It’s not a network’s greatest show of confidence to schedule new sitcoms during the dog days of August, at a time when many Americans are on vacations and executives are thinking of their fall fare.
Still, here’s “Mr. Robinson” (NBC, 9 p.m.), an inoffensive sitcom from Craig Robinson who literally came up through the warehouse on “The Office” to make his comedy mark in things like “Hot Tub Time Machine.” Here, he uses his musical skills to lead a bar band leader who decides to become a music teacher for a steady income and to get with an old flame. There’s an old school vibe to the approach that is not unwelcome, and Robinson himself is warm and funny when given some time. But in the setup/joke atmosphere of sitcoms, that’s not always allowed.
“Mr. Robinson” is accompanied by “The Carmichael Show” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.) a sitcom loosely based on the life of its star, comedian Jerrod Carmichael. David Alan Grier and Loreta Devine play his parents; Amber Stevens West plays his girlfriend.
Television recapping is the job of Julie Klausner’s new comedy “Difficult People” (Hulu, streaming), making its debut online. She hangs out with her gay friend, an unemployed actor/waiter played by the outspoken Billy Eichner of “Billy on the Street.” Produced by Amy Poehler, it has the edge of her other production, “Broad City” and lots of brash, unexpected laughs. Really worth seeking out.
On the new “Job or No Job” (ABC Family, 9 p.m.) a trend forecaster and brand strategist Jane Buckingham tries to help young adults looking for work.
Also new on cable is “Born Again Virgin” (TV One, 10 p.m.) stars Danielle Nicolet as a blogger vowing celibacy after striking out on the dating scene. Meagan Holder, Eva Marcille and Durrell Babbs round out the cast.
The new network series “A Wicked Offer” (The CW, 9 p.m.) tempts people with money to pull pranks on their family and friends.
It’s the series finale for “Melissa & Joey” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.) the comedy starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence. It’s only the season finale, though, for Melissa Peterman’s “Baby Daddy” (ABC Family, 8:30 p.m.) whose former costar Reba McEntire pops in as guest star.
A cyclone at the Great Barrier Reef coincides with the finale of the miniseries “Life on the Reef” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
A weird recap of “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.) shows contestants from the show’s franchises in other countries over the years.
Elliot goes missing on “Mr. Robot” (USA, 10 p.m.).
A Mother’s Day surprise is planned on “I Am Jazz” (TLC, 10 p.m.).
Craig Robinson, whose show “Mr. Robinson” premieres tonight, is also featured on “Celebrity Wife Swap” (ABC, 10 p.m.), with Angela Raiola, “Big Ang” of “Mob Wives.”
Can’t do much better than a day of Fred Astaire on Turner Classic Movies with “Flying Down to Rio” (6 a.m.), “The Gay Divorcee” (7:30 a.m.), “Roberta” (9:30 a.m.), “Top Hat” (11:15 a.m.), “Follow the Fleet” (1 p.m.), “Swing Time” (3 p.m.), “Carefree” (4:45 p.m.), “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle” (6:15 p.m.), “Shall We Dance” (8 p.m.), “You Were Never Lovlier” (10:15 p.m.), “The Band Wagon” (midnight), “Silk Stockings” (2 a.m.) and “Royal Wedding” (4:15 a.m.).
Baseball today includes Red Sox at Yankees (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
WNBA action includes San Antonio at Washington (NBA, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Salma Hayek, Mamie Gummer. The View: Big Sean. The Talk: Ed Helms, Peri Gilpin, David LeFevre, Carnie Wilson. Ellen DeGeneres: Kevin Spacey, Tim McGraw (rerun). Wendy Williams: Tony Dovolani, Lidia Bastianich (rerun). Meredith Vieira: Nick Jonas, John O’Hurley (rerun). Queen Latifah: Sherri Shepherd, Phil Keoghan (rerun).
Late Talk
Jimmy Fallon: Ice Cube, Mamie Gummer, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. Jimmy Kimmel: Emilia Clarke, Vanessa Bayer, Miguel (rerun). Seth Meyers: Jason Segel, Michael B. Jordan, Big Sean. James Corden: Adam Pally, Jeffrey Tambor, Nicole Richie, Laura Marling. Carson Daly: Kal Penn, La Sera, Mac McClelland (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Lenny Kravitz (rerun). Jon Stewart: Louis C.K. Conan O’Brien: Armie Hammer, Leon Bridges.