If “Watchmen” seemed like an impossible mix of futuristic action, racial history and white supremacy uprising, “Lovecraft Country” (HBO, 9 p.m.) is the network’s latest series to blend the horrors of imagined sci-fi with the real life horrors of racism in Jim Crow America. Jonathan Majors stars as a fantasy fan driving north with his uncle (Courtney B. Vance) and friend (Jurnee Smollett) avoiding virulent racist towns and hungry monsters that arise from nowhere.
It makes for a mind-blowing introduction tonight that throws in music and style, but naturally slows down when they reach their destination at a castle next week. As a standalone tonight, though, it can’t be beat.
“The Circus” (Showtime, 8 p.m.) resumes its season of stylish political coverage, picking up with the Democratic vice presidential pick on the eve of the convention.
The emotional middle-aged teenagers the Silva twins from “90 Day Fiancé,” get their own spinoff series “Darcey & Stacey” (TLC, 10 p.m.) that focuses on their continued romantic problems.
A gang clash is the root of crime investigated on “Endeavour” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
There are cameras in palaces too. They flip through a few on “Lucy Worsley’s Royal Photo Album” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).