Nobody will turn into the new series “Reign” (The CW, 9 p.m.) for a history lesson (we hope). The adaptation of the story of Mary, Queen of Scots is run through the CW network wringer, such that all the characters are cute teens making eyes at one another. But it does have one thing strong going for it: star Adelaide Kane is regal as well as a looker and she seems to carrie the series right over the silly spots.
The prepper craze pops up on another network with the premiere of “Apocalypse Preppers” (Discovery, 9 p.m.), talking with people girding for the usual robot uprising, alien invasion and black plague.
A 12th season winner is named on “Project Runway” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) after the Fashion Week shows by the finalists, Justin LeBlanc of Raleigh, Dom Streater of Philadelphia, Bradon McDonald of Los Angeles and the only woman left in the competition, Swedish born Alexandria von Bromssen of San Mateo, Calif. Guest judge is Kerry Washington of “Scandal” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
“White Collar” (USA, 9 p.m.) returns for a new season with Neal trying to free Peter, who is in jail in connection with the death of a senator.
Another scandal in Pawnee can’t be good for the Leslie Knope recall movement on “Parks and Recreation” (NBC, 8 p.m.). And tatiana Maslany of “Orphan Black” guest stars as Tom’s new girlfriend.
There’s more than one premonition of danger for Stefan on “The Vampire Diaries” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Bad weather affects the “Alaska Gold Diggers” (Animal Planet, 8 p.m.).
When the Red Queen faces off with Jafar on “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” (ABC, 8 p.m.), she’ll probably say something like “Hey, what are you doing in this series? Weren’t you in ‘Aladdin’?”
The 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards (BBC America, 9 p.m.) gets a replay. But you might be better off watching Jay-Z and Kanye West in “Made in America” (Showtime, 9:25 p.m.).
Balancing motherhood with work is a problem for Meredith on “Grey’s Anatomy” (USA, 9 p.m.).
Game five of the American League Championship Series, with Boston at Detroit (Fox, 7:30 p.m.) pre-empts the evening’s “X Factor.” The series is tied 2-2.
Amber plans a wedding on “Parenthood” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
Once thought dead, Annie is suddenly back on “Covert Affairs” (USA, 10 p.m.).
With Eva Longoria popping up as Ricardo Chavira’s ex-wife on “Welcome to the Family” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.), the two essentially return to the coupling that made them both stars on “Desperate Housewives.”
The month-long Thursday night salute to Vincent Price continues on Turner Classic Movies with “While the City Sleeps” (8 p.m.), “The Story of Mankind” (9:45 p.m.), “The Big Circus” (11:30 p.m.), “Master of the World” (1:30 a.m.), “Convicts 4” (3:15 a.m.) and “The Trouble with Girls” (5:15 a.m.).
NFL action has Seattle at Arizona (NFL, 8:25 p.m.). On the college level, it’s Miami at North Carolina (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.).
In preseason basketball, it’s Miami at Brooklyn (TNT, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Ian Somerhalder, Chloe Grace Moretz. The View: Selena Gomez, Diane Farr. The Talk: Billy Gardell, Robin Quivers. Ellen DeGeneres: Pamela Anderson, Jimmy Buffett. Wendy Williams: T-Boz & Chilli, cast of “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story.”
Late Talk
David Letterman: Selena Gomez. Jay Leno: Dana Carvey, Cee-Lo Green, Goodie Mob (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Kerry Washington, “Science Bob” Pflugfelder, Sleigh Bells. Jimmy Fellon: Tina Fey, Goldfrapp (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Allison Janney, Ben Schwartz. Carson Daly: Matthew Cooke, Johnny Tergo, Grape St (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Jacqueline Bisset. Jon Stewart: Malala Yousafzai (rerun). Stephen Colbert: Tom Hanks (rerun). W. Kamau Bell: Death. Arsenio Hall: Andrew Dice Clay, Wayne Brady, Amber Riley & Derek Hough. Conan O’Brien: Jared Leto, Kaitlin Olson, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. Chelsea Handler: Brendan Schaub, Brad Wollack, Heather McDonald, Bryan Callen, Whitney Cummings.