy Fallon and Kylie Jenner join in the antics. 7 p.m. Sunday, Fox