Faking out audiences is something that broadcasters do routinely these days. But 75 years ago, when that was less widespread, thousands were taken in by Orson Welles’ Halloween Eve 1938 performance of “War of the Worlds.”
Its power and effect are explored on a new “American Experience” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings full of interesting facts about the adaptation of H.G. Wells meant to sound like a series of frantic news bulletin. In an era of regular terror on the radio waves, from the Hindenberg to Hitler,
One drawback to the documentary is its own bit of fakery: filming modern actors pretending to be listeners of the eras describing their reaction.
And for those who still fear alien invasions and other unlikely scenarios, the fourth season begins for “Doomsday Preppers” (National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.).
On the second installment of “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings), the growth of cotton and slavery is covered in the first half of the 19th century.
Two new networks have started operating this week and with any luck you may find them on your dial before the year’s out. One is Puff Daddy’s music-centered Revolt, which isn’t available locally on Comcast though that’s the underwriter. The other is Fusion, a well-funded mix of ABC and Univision that will launch today. Originally planned for a young Latino audience, they’ve widened the scope to all millennials with a largely news bent that includes shows like “America with Jorge Ramos” (Fusion, 7 p.m.), “Alicia Menendez Tonight” (Fusion, 8 p.m.), “DNA” (Fusion, 8:30 p.m.), “Sports Talkers” (Fusion, 9 p.m.) and “Good Morning Today” (Fusion, 9:30 p.m.). Days begin with “The Morning Show” (Fusion, 7 a.m.). And one title for a Friday night talk show hosted by Paul F. Tompkins that looks promising: “No, You Shut Up!”
The new reality series “Naked Vegas” (Syfy, 10 p.m.) looks into the realm of body art.
Jimmy Connors’ late career 1991 run at the U.S. Open is recounted in the latest “30 for 30” documentary, “This is What They Want” (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
The latest eatery-fixing series, “Restaurant Redemption” (Cooking, 8 p.m.), is concentrated on Asian places. Ching-He Huang is the fixer and King Yum in Queens is the first target.
All four Roloff children reunite for the seventh season premiere of “Little People, Big World” (TLC, 9 p.m.).
Dorothy of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West pop up on “Supernatural” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
Even in two hours, they can only fit in about eight knockout round sing-offs on “The Voice” (NBC, 9 p.m.). the goal is live shows, which is imminent on “The X Factor” (Fox, 8 p.m.), where the top 12 are named.
A two hour “Voice” tonight means “The Biggest Loser” (NBC, 8 p.m.) is kept to an hour for once.
“Trophy Wife” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.) might be one of only a couple worthy new fall shows. Even fans of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 8 p.m.) are starting to drop off.
The NBA season begins with a double-header of Bulls at Heat (TNT, 8 p.m.) and the all-L.A. Clippers at Lakers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.). Hockey action includes Tampa Bay at New Jersey (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.).
In the final installment of the two month Monday and Tuesday film history survey on Turner Classic Movies encs with two of my all time favorite films: “Badlands” (8 p.m.) and “Chinatown” (2 a.m.) as well as “Cabaret” (9:45 p.m.), “M*A*S*H” (midnight) and a replay of “The Story of Film: An Odyssey: 1967-1979 – New American Cinema” (4:15 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Mary Steenburgen, Rick Schwartz. The View: Nancy Grace, Corey Feldman, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Nick Offerman. The Talk: Sean Hayes, Luke Milton, Richard Blais. Ellen DeGeneres: Rachel McAdams, Hallee Steinfeld. Wendy Williams: Romany Malco, Ereka Vetrini.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Rob Lowe, Scott Dixon, Alan Jackson. Jay Leno: Savannah Guthrie, Mark Cuban, Kodaline. Jimmy Kimmel: Jennifer Garner, David Arquette, Arcade Fire. Jimmy Fallon: Kate Bosworth, Tim Conway, Chromeo. Craig Ferguson: Alyssa Milano, Lawrence Block. Carson Daly: Ian Edwards, the Neighbourhood. Tavis Smiley: William Friedkin. Jon Stewart: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Stephen Colbert: Billy Collins. W. Kamau Bell: Alex Wagner. Arsenio Hall: Beau Bridges, Priyanka Chopra, the Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Esperanza Spalding. Conan O’Brien: Queen Latifah, Asa Butterfield. Chelsea Handler: Casey Wilson, Chris Franjola, Annie Lederman, Ross Mathews.