While much of the new sitcom seems utterly conventional, the key to the new “Cristela” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) is its star, comic Cristela Alonzo, portraying a law grad living at home and navigating her family. She’s part of a phenomenon this fall, along with shows like the still-to-premiere “Jane the Virgin” and “Black-ish,” that diversity won’t just broaden network TV, it may well ave it. Alonzo’s degree of enthusiasm and fresh energy make what looks old seem new again and certainly outshines the family fare competition such as “Last Man Standing” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Nathan Lane recreates his Tony-nominated role as a closeted burlesque actor in the 1930s in a production of Douglas Carter Beane’s “The Nance” on “Live from Lincoln Center” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings). Earlier, Lane stars in another Broadway adaptation, “The Producers” (Flix, 3:30 p.m.).
Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett discuss their time in their popular band in the documentary “Genesis: Sum of the Parts” (Showtime, 8 p.m.).
Ebola has rendered the title of Chelsea Handler’s first streaming comedy special untimely at best: “Uganda Be Kidding Me” (Netflix, streaming). Also new and streaming online today is the series “True Trans with Laura Jean Grace” (AOL), about the journey of Against Me! lead singer, formerly known as Thomas Gabel.
Jillian Michaels of “Biggest Loser” is guest star on the 12th season premiere for “Say Yes to the Dress” (TLC, 9 p.m.).
Keith Morrison investigates a death in Aspen on a two hour “Dateline” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
Frank speaks out about equality on the force on “Blue Bloods” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
“The Amazing Race” (CBS, 8 p.m.) goes to Scotland, way before the independence vote, and has competitions involving sheep.
Two contestants discover common ancestry on “America’s Next Top Model” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
“Utopia” (Fox, 8 p.m.) has been shaved back to one night a week, so I’m wondering how they will now handle the recently introduced wrinkle of nominating on Tuesdays and eliminating on Fridays.
A trio of female thieves are themselves targets on a new “Hawaii Five-0” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
Gary Anthony Williams guest stars on “Whose Line Is it Anyway?” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
A mother and son team pitch affordable wedding cakes on “Shark Tank” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
Thinking of watching “20/20” (ABC, 10 p.m.) on 10/10 just for the symmetry.
Same week replays come for episodes of “Bad Judge” (NBC, 8 p.m.), “A to Z” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.) and “Gotham” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies’ month long Friday night salute to Africa continues with “Khartoum” (8 p.m.), “Something of Value” (10:15 p.m.), “The Battle of Algiers” (12:15 a.m.), “Zulu Dawn” (2:30 a.m.) and “Sanders of the River” (4:30 a.m.).
The American League Championship Series begins with Kansas City at Baltimore (TBS, 8 p.m.).
College football has Washington State at Stanford (ESPN, 9 p.m.), San Diego State at New Mexico (ESPNU, 9:30 p.m.) and Fresno State at UNLV (CBS Sports, 10 p.m.).
In preseason basketball it’s Oklahoma at Dallas (NBA, 8:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Morrison. The View: Dan Bucatinsky, Rascal Flatts. The Talk: Ian Somerhalder, Katie Stevens, David Myers. Ellen DeGeneres: Shia LaBeouf, Padma Lakshmi, Gina Rodriguez. Meredith Vieira: Jane Lynch, Colbie Caillat. Queen Latifah: Emmy Rossum, Mike Epps, Keyshia Cole.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Chelsea Handler, Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele, Angaleena Presley. Jimmy Fallon: Jada Pinkett Smith, Nick Kroll, Bobby Shmurda. Jimmy Kimmel: Martin Short, Dave Salmoni, Steve Aoki with Waka Flocka Flame & Travis Barker (rerun). Seth Meyers: Andy Samberg, Emily VanCamp, Roy Wood Jr. (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Morgan Freeman, Genesis Rodriguez (rerun). Carson Daly: Antoine Fuqua, Say Anything, Jason Mantzoukas (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Al Jarreau.