There may be a similarity between basic cable dramas, but the new “Mr. Robot” (USA, 10 p.m.) stands out. It’s much darker and cinematic and not about a robot. At least, not yet. It’s about a paranoid young hacker in a hoodie employed by a big corporation with an Enron-like logo and an evil demeanor, who is persuaded to join an underground group that will take the fat cats down.
Christian Slater runs the underground group, operating between rides at Coney Island, and for him it’s the latest in a string of series in which he’s appeared. This one may last a bit longer than the network fare, though, just because of its different tone, with incessant narration, paranoia and a non-traditional looking hero in Rami Malek. There’s also a lot more cussing than usual in these things, which means USA is testing new ground or will bleep what flies on advance copies. It will take a while to figure out whether the series is actually any good though.
A new series on public television, the five-part “First Peoples” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) looks at the earliest migration of homo sapiens on each of the continents, starting with the Americas tonight, showing how early man mingled with Neanderthals more than 55,000 years ago. It also covers the 9,000 year old Kennewick Man, in the news recently as discussions continue whether the skeleton found in rural Washington state should be returned to native people.
Another tribe is formed tonight as a new season of “Big Brother” (CBS, 8 p.m.) begins, full of the usual gang of white folks. Well that’s just among the 14 houseguests who have been announced. Surprise additions are expected. Julie Chen returns to host its 15th year and 17th season, the activities of the group can be seen on live feed. Sorry night owls, “Big Brother After Dark” doesn’t start until Thursday.
A fifth season starts for “Suits” (USA, 9 p.m.) with Harvey and Donna split for good, and Donna now working for Louis.
Online, all nine seasons of “Seinfeld” (Hulu, streaming) suddenly become available, making all kinds of expired catch phrases live again.
Vince Neil and Gunnar trade spouses and hair tips on a new “Celebrity Wife Swap” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
The much diminished “Duck Dynasty” (TLC, 9:30 p.m.) begins a new season, with preparations for the impending marriage of John Luke.
What’s worse than two hours of “American Ninja Warrior” (NBC, 9 p.m.)? Rerunning it two more times the same week in prime time.
“America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.) is a kind of clip show too.
Bacon is on the menu on a breakfast themed episode of “MasterChef” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
The women on “Player Gets Played” (Oxygen, 9:30 p.m.) take control in a way “The Bachelorette” rarely does.
Spike Feresten goes back to auto suggestion on the season two start of his “Car Matchmaker” (Esquire, 9 p.m.).
The month long Wednesday night salute to pin-up girls on Turner Classic Movies concludes with Racquel Welch in “One Million Years B.C.” (8 p.m.), Ursula Andress in “She” (10 p.m.), Jenny Agutter in “Logan’s Run” (midnight), Jane Fonda in “Barbarella” (2:15 a.m.) and Bo Derek in “10” (4 a.m.).
All day, though, Esther Williams swims in “Bathing Beauty” (6 a.m.), “Thrill of a Romance” (7:45 a.m.), “Neptune’s Daughter” (9:30 a.m.), “Pagan Love Song” (11:15 a.m.), “Dangerous When Wet” (12:45 p.m.), “Easy to Love” (4:30 p.m.) and “Jupiter’s Darling” (6:15 p.m.).
Baseball tonight includes Philadelphia at Yankees (MLB, 1 p.m.) and Dodgers at Cubs (ESPN2, 8 p.m.).
With the finals tied 2-2, Vanderbilt vs. Virginia (ESPN, 8 p.m.) in the deciding Game 3 of the College World Series.
With the season over, time for the NHL Awards (NBC Sports Network, 7 p.m.).
And it’s almost that time of year: “Tour De France Preview” (NBC Sports, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Channing Tatum, Fifth Harmony. The View: Uzo Aduba, Kacey Musgraves, Molly Sims. The Talk: Jennifer Beals, Diana Madison, Darius Rucker, Valerie Bertinelli. Ellen DeGeneres: Sofia Vergara, Nick Jonas (rerun). Wendy Williams: Holly Madison, Milly Almodovar. Meredith Vieira: Chrissy Teigen, Ashanti, Mario Cantone (rerun). Queen Latifah: Goldie Hawn (rerun).
Late Talk
Jimmy Fallon: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mike Birbiglia, Major Lazer. Jimmy Kimmel: Wanda Wykes, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, A Thousand Horses. Seth Meyers: Channing Tatum, Laverne Cox, Desparecidos. James Corden: Rebecca Romijn, Sam Rockwell (rerun). Carson Daly: Alicia Vikander, Craft Spells, Dan Levy (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Lincoln Chafee, Alan Rickman. Jon Stewart: Judge Andrew Napolitano. Conan O’Brien: Michael Sheen, Kiersey Clemons, Houndmouth.