The success of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies (NBC, 7:30 p.m.) may depend on how much Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Hoda Kotb stay out of the way and let us see things develop at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium without excess jabbering.
It will already be processed, though, since it will appear here on a one-hour time delay (though you can find it streaming live online).
Michael Phelps will be holding the U.S. flag in the event, directed by film director Fernando Meirelles (“City of God”) and choreographed by Deborah Colker. Among those also participating: model Gisele Bundchen, Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. You can expect to see samba and Carnival touches and maybe even Pele.
The sad thing is that, unlike the political conventions, there’s no chance to switch to another station to see how they’re handling it. There is, however, the “Kitten Summer Games” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.), along the lines of the Super Bowl counter-programming of the “Puppy Bowl.” Beth Stern hosts, with appearances from Lance Bass, Mary Carillo, Gabrielle Reece and Charlie White.
An animated version of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s children’s favorite “The Little Prince” (Netflix, streaming) begins today with voices provided by Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard and Paul Rudd.
TV’s craziest talk show, “The Eric Andre Show” (Adult Swim, midnight) returns for its fourth season with participation from T.I. and Abby Lee Miller of “Dance Mom.”
Julian Assange, Jeff Ross, Rob Reiner, Rick Santorum and Tara Setmayer are on a new “Real Time with Bill Maher” (HBO, 10 p.m.).
Marlon Wayans and Kandi Burress are on a new “Amber Rose Show” (VH1, 11 p.m.).
“The Great British Bake Off” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) is all about chocolate.
Kyle is looking for Allison on “Outcast” (Cinemax, 10 p.m.).
On “Bring It!” (lifetime, 9 p.m.), Dianna agrees to a rematch against the Divas of Compton.
“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (Food 9 pm.) travels to Minneapolis and Miami.
“Killjoys” (Syfy, 9 p.m.) run into a galactic collector.
Gamble is still messing with her wedding guest list on “The Real Housewives of Melbourne” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
Queen Latifah has advice for the kids on “The Rap Game” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.).
Don’t leave home without it: Karl Malden is the star all day on Turner Classic Movies with his work in “Phantom of the Rue Morgue” (6 a.m.), “Hot Millions” (7:30 a.m.), “Hotel” (9:30 a.m.), “Take the High Ground!” (11:45 a.m.), “Bombers B-52” (1:30 p.m.), “Cat O’Nine Tails” (3:30 p.m.), “Gypsy” (5:30 p.m.), “On the Waterfront” (8 p.m.), “A Streetcar Named Desire” (10 p.m.), “All Fall Down” (12:15 a.m.), “Baby Doll” (2:15 a.m.) and “Twilight Time” (4:15 a.m.).
Baseball today includes the championship game in the Cal Ripkin World Series (Fox Sports 2, 5 p.m.) with the international championship game at 7:30 p.m.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Jamie Dornan, 98 Degrees, Eric Ripert, Nick Lachey. The View: Penn Jillette, Dr. Jennifer Ashton. The Talk: Jimmy Smits, Logan Lerman. Chelsea Handler: Natalie Coughlin, Denis Leary, Bill Richardson. Ellen DeGeneres: Christina Aguilera, Bryce Dallas Howard, Kym Douglas (rerun). Wendy Williams: Adewale Akinnuoy-Agbaje (rerun). The Real: Steve Howey (rerun). Meredith Vieira: James Brolin, Niecy Nash (rerun).
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Diane Kruger, Mark Normand, Ibtihaj Muhammad. Jimmy Kimmel: Viggo Mortensen, George Lopez, Colin Hay (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Jerry Seinfeld, Seth Rogen, Jason Derulo. James Corden: Lea Michele, Ginnifer Goodwin (rerun). Carson Daly: Dominic Monaghan, the Soft Moon, Nikki Glaser (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Betty Reid Soskin (rerun).