Awards programs are all starting to look alike, in part because neil Patrick Harris seems to be hosting them all. But there’s something big about The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards (CBS, 8 p.m.) this year, in part because it helps show the complete collapse of network TV in the event.
Not a single broadcaster is represented among the shows up for best drama for the first time. And it’s not just cable in that category, there’s Netflix for the first time, with its stylish and striking “House of Cards.” Yes, this might be the year that a lot of things change.
Until then, there will be TV presenters from Tina Fey to Michael Douglas; in memoriam tributes to James Gandolfini, Jean Stapleton, Jonathan Winters and Cory Monteith; Carrie Underwood will sing a Beatles medley.
“American Horror Story” is up for the most nominations, 17, with “Game of Thrones” close behind with 16. aFrom the looks of the Creative Arts Emmys, it looks like things are looking good for “House of Cards” and “Behind the Candelabra” (HBO, 7 p.m.) which actually runs against the Emmys
Red carpet coverage begins as early as 6 p.m. on E!. There is a possibility the whole show will be late because of football: Indianapolis at San Francisco (CBS, 4:25 p.m.).
Later, the Emmys’ main competition is Chicago at Pittsburgh (NBC, 8:20 p.m.) on Sunday Night Football.
“Dexter” (Showtime, 9 p.m.) lasted about two seasons too long. One of the great series that helped establish Showtime as a real competitor with HBO, it’s been struggling to find its way in recent seasons. As someone who has tried to catch up with this season before tonight’s series finale, I can report that it’s been a much too jumbled season and treats its death with as much coldness as the serial killer as its center.
The nation may have shockingly already forgotten about Monday’s mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, but Obama’s Speech at a Memorial for Victims (CNN, Fox News, 4:30 p.m.) will be covered on the cable news networks, but God forbid it interrupts football.
The second to last episode of “Breaking Bad” (FX, 9 p.m.) starts at least with its characters scattered. Will they get back together before next week’s series finale?
“Devious Maids” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.) ends its first season, promising to resolve its main mystery, regarding the death of Flora.
Nucky takes a trip to Florida and his nephew tries to get some booze for a college party on a new “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO, 9 p.m.). If you’re looking for a quality drama, with each episode well realized, look no further.
On the season finale of “Ray Donovan” (Showtime, 10 p.m.), Ray and Avi find Eddy; and Ray leaks Sully’s whereabouts to the press.
The death of a nameless Russian confounds Foyle on the latest “Foyle’s War” on “Masterpiece Mystery!” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
With little time to spare, Celia and Alan decide on a civil wedding at a medieval style municipal building on “Last Tango in Halifax” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
OMG, they might have added, “I Killed My BFF” (Lifetime Movie Network, 10 p.m.).
It’s another Sunday of Hitchcock movies on Turner Classic Movies with “The Skin Game” (10 a.m.), “Lifeboat” (11:30 p.m.), “The Lady Vanishes” (1:15 p.m.), “Topaz” (2:15 p.m.), “Torn Curtain” (5:45 p.m.), “The 39 Steps” (8 p.m.), “Sabotage” (9:30 p.m.) and “The Marxman” (12:15 a.m.).
In addition, there’s a 1972 interview with Alfred Hitchcock from “The Dick Cavett Show” (TCM, 11 p.m.).
Daytime NFL games include Detroit at Washington (Fox, 1 p.m.) and Houston at Baltimore (CBS, 1 p.m.).
Sunday Night Baseball features St. Louis at Milwaukee (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Reps. Chris Van Hollen and Tom Graves, Newt Gingrich. CBS: Sens. Joe Manchin and Tom Coburn, Rep. Matt Salmon. NBC: NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, Sens. Mike Lee and Amy Klobuchar, Reps. Barbara Lee and Marsha Blackburn. CNN: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Fox: Sens. Ted Cruz and Claire McCaskill, Karl Rove, Dennis Kucinich.