Fourteen young artists assemble for that 21st century way to kickstart their career – the reality show – as the second season of “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) begins its anticipated second season.
Like its best reality competition “Project Runway” (now moved to Lifetime), it’s a contest that involves some actual talent and creativity. But also like that show, it’s completely arbitrary as to what the panel of judges think is good or bad.
That’s the way of the real art world too, I guess. New York magazine art critic Jerry Saltz returns to head the judges panel that also includes host China Chow and gallery owner Bill Powers. Art auctioneer Simon de Pury returns as the fussy mentor.
A lot of these seasons depend on the contestants; this one has somebody named The Sucklord. Winner gets $100,000 and a solo show at the Brooklyn Museum. The first assignment tonight: turning traditionally “bad” art into good.
“Psych” (USA, 10 p.m.) returns for some new episodes, strting with a caper about a dead body at the British consolate.
I can honestly say I don’t know what to expect from the second episode of “American Horror Story” (FX, 10 p.m.). Certainly, not an explanation right aay for what happened in last week’s premiere.
The Oscar-nominated documentary short “Sun Come Up” (HBO2, 9 p.m.) looks at the effects of global warming on island dwellers in Papua New Guinea — with ocean levels rising, they’ve got to move to higher ground.
With the murder case completed, “Harry’s Law” (NBC, 9 p.m.) can move to a different case, one involving cyberbullying and guest staring Camryn Manheim. T.R. Knight pops up on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
“Luther” (BBC America, 10 p.m.) finds himself trying to protect a young girl while solving brutal murders.
Megan Mullally guest stars on a new “Happy Endings” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.).
Lots of holes in tonight’s prime time schedule thanks to poorly performing shows. Gone is “H8R,” replaced for now by reruns of “Ringer” (The CW, 8 p.m.). And “Free Agents” has also been yanked after just three episodes, replaced tonight by a repeat of “Whitney” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.). But the episode of “Up All Night” (NBC, 8 p.m.) is new.
The 32 surviving acts on “The X Factor” (Fox, 8 p.m.) get to move into the homes of the judges who will mentor them. Or at least stand in their yards.
Some real lowbrow challenges on “America’s Next Top Model” (The CW, 9 p.m.). One involves fashions by the Kardashians; and a LaToya Jackson fashion shoot.
Claire Dumphy considers a political run on a new “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
The therapist who had her committed when she was young gets a taste of Emily Van camp’s “Revenge” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
The returning stars on “Survivor: South Pacific” (CBS, 8 p.m.) seem to be running things on each of their tribes. Untll maybe tonight (though you can’t trust promos).
There are some great movies on. “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Sundance, 10 p.m.) and the original 1962 “The Manchurian Candidate” (TCM, 8 p.m.).
The latter kicks off a night of political intrigue that also includes “The Best Man” (TCM, 10:15 p.m.), “The Glass Key” (TCM, 12:15 a.m.), “All the King’s Men” (TCM, 2 a.m.) and “Advise & Consent” (TCM, 4 a.m.).
Another double header of leage championship games today: Texas at Detroit (Fox, 4 p.m.) and Milwaukee at St. Louis (TBS, 8 p.m.).
In hockey, it’s Bruins at Hurricanes (Versus, 7:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Regis and Kelly: Chace Crawford, Jewel, Michael Strahan. The View: Dr. Mehmet Oz. The Talk: Jerry Springer, Marcela Valladolid. Ellen DeGeneres: Glen Campbell, Ellen Pompeo. Wendy Williams: Robbie Montgomery.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Bill Clinton, Deer Tick. Jay Leno: Zooey Deschanel, J.R. Martinez, Fountains of Wayne. Jimmy Kimmel: Rob Lowe, Idris Elba, Chris Cornell. Jimmy Fallon: Alan Cumming, Michael Phelps, Chavez. Craig Ferguson: Jim Parsons, Cake. Tavis Smiley: Kathleen Sebelius. Carson Daly: Butch Vig, the Klitschko brothers, Portugal, The Man. Jon Stewart: Ron Paul (rerun). Stephen Colbert: John Lithgow (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Steven Ho, Michael C. Hall, Gary Gulman. Chelsea Handler: Evan Rachel Wood, Brad Wollack, Matt Braunger.