Networks do whatever the heck they want in the summer, and sometimes it even results in watchable fare. Tonight, the makers of “The Good Wife” start a series that tries to explain the gridlock of Washington through the invasion of alien bugs. “BrainDead” (CBS, 10 p.m.) boasts a cast that includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Tony Shalhoub, Danny Pino and Aaron Tveit and a lighter tone than summer sic-fare like “Under the Dome” and “Extant” makes it look worth a shot.
The life of the 1960s pop star and Beatles contemporary Cilla Black is explored in a stylish three-part miniseries online, “Cilla” (Acorn TV, streaming) starring Sheridan Smith, who does her own singing of hits like “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and “You’re My World.” Lennon and McCartney wrote a few of her songs including “Love of the Loved” and “It’s for You.”
The new series “Guilt” (Freeform, 9 p.m.) Emily Tremaine stars as a woman whose sister is a suspect in a murder in London, aided by a lawyer played by Billy Zane.
It’s Game 5 of the NBA Finals with Cleveland at Golden State (ABC, 9 p.m.), preceded by a “Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night” (ABC, 8 p.m.) that features the cast of “Finding Dory,” Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill and Kaitlin Olson.
An Iraqi soldier and army translator fall in love in “Out of Iraq” (Logo, 9 p.m.).
NASCAR racers try out for “American Ninja Warrior” (NBC, 9 p.m.) as we see where this franchise will end up: Celebrity ninja warriors.
More obstacle courses come in the new competition, “Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge” (NBC, 10 p.m.). Why are there so many of these shows? You don’t have to pay the participants (unless they win) and there are also no writers to pay.
There are also a lot of dating shows as well. In addition to two hours of “The Bachelorette” (ABC, 8 p.m.), there’s the return of the MTV match-up show from Hawaii that also involves a cash prize, “Are You the One?” (MTV, 10 p.m.).
Also, the show that looks behind the curtain at “Bachelor” type shows, “UnReal” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.).
“The Real Housewives of Dallas” (Bravo, 10 p.m.) closes its uneven season with what else? A fight at a fancy party.
The fifth season of “Major Crimes” (TNT, 10 p.m.) begins with a missing teen who volunteered at the homeless shelter.
“Hotel Impossible” (Travel, 10 p.m.) aids a hotel in disrepair in Rockland, Maine.
Kevin Hart drops in at “Top Gear” (BBC America, 9 p.m.).
“Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) looks into the Libertarian Party’s recent convention.
Doyle is drugged with a potentially deadly hallucinogen on “Houdini & Doyle” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Five kids remain on the “Kids BBQ Championship” (Food, 8 p.m.).
With Mary presumed dead, Elizabeth seeks her crown on “Reign” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Auditions wind up on “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
There are paternity questions on “Southern Charm” (Bravo, 8 p.m.).
Cakes celebrating SpongeBob SquarePants on “Cake Wars” (Food, 9 p.m.) may or may not involve sponge cake.
On a new “Rizzoli & Isles” (TNT, 9 p.m.), there’s a murder at the zombie convention.
Anna infiltrates New York on “TURN: Washington’s Spies” (AMC, 10 p.m.).
Dr. Drew interrogates on the seventh season finale of “Teen Mom 2” (MTV, 9 p.m.).
Yvette Nicole Brown is guest on a new “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies’ month-long Monday night salute to Marie Dressler continues with “Anna Christie” (8 p.m.), “Let Us Be Gay” (9:45 p.m.), “The Girl Said No” (11:15 p.m.), “The Vagabond Lover” (1 a.m.), “Sweet Music” (2:15 a.m.) and “Gold Diggers in Paris” (4 a.m.).
Look for me at Cubs at Nationals (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
Soccer’s Copa America Centenary has Mexico vs. Venezuela (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.) and Uruguay vs. Jamaica (Fox Sports 1, 10 p.m.) in the European Championship, it’s Spain vs. Czech Republic (ESPN, 9 a.m.), Ireland vs. Sweden (ESPN, noon) and Belgium vs. Italy (ESPN, 3 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Trevor Noah, Sabrina Carpenter, Frankie Ballard, Morris Chestnut. The View: Bobby Brown. The Talk: Mike Epps, Lindsay Miller, Mel B., Carnie Wilson and Pat Harvey. Ellen DeGeneres: Ed O’Neill, Wendy Williams, Ibihaj Muhammad. Wendy Williams: Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Josh McBride. The Real: Erica Ash. Meredith Vieira: Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Monte Durham (rerun).
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Bill O’Reilly, Anna Chlumsky, Aesop Rock. Jimmy Kimmel: Kevin Hart, Constance Zimmer, Fitz & the Tantrums. Jimmy Fallon: Liam Hemsworth, Nick Jonas. James Corden: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Anthony Anderson, Red Hot Chili Peppers. Carson Daly: Alexandra Shipp, the Coathangers, Ben Robson (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Frank Rich. Trevor Noah: James Carville. Larry Wilmore: Mychal Benzel Smith. Conan O’Brien: Thomas Middleditch, Linda Cardellini, Daniel Sloss.