I was expecting a bit more, frankly, from “2 Dope Queens” (HBO, 11:30 p.m.), the much anticipated new four-episode series from Jessica Williams of “The Daily Show” and her friend Phoebe Robinson. Moving their podcast to a giant Brooklyn Theatre isn’t backed up much by writing or production. They riff with one another, say “he-ey” to the crowd, and eventually welcome a string of comedians, like a Def Comedy Jam that’s slightly less tone-deaf. Jon Stewart shows up though, and has more comedy instincts than his hosts (Jessica just looks down on her shoes way too much). Step it up, ladies!
Along these lines, here comes the fourth season of “This is Not Happening, Hosted by Roy Wood Jr.” (Comedy Central, midnight), which revels in its uncensored time slot especially in an episode called “Let’s Talk About Filth.” Wood has bigger named comics than HBO, though, with Howie Mandel and Scott Thompson.
The dour business of the opioid epidemic is seen from three sides on “The Trade” (Showtime, 9 p.m.) — how it affects a family in Atlanta, a police department in Ohio, and a community that is thriving in its poppy trade in Mexico. Some of it is fascinating but other parts are as familiar and depressing as “Live PD” (A&E, 9 p.m.).
Two big new dramas start online. “Altered Carbon” (Netflix, streaming) stars Joel Kinnaman in a sci-fi yarn about a soldier resurrected hundreds of years in the future to solve a crime. Because consciousness can be downloaded, he’s a new person than when he was when he died (and played by Will Yun Lee). On the new “Abstentia” (Amazon, streaming) Stana vKatic of “Castle” stars as an FBI who is woken up in the figure too, but only six years. That’s when she’s been held captive by a serial killer. She finally escapes with no memory of her ordeal.
“Strike Back” (Cinemax, 10 p.m.) might as well be a new show as well. The action series that looked more like a point and shoot video game has been gone for two year. But now it’s back, with an elaborate plot about catching gun-runners and featuring an entirely new cast, led by Daniel MacPherson and Roxanne McKee, who trade wisecracks at one another when they aren’t obliterating entire Muslim armies.
In addition to getting rid of shows by Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley, PBS is responding to sexual impropriety scandals by adding a new limited series, “#MeToo, Now What?” (PBS, 8:30 p.m., check local listings) discussing the moment hosted by Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International.
He’s done everything else, why not try coaching high school football? The rapper does so on “Coach Snoop” (Netflix, streaming).
There’s a new standup special online, “Kavin Jay: Everybody Calm Down!” (Netflix, streaming).
Guests on a new “Real Time with Bill Maher” (HBO, 10 p.m.) include Richard Haass, Anthony Scaramucci, Donna brazil and David Frum.
“The Graham Norton Show” (BBC America, 10 p.m.) has Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg and Rebecca Ferguson.
You can either watch “Bring It” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) or the online spinoff “Step Up: High Water” YouTube Red).
On “Blindspot” (NBC, 8 p.m.), Weller and a former FBI partner go undercover.
Petra tries to get on the good side of “Jane the Virgin” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
A winner is named as “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.) reaches its 17th season finale.
Rebecca faces some fears on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
The team tries to protect Murdoc on “MacGyver” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
On the occasion of its 1,500th (!) episode, “Let’s Make a Deal” (CBS, 11 a.m.) introduces a new game, Winfall.
High school gangs battle on “Blue Bloods” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
The President’s nuclear football has been “Taken” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 9 p.m.) has a final chance to return home.
“Josh Gates’ Destination Truth” (Travel, 9 p.m.) goes to Fiji and the Philippines.
A private detective is murdered on “Hawaii Five-0” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
It’s all about the music on Turner Classic Movies’ 31 Days of Oscars with winners and nominees for Best Original Score wth “Our Town” (6 a.m.), “This is the Army” (7:30 a.m.), “The Old Man and the Sea” (9:45 a.m.), “A Star is Born” (11:15 a.m.), “On the Town” (2:15 p.m.), “Annie Get Your Gun” (4 p.m.) and “Now, Voyager” (6 p.m.). And in prime time, it’s all winners: “Limelight” (8 p.m.), “Fiddler on the Roof” (10:30 p.m.), “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1:45 a.m.) and “Cover Girl” (4 a.m.).
NBA action includes Miami at Philadelphia (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Golden State at Sacramento (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Hockey has Vegas at Minnesota (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
Men’s college basketball includes Western Michigan at Buffalo (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.), Rhode Island at Virginia Commonwealth (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Quinnipiac at Iona (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Illinois Chicago at Oakland (ESPNU, 9 p.m.) and Utah at Colorado (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.).
In the Davis Cup, it’s U.S. vs. Serbia (Tennis, 9 a.m.) and Australia vs. Germany (Tennis, 10 p.m.).
And cricket has its Big Bash League semifinal with Melbourne Renegades at Adelaide (NBC Sports, noon).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Greg Kenner, Ato Essandoh, Donald Driver. The View: Sen. Rand Paul. The Talk: Dr. Phil McGraw, Anthony Rapp. Harry Connick: Willem Defoe, Jessie Graff, Tirana Burke, Tyler Anderson, Joseph Flamm, Bruce Kalman. Steve Harvey: Carrie Keagan, Garcelle Beauvais, Ashanti, Siggy Flicker. Ellen DeGeneres: Jennifer Aniston. Wendy Williams: Mark Anderson, Ryan Fey. The Real: Jacob Latimore.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Uma Thurman, Jacob Williams. Jimmy Kimmel: Viola Davis, Lil Rel Howery, LANCO (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: James Spader, Camila Cabello, Pete Lee (rerun). Seth Meyers: Michael Che, Colin Jost, Jack Antonoff, Ashley McBryde, Brann Dailor (rerun). James Corden: Gillian Anderson, Sally Hawkins, Daya (rerun). Carson Daly: Guillermo Del Toro, Liam Gallagher, Blair Socci (rerun).