Tuesday: Here Come the Dems

The other side gets its chance as the Democratic National Convention (CSPAN, PBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, 7 p.m.; ABC, NBC, CBS, 10 p.m.) begins in Charlotte, N.C.

The keynote speaker is one of the most popular figures in public life, Michelle Obama. Also on the roster in the 10 o’clock hour, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Mally.

Earlier speakers , at 7, include Majority Leader Harry Reid, Ken Salazar and Joe Kennedy III; at 8, Tammy Duckworth, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, and Reps. James Clyburn and Xavier Becerra;  in the 9 o’clock hour, Ted Strickland, Kathleen Sibelius, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Lily Ledbetter.

The singer Ledisi will perform, but no actor on the schedule yet, except for Kal Penn — Kumar of the movie series! No furniture is expected to take a prominent role.

A more protracted search for a candidate may have been taking place on “Live! with Kelly” (Syndicated, 9 a.m., check local listings), as a suitable co-host has been sought for Kelly Ripa. It’s no secret that the winner to be unveiled today is former New York Giants star Michael Strahan, who will start his stint this morning. But will he get his name on the show as well?

And what has happened to Regis Philbin, whose retirement caused the massive co-host search? Well, he happens to be on TV today as well, as guest programmer on Turner Classic Movies. His choices: “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (8 p.m.), “High Society” (10 p.m.), “Somebody Up There Likes Me” (midnight), “Gunga Din” (2 a.m.) and “The River” (4:15 a.m.).

In the bracing docu-drama “Chicago Trauma” (National Geographic, 10 p.m.), the blood flows freely as an amazing number of gunshot and stabbing victims who keep being wheeled in the Cook County hospital. Gang violence means when one victim is brought in, many more will follow.

The characters of the animated feature “How to Train Your Dragon” have been rounded up for a lavish new animated TV series, “Dragons: Riders of Berk” (Catoon Network, 7:30 p.m.). It’s remarkable how strong the visuals are – just as good as anything on the big screen. And the story is unusual as well. Instead of fighting enemies, the young cast tries to find way to incorporate their pet dragons into the community.

Two other daytime events today: A 40th anniversary edition of “The Price is Right” (CBS, 11 a.m.) and the first of what will be a handful of new talk show hosts, “Steve Harvey” (Syndicated, check local listings0.

Dragons also happen to be the challenge on tonight’s “Face Off” (Syfy, 9 p.m.).

The frothy made for TV miniseries of “Coma” (A&E, 9 p.m.) wraps up tonight.

The finales for both “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and “Master Chef” (Fox, 9 p.m.) get started tonight; winners will be crowned next week.

Twelve ore acts return in the semifinals of “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.), but, in a point I made last week, should this be two hours while convention coverage is just one?

A team on “Top Gear” (History, 9 p.m.) has to find its way from Portland, Ore., to San Francisco on one gallon of gas.

The every obnoxious Jeff Lewis returns for the sixth season of “Flipping Out” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).

With the NFL season starting Thursday, time to wrap up “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Miami Dolphins” (HBO, 10 p.m.).

It’s the season finale too, for “Beverly Hills Nannies” (ABC Family, 9 p.m.), but not because football is starting.

One hundred sealed Superman dolls cause a rift on “Collection Intervention” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).

That makes “19 Kids and Counting” (TLC, 9 p.m.) almost sound like a more manageable number.

A scout from the Joffrey Ballet School arrives on “Dance Moms” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.). (Turn around!).

Bad enough the guys have to raise their kids themselves during “The Week the Women Went” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.). Now they’ve got to plan a pageant for their daughters as well.

The talk show host moves to a different network as “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” (Current TV, 6 p.m.) makes its premiere.

The end of the original cast of “Teen Mom” (MTV, 10 p.m.) means an exit interview with Dr. Drew. Somehow I doubt this is the last we’ll see of them.

Rare museum artifacts is the subject of both “Mysteries at the Museum” (Travel, 9 p.m.) and “White Collar” (USA, 9 p.m.).

Those who have been watching the second biggest athletic event in London, the Paralympics Games (NBC, Sports, 7 p.m.) have been amazing and inspiring.

A second episode comes for the reality show you should be watching about the two headed Minnesota woman: “Abby & Brittany” (TLC, 10 p.m.).

Recommended movies for taping tonight include Woody Allen’s 2008 “Cassandra’s Dream” (Sundance, 8 p.m.), Errol Morris’ landmark “The Thin Blue Line” (Flix, 8 p.m.), Jim Jarmusch’s “Broken Flowers” (TMC, 8 p.m.) and the affecting “Martha Marcy May Marlene” (More Max, 9 p.m.), which I finally saw for the first time last week.

Daytime Talk

Kelly Ripa: Claire Danes, Jordyn Wieber & Aly Raisman, Phillip Phillips. The View: Jamie Lee Curtis, Dwyane Wade. The Talk: Marie Osmond, Marilu Henner (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Taylor Swift, Zac Efron (rerun).

Late Talk

David Letterman: Claire Danes, Dwyane Wade, Bob Mould. Jay Leno: Kevin Hart, Rep. Ron Paul, Robert Cray. Jimmy Kimmel: Jamie Foxx, Cat Deeley, Imagine Dragons. Jimmy Fallon: Kirsten Dunst, Gov. Chris Christie, Jason Mraz. Craig Ferguson: Kathy Griffin, Tedeschi Trucks Band. Tavis Smiley: Arianna Huffington. Carson Daly: Jim Gaffigan, LP, Ed Sheeran (rerun). Jon Stewart: Tom Brokaw. Stephen Colbert: Reihan Salam. Conan O’Brien: David Mizejewski, Kunal Kayyar, Todd Barry. Chelsea Handler: Zoe Saldana, Jiffy Wild, Heather McDonald, Jo Koy.