Television’s most anticipated returning show “Game of Thrones” (HBO, 9 p.m.) is back, with its myriad storylines and handsomely executed production vistas, a kingdom battling saga that was moving into the realm of magic and dragons as it was ending its fifth season.
And now more bets are off as HBO’s most popular series has now bypassed George R.R. Martin’s original books as a template — it could go in any direction now. And finally you won’t have those people who have read the books telling you they know exactly what will come next.
No advance copies were made available to reviewers (though they reportedly were for the President). But they do say Daenerys meets a strong man and Cersei sees Marcella once more. (I have to look up all these names; the “Previously On” segment will probably be like 10 minutes).
I can vouch, however, for the top notch accompanying comedies that return for new seasons on HBO tonight.
The sharp and funny “Silicon Valley” (HBO, 10 p.m.) keeps finding an amusing way to tell the same story — young tech slackers who can’t quite get where they want to be. As season three starts, Thomas Middleditch’s hapless Richard finds himself working for a corporate overlord.
Things are even more complicated on the scathingly funny “Veep” (HBO, 10:30 p.m.), where the election has resulted in an electoral college tie. The fast moving scatological patter is now running on its own following the departure of creator Armando Iannucci.
W. Kamau Bell makes a welcome return to television with a new series about race in America, involving him traveling to different corners of the country. “United Shades of America” (CNN, 10 p.m.) begins with a visit to a rural klan meeting.
One hundred years today, a group of Irish nationalists proclaimed the Irish Republic and reveled against the British government, in an event recounted through the eyes of three women in a new three part miniseries, “Rebellion” (Sundance, ) with Charlie Murphy, Ruth Bradley and Sarah Greene.
Alicia throws a party to honor Howard and Jackie’s impending wedding on “The Good Wife” (CBS, 9 p.m.)
A limbless child is a challenge to Sister Julienne on “Call the Midwife” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
Molly Ringwald examines her past in “Who Do You Think You Are?” (TLC, 9 p.m.).
On “Madam Secretary” (CBS, 8 p.m.), a team goes after the world’s most wanted terrorist in Islamabad.
Homer remembers a two-family vacation with the Flanders to the Grand Canyon on a new episode of “The Simpsons” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
When “Dice” (Showtime, 9:30 p.m.) accidentally dings Chriss Angel’s Lamborghini, there is magic revenge to pay.
“America Declassified” (Travel, 10 p.m.) looks at a conspiracy in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
Gail’s been drinking too much on “The Last Man on Earth” (Fox, 9:30 p.m.).
Gary could go to the gallows on “Grantchester” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
Doug fishes for romance on a new “House of Lies” (Showtime, 9 p.m.).
Caitlyn risks arrest on the season two finale of “I Am Cait” (E!, 9 p.m.).
Adam’s therapy sessions are watched by detectives on “The Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
On “The Carmichael Show” (NBC, 9 p.m.), the family worries that Cynthia may have depression.
A new Tankard is about to arrive on “Thicker Than Water: The Tankards” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
An old friend named Warren looks to invest in “Bob’s Burgers” (Fox, 8:30 p.m.).
An old friend also visits the “Good Witch” (Hallmark, 9 p.m.).
GG is having health issues on “Shahs of Sunset” (Bravo, 8 p.m.).
Wreckage from a plane crash is inspected on a new “Fear the Walking Dead” (AMC, 9 p.m.).
The law firm’s problems become evident on “The Girlfriend Experience” (Starz, 8 p.m.) amid everything else.
A couple of 1968 comedies about blended families are on Turner Classic Movies — “Yours, Mine and Ours” (8 p.m.) with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda and “With Six You Get Eggroll” (10 p.m.) with Doris Day and Brien Keith.
Stanley Cup playoffs have Washington at Philadelphia (NBC, noon), Dallas at Minnesota (NBC, 3 p.m.) and Florida at Islanders (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.).
NBA playoffs have San Antonio at Memphis (ABC, 1 p.m.), Golden State at Houston (ABC, 3:30 p.m.), Atlanta at Boston (TNT, 6 p.m.) and Cleveland at Detroit (TNT, 8:30 p.m.).
And in the D-league basketball finals, it’s Sioux Falls at Los Angeles (ESPNU, 7 p.m.).
Baseball includes Tampa Bay at Yankees (MLB, 1 p.m.) and Boston at Houston (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
In golf, the final rounds are played in the Texas Open (CBS, 3 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Bernie Sanders, Reince Pribus, Charles Koch. CBS: Sanders, John Kasich. NBC: Sanders, former Sen. Bob Graham. CNN: Sanders, Donald Trump Jr. Fox News: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Trump adviser Paul Manafort.