PopWatch Planner: 'Game of Thrones,' 'Mad Men' premiere, 'New Girl' features a special date, and 'Jurassic Park' returns to theaters

Early April is one of entertainment’s awkwardly quiet down times, in which the summer blockbusters aren’t out yet, television shows are winding down but not quite at their finales, and most new albums are awaiting a release. But that doesn’t mean that your week has to be boring. You still have some great options. Unless, of course, you don’t think that the premiere of Game of Thrones, the return of New Kids on the Block, and the re-release of Jurassic Park in 3-D are great …

SUNDAY

Game of Thrones, 9 p.m., HBO

Yes, we recommended this last week. And if we could, we would recommend it a third time. The new season of Game of Thrones, adapted from the notoriously eventful third book, is sure to be a wild ride.

MONDAY

The Following, 9 p.m., Fox

This week’s episode marks what has been described as the beginning of the show’s third and final act this season. Claire is officially in enemy territory, and what happens next is anyone’s guess. Plus, the episode is titled “Whips and Regret.” I mean, come on.

TUESDAY

New Kids on the Block, 10

Believe it or not, you read that right. New Kids on the Block, despite the fact that they aren’t so new anymore, are back with more music. No matter the quality of the jams, it’s worth checking out if only for the nostalgia factor.

WEDNESDAY

Southland, 10 p.m., TNT

Southland’s next-to-last episode (possibly ever) promises drama as John continues his downward spiral — how much darker can he get?! — and Lydia discovers a case of corruption on the force. Dirty cops are never a good thing, but they do make for some good television.

THURSDAY

New Girl, 9 p.m., Fox

Nick and Jess go on a date. An actual date. Let me say it again, a date. Oh, and Winston and Schmidt spend the day trying to sabotage that date, which can only mean one thing: good comedy.

FRIDAY

Jurassic Park in theaters

This classic never gets old and now, you can see it on the big screen once again for its 20th anniversary. This time, the film is being released in 3-D. Grab your glasses, enjoy the show, and then check out our print magazine on Friday for a Jurassic Park oral history!

SATURDAY

Evil Dead in theaters

We hear good things about this over-the-top, filled-with-gore horror film. So if you’re looking for a fun way to spice up your Saturday, why not watch something scary?

SUNDAY

Mad Men, 9 p.m., AMC

OR

Book release: It’s All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great

Your first option for Sunday night is always a crowd pleaser: The two-hour return of Mad Men. Don Draper is back with his suits, his questionable morals and more smoke than any one person should be able to handle.

Option number two involves more labor but less smoke (hopefully): Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbook hits shelves this week, so why not use your Sunday to try out some of her recipes in the kitchen? You could even make them for, say, a Mad Men premiere party? If you start to look like the Oscar-winning foodie, please let us know so that we can go and grab our own copy.