Not since Anne Robinson of “The Weakest Link” have American game show contestants been bullied by a British figure as on “The Chase” (GSN, 9 p.m.).
But while she just asked questions and hectored for answers, the 6-foot-7, 370 pound Mark Labbett puts his knowledge on the line against all comers. With an I.Q. of 155, he’s “an undeniable genius,” says U.S. host Brooke Burns. Because of his size, they say “unleash the beast” when he enters the arena to battle the three contestants and eat away at the money they’ve banked. Questions are the usual mix of knowledge to pop trivia; from Gen.Custer’s first name to Maroon 5’s lead singer. It’s impressive to see the Beast on his run, but his prowess makes every contestant battle seem futile.
Football is soon to be unleashed on us, so here is a new season of the NFL preseason training camp series “Hard Knocks” (HBO, 10 p.m.), this time concentrating on the Cincinnati Bengals, as it did in 2009. Narrating is the star of another premium network, Liev Schreiber of “Ray Donovan” (Showtime 2, 9 p.m.).
Katarina Witt’s success as Olympic skater meant she was closely watched at home in East Germany according to a new documentary in the “Nine for IX” series, “The Diplomat” (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
One of the “Ax Men” gets his own spin-off in “The Legend of Shelby the Swamp Man” (History, 10 p.m.). Not sure where he pops up in history, though.
There’s more to be found in “Drunk History” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.), though, albeit with hiccups. Tonight, there is the inebriated recollections of Patty Hearst’s kidnapping and Mark Twain’s career choice.
More reliable are the “History Detectives” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings), returning for a fifth season. Perhaps because one case involves a screen JFK may have used to view spy photos, there is a replay of “Cuban Missile Crisis: Three Men Go to War” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
Finally, Chelsea Handler looks into her own history on a new “Who Do You Think You Are?” (TLC, 9 p.m.).
Real estate and reality seem to go together naturally. In the newest such show, a Florida firm featuring wife and ex-husband is followed in “Hot Listings Miami” (Style, 10 p.m.). Meanwhile, contractor Mike Holmes fixes homes in “Holmes Makes it Right” (DIY, 8 p.m.).
I can attest that the group Bollywood number that opens “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox, 8 p.m.) is pretty strong. I saw a rehearsal of it Monday. Kenny Ortega joins as a guest judge and from the Top 12 we learn of the 10 who will at least get the work of the “SYTYCD” live tour.
Snowboarding shouldn’t be too much a problem for the woman on “Extreme Weight Loss” (ABC, 8 p.m.) who started at over 400 pounds. Gravity works.
So far nobody has died on “Capture” (The CW, 9 p.m.), but someone destroys the food supply.
Special guest for Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show” (NBC, 11:30 p.m.) is President Barack Obama.
Somebody crashes Emily’s surprise party on “Pretty Little Liars” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.). They lied about being on the invite list.
Reid Scott of “Veep” guest stars on a new “Perception” (TNT, 10 p.m.).
Another dozen contestants return to perform at Radio City Music Hall on “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 9 p.m.); four go home Wednesday.
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Oprah Winfrey, Desiree Hartsock, Erin Andrews. The Talk: Dylan Walsh, Chi-Lan Lieu, Dr. Jay Gordon, Carnie Wilson. Ellen DeGeneres: Jessica Alba, Scott Foley (rerun). Wendy Williams: Toni Braxton, Heather McDonald (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Salma Hayek, Tony Hale, Houndmouth (rerun). Jay Leno: President Barack Obama, Patti LaBelle. Jimmy Kimmel: JuliaLouis-Dreyfus, Nick Offerman, Michael Kiwanuka. Jimmy Fallon: Jane Fonda, Steve Ward, the Head & the Heart, Nile Rodgers. Craig Ferguson: Diane Kruger, Tony Hale. Carson Daly: Tom Colicchio, Walk the Moon (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Snoop Lion (rerun). John Oliver: Liam Hemsworth. Stephen Colbert: Daft Punk. Conan O’Brien: Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Leven Rambin. Chelsea Handler: Tamar Braxton, John Caparulo, Sarah Colonna, Chris Franjola, Loni Love.