The underrated comedy “The League” (FX, 10:30 p.m.) returns for its third season, led by Nick Kroll and Paul Scheer among a group of intensely competitive fantasy football enthusiasts and friends.
The new season starts with Kroll’s Ruxin lording his win over the rest and the eventual introduction of the oft-mentioned but never seen Dirty Randy, a porn movie location scout, who is played by Seth Rogen.
It accompanies a new episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (FX, 10 p.m.) in which Dee gets audited.
Speaking of Philly, the Flyers at Bruins (Versus. 7 p.m.) to begin the NHL season, followed by Penguins at Canucks (Versus. 10 p.m.).
The end of the season comes for either New York or Detroit in the Game 5 finale of the American League Divisional Series of Tigers at Yankees (TBS, 8 p.m.).
“George Harrison: Living in the Material World” (HBO, 9 p.m.) picks up at the end of the Beatles and covers his solo years, dabbling in films and Wilburys and a deadly break-in.
Boot camp in Pasadena has actually been a lot more entertaining than the last two weeks of auditions on “The X Factor” (Fox, 8 p.m.). But so far, none of the 162 contestants have been cut; judges will have to trim it to 100 and then to the final 32 by the end of the show.
Exotic birds are the inspiration of the remaining six designers on “Project Runway” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
There’s a timely replay of the TV movie “Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy” (LMN, 10 p.m.), with Hayden Panettiere as the woman who was aquitted in her appeal of the case on Monday.
Kelli Williams guest stars on “The Mentalist” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Leslie Knope releases her controversial history of Pawnee City on a new “Parks & Recreation” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.).
It might be a shock to see Sheldon become a gambler on “Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.). But it may be more shocking to see him with a mustache.
Vinny’s relatives tend to spice things up when they show up on “Jersey Shore” (MTV, 10 p.m.). This time they show up in Italy.
Abed and Roy get a new apartment on “Community” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
The warehouse staff quits on “The Office” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
A “History of the World in Two Hours” (History, 9 p.m.) begins with the creation of the Earth and steps on the gas.
What would the contours of the ocean floor look like if you got rid of the water? Find out after you “Drain the Ocean” (National Geographic Channel, 8 p.m.).
A new comedy showcase, “Gabriel Iglesias Presents” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.), follows a replay of his comedy special “Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not Fat …I’m Fluffy” (Comedy Central, 9 p.m.).
When Klaus dials an old witch on “Vampire Diaries” (The CW, 8 p.m.), it won’t be from the coven on “The Secret Circle” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
“The Old House Hour” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) begins its 10th season at a 300-year-old farmstead.
Robert Redford stars in both “Brubaker” (Fox Movie Channel, 7:30 p.m.) and in “The Clearing” (Sundance, 8:30 p.m.).
What kind of pastry is made up of squid ink and candied ginger? You’ll find out when chefs make something up with those ingredients on “Sweet Genius” (Food, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Regis and Kelly: Rachel Bilson. The View: Jon & Mary Kaye Huntsman, Scott & Joan Bolzan, Kristin Cavillari. The Talk: John Lithgow, Brandy, Molly Shannon, Sheryl Underwood. Ellen DeGeneres: Zooey Deschanel, Ricki Lake & Derek Hough. Wendy Williams: Brooke Shields, Mary Mary.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Caroline Kennedy, the Joy Formidable. Jay Leno: Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Aubrey Plaza, Blondie. Jimmy Kimmel: Antonio Banderas, “Science Bob” Pflugfelder, Jane’s Addiction. Jimmy Fallon: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Bilson, Jeff the Brotherhood. Craig Ferguson: Jason Schwartzman, Eliza Coupe. Tavis Smiley: Tom Morello, Chris Evans. Carson Daly: Michelle Monaghan, J. Cole, Frightened Rabbits. Jon Stewart: Jason Sudeikis. Stephen Colbert: Jason Amerine. Conan O’Brien: Ryan Reynolds, Simon Pegg, Kyle Kinane (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Jane Lynch, Jen Kirkman, Josh Wolf, Bill Bellamy.
[…] Thursday TV: ‘The League’ Returns; Hockey Leagues Too […]