Katie Couric was at her alma mater the University of Virginia reporting on controversy regarding Confederate statues when the Charlottesville white supremacy riots broke out. She seemed a little shaken as the torch fire march threatened but shifted well to report the event and eventual tragedy.
It makes you think the footage should have come out earlier than the planned premiere tonight of her “America Inside Out with Katie Couric” (National Geographic, 10 p.m.). But the issues in the premiere episode are clearly still with us and the fast-moving hour that takes her to New Orleans for their statue issues, and to the site of the new slavery museum.
For another traveling series that packs more humor, there is “Conan Without Borders: Italy” (TBS, 10 p.m.).
A tie-in to the British Library exhibit on the world of J.K. Rowling is the special “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” (The CW, 8 p.m.) examining early drafts and drawings of the series. Imelda Staunton, who narrates, is among several actors from the film series who appear.
“The Expanse” (Syfy, 9 p.m.) returns for a third season, just as an interplanetary war is about to break out in the 23rd century.
The experience and challenges of “GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) are explored in a new special.
The current era of con men in power clears the way for a new show, “Staten Island Hustle” (CNBC, 10 pm.).
Yet another home renovation show sounds like a competition: “Flip Wars” (A&E, 10 p.m.).
There’s a health scare on “Empire” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Cassie has a big audition on “Famous in Love” (Freeform, 8 p.m.).
Carole runs the marathon on “The Real Housewives of New York City” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
And in another real estate spinoff here’s “Sell It Like Serhant” (Bravo, 10 p.m.) with New York City broker Ryan Serhant.
The merge finally comes to “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
“SEAL Team” (CBS, 9 p.m.) is assigned to protect Congressional officials visiting Jalalabad.
Red and the Task force go to Paris to seek a heroin supplier on “The Blacklist” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
A bomb explodes in a D.C. Metro station on “Designated Survivor” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
Bioterrorism arises in Virginia on “Criminal Minds” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Mike and Rachel discuss their future on “Suits” (USA, 9 p.m.).
Philip and Elizabeth fight over Paige’s role on “The Americans” (FX, 10 p.m.).
“Chicago P.D.” (NBC, 10 p.m.) looks into a string of stash house robberies.
A soldier is suspected of sexual assault on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
A rapper is recruited on “Star” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Cam gets a police ride-along on “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
“Flashdance” is celebrated on “The Goldbergs” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
“American Housewife” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.) micro-manages their kids’ decision.
Ben wants to get his music into his dad’s podcast on “Alex, Inc.” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.).
Josh Gates goes into the Australian outback on “Expedition Unknown” (Travel, 9 p.m.).
The Wednesday salute to director Michael Curtiz on Turner Classic Movies this month takes up the whole day, with “Four Daughters” (6 a.m.), “Four Wives” (7:45 a.m.), “Four’s a Crowd” (9:45 a.m.), “Dive Bomber” (11:30 a.m.), “Santa Fe Trail” (1:45 p.m.), “Virginia City” (3:45 p.m.), “The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex” (6 p.m.), “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (8 p.m.), “Captain Blood” (10 p.m.), “Dodge City” (12:15 a.m.), “The Charge of the Light Brigade” (2:15 a.m.), and “The Sea Hawk” (4:15 a.m.).
First round play begins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Minnesota at Winnipeg (CNBC, 7 p.m.), Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.), and Los Angeles at Vegas (NBC Sports, 10 p.m.).
Baseball includes Houston at Minnesota (MLB, 1 p.m.) and Yankees at Boston (MLB, 7 p.m.).
NBA action includes Milwaukee at Philadelphia (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Utah at Portland (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
College softball has Michigan State at Michigan (ESPNU, 6 p.m.) and Florida at Florida State (ESPN2, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Kerry Washington, Busy Philipps, David Foster. The View: Katie Couric, Dr. Ian Smith. The Talk: Reba McEntire. Harry Connick: Dick Van Dyke, Cheyenne Jackson (rerun). Steve Harvey: Dorinda Medley, Diane Mizota. Ellen DeGeneres: Anna Faris, John Legend, Pauly D. Wendy Williams: J.J. Totah.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Martin Short, Aisha Tyler. Jimmy Kimmel: Anna Faris, Chris Hardwick, the Regrettes. Jimmy Fallon: Kerry Washington, Gad Elmaleh, 5 Seconds of Summer. Seth Meyers: John Krasinski, Retta, James Bay, Gil Sharone. James Corden: Neil Patrick Harris, Dave Franco. Carson Daly: William H. Macy, Felicity Huffman, Superorganism, Toby Stephens. Trevor Noah: Martellus Bennett. Jordan Klepper: Sally Kohn. Conan O’Brien: Andy Cohen, Hayley Atwell, Declan McKenna.