Before they were born, Venus and Serena Williams’ dad had a 78-page plan on how they’d each become No. 1 in tennis. The two sisters from Compton followed through and their story to glory is told in the documentary “Venus and Serna” (Showtime, 9 p.m.). The film by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major follows them from youth to the 2011 season, when injuries began taking their toll.
In another original film tonight, “Forever 16” (Lifetime Movie Network, 8 p.m.), Tiera Skovbke stars as a teenager who has to keep switching high school to keep her timeless secret.
The march to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington begins with a couple of cable documentaries, “March on Washington: The Dream Continues” (MSNBC, 6 p.m.), with the Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King. Later, Don Lemon hosts “We Were There: The March on Washington — An Oral History” (CNN, 10 p.m.) which features the only survivor of the main six organizations who spoke in 1963, Rep. John Lewis of Georgia.
The big ratings winner tonight will likely be the network NFL preseason game of Seattle at Green Bay (CBS, 8 p.m.).
The special “The Last Huntsman” (Discovery, 10 p.m.) follows people who try to keep the wild away from people, such as a guy in Alaska who tries to keep a bear from a mining camp, or one who tries to kep a jaguar from a Peruvian logging camp. Not to be confused with “Snow Whie and the Huntsman” (HBO, 6:45 p.m.).
More bad taste from “America’s Next Top Model” (The CW, 9 p.m.), with a trailer park chic photo shoot.
Want to catch up on the week’s “Big Brother” (TV Guide Network, 8 p.m.)? It’s on all night on cable. There are other catchups for “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO, 9 and 10 p.m.).
With the writers on strike, maybe we shouldn’t cross the picket line to watch “Fashion Police” (E!, 9 and 10 p.m.).
In honor of Whitey Bulger’s conviction, “The Departed” (AMC, 8 p.m.).
No Conan O’Brien on tonight, but there is “Conan the Barbarian” (BBC America, 9 p.m.).
Elizabeth Taylor, from child to woman, stars on Turner Classic Movies all day with “Lassie Came Home” (7:15 a.m.), “National Velvet” (8:45 a.m.), “Life with Father” (11 a.m.), “Father of the Bride” (1 p.m.), “Father’s Little Dividend” (2:45 p.m.), “Giant” (4:15 p.m.), “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (8 p.m.),”Suddenly, Last Summer” ( 10 p.m.), “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (midnight), “Reflections in a Golden Eye” (2:30 p.m.) and “Conspirator” (4:30 a.m.). In addition there’s 1975 documentary “Elizabeth Taylor: An Intimate Portrait” (6 a.m.) and a 1992 “Tonight” interview on “Carson on TCM” (7:45 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Kevin James, Nick Cannon (rerun). The View: Sybrina Fulton & Tracy Martin, Ian Ziering, Court Yard Hounds, Stacy Keibler, Mario Cantone (rerun). The Talk: Valerie Harper, Michael Bolton (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Vince Vaughn (rerun). Wendy Williams: Angela bassett, Rachel Zalis (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Oprah Winfrey, Paul Rudd (rerun). Jay Leno: Anthony Hopkins, Amy Schumer, Robert Randolph and the Family Band (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Neil Patrick Harris, Clayton Kershaw, Pepper (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Jeff Bridges, Stacy Keibler, Jesse and the Rippers (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Lewis Black, Matt Morales (rerun). Carson Daly: Davey Havok, Kitten (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Jimmy Connors (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Paula Patton, Chris Franjola, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Brody Stevens (rerun).