What to Watch on Friday: New Jeffrey MacDonald documentary series begins tonight
A Wilderness of Error (8 p.m., FX) - This new documentary series on the Jeffrey MacDonald case starts tonight with the first three episodes (tomorrow, those episodes will be available to stream on Hulu). The series is directed by Marc Smerling (“The Jinx” and “Capturing the Friedmans”) and is based on a book by acclaimed true crime documentarian Errol Morris. Morris believes MacDonald -- convicted in 1979 for the 1970 murders of his wife and two daughters -- is innocent, but says he can’t prove it. Smerling takes Morris’ work and examines the details of the case, but will he come to the same conclusions as Morris? This is a really well-done series, worth your time even if you think you’ve heard enough about MacDonald. Tonight’s three episodes will repeat starting at 11:30, before moving to Hulu. The final two episodes in the series air next Friday, going to Hulu the day after. There’s also a companion podcast that examines the relationship between MacDonald and Joe McGinniss, author of “Fatal Vision.” Read more about “A Wilderness of Error” here.
20/20 (9 p.m., ABC) - Amy Robach gets the first on-camera interview with Melanie McGuire since she was sentenced to life in prison 13 years ago in New Jersey for the murder of her husband Bill McGuire. Bill’s remains were found inside multiple suitcases in the Chesapeake Bay. Melanie, who at the time was having an affair with a doctor she worked with, maintains her innocence.
The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Disney+) - This new limited series, produced by National Geographic and narrated by Disney fan-favorite Josh Gad, gives viewers an all-encompassing look at the magic behind two of the world’s most beloved animal experiences: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT.
The Secret Society of Second Born Royals (Disney+) - In this new live-action movie, a rebellious teenage royal unknowingly develops superpowers from a genetic trait attributed only to second-borns of royal lineage. Second-in-line to the throne of the kingdom of Illyria, Sam constantly questions what it means to be royal and wants to create her own legacy. Her mother, Queen Catherine, sends Sam to a summer boarding school where she and four other second-born royals discover they have unique super-human abilities, and are invited to join a secret society with a longstanding tradition of covertly keeping the peace. It stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Skylar Astin, Olivia Deeble and Niles Fitch.
The Amber Ruffin Show (Peacock) - Amber Ruffin’s new weekly program will showcase her signature smart and silly take on the week’s news.
Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
