The final example in how diversity is going to save the broadcast network season comes with the new “Jane the Virgin” (The CW, 9 p.m.), an adaptation of a Venezuelan telenovela about a girl who is accidentally artificially inseminated in a hospital mix-up. The series has a lightness and believability chiefly from the casting of its lead Gina Rodriguez. The bubbly nature of the comedy is reminiscent of “Ugly Betty,” and at the same time it has the same built-in probability to flag after a while. But until then, it has enough freshness and energy to make one actually hopeful.
Bullying has been acknowledged problem for years, but until you see it directly in Lee Hirsch’s film “Bully,” making its debut tonight on the 13th season premiere of “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local news) you may not realize its psychological brutality. Matched with the indifference or blindness of school officials, vividly seen here, or the helplessness of the families (some of whom blame their kids for not fighting back), it’s a wonder these kids survive middle school at all. Hirsch’s film introduces us to some blameless victims who are interesting and thoughtful people, and ends with a glimmer of hope, from families pledging to put a stop to it.
It’s game three of the American League Championship series, with Baltimore at Kansas City (TBS, 8 p.m.).
As their cities’ baseball teams battle in the National league Championship Series, it’s San Francisco at St. Louis (ESPN, 8:15 p.m.) in Monday Night Football as well.
Now that you’re accustomed to new judges Gwen Stefani and Pharrell, the battle rounds on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) employ a whole new raft of new celebrity mentors. Stevie Nicks comes in to help Adam Lambert; Alicia Keys aids Pharrell, the group Little Big Town advises Blake Shelton’s group and Stefani brings in her hubby, Gavin Rossdale of Bush.
Betsey Johnson lasted pretty long for someone 72 on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.). Who’s next to go? By the judges’ scoring, it should be Michael Waltrip. Tonight, partners switch up.
“Gotham” (Fox, 8 p.m.) gets political.
“Scorpion” (CBS, 9 p.m.) has somehow become a top 10 show. Could be the lead-in by “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.), which tonight takes a road trip to Vegas.
A pool shark is murdered on “Castle” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
A psychological experiment goes all wrong on “Blacklist” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
Comedian and director David Steinberg picks the films tonight on Turner Classic Movies. His choices lean toward comedy with the Marx Brothers’ “A Night at the Opera” (8 p.m.), the Fred Astaire musical “Swing Time” (10 p.m.), Cary Grant in “Bringing Up Baby” (midnight), followed by a pair from Fellini: “Nights of Cabiria” (2 a.m.) and “La Strada” (4:15 a.m.).
Rachel McAdams abounds in a double play of “The Time Travelers” (Lifetime, noon) and “The Notebook” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) opposite “The Vow” (FXM, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Neil Patrick Harris, Maura Tierney, Jessie J. The View: Russell Brand. The Talk: Gina Rodriguez, Ivonne Coll, Andrea Navedo, Jaime Camil, Yael Grobglas, Justin Baldoni, Brett Dier, iJustine, Jamie Krall. Ellen DeGeneres: Selena Gomez, Pink, Tyler Posey. Wendy Williams: Betsey Johnson, Tony Dovolani, Ereka vetrini. Meredith Vieira: Mark McGrath. Queen Latifah: Kelly Osbourne, Michael Pena.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Russell Brand, Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters. Jimmy Fallon: Zach Galifianakis, Casey Wilson. Jimmy Kimmel: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, T.I. Seth Meyers: Minnie Driver, Ike Barinholtz, Florida Georgia Line. Craig Ferguson: Carson Kressley, Rampage Jackson. Carson Daly: Ken Marino, Interpol, Jake Paltrow. Tavis Smiley: John Lahr, Justin Simien. Jon Stewart: Matt Bai. Stephen Colbert: Walter Isaacson. Conan O’Brien: Dax Shepart, Rosemarie DeWitt.