The web series “High Maintenance” (HBO, 11 p.m.) changes very little in its transition from streaming to cable. The quirky, very low key comedy from Ben Sinclair and his wife, the casting agent Katja Blichfeld, provide the same brief, often 15-minute glimpses of life in New York City, as Sinclair’s helmeted and bearded easy going pot dealer wheels his bicycle to his many clients.
The clients or other characters sometimes make up the bulk of the segments, with Sinclair’s character, “The Guy,” only appearing briefly in the background. Sometimes, he’s an integral part, as in the opening scene for its cable version, in which he visits an unusual, aggressive duo who seem so out of “Pulp Fiction” it must be an act. I can’t wait for you to see the episode about the dog.
Volunteer emergency workers who go in after airstrikes in Syria and pull out survivors is the subject of “The White Helmets” (Netflix, streaming), a documentary about the work of the Syria Civil Defense making its online debut.
The eighth season of “Art in the Twenty-First Century” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) begins with a look at Chicago artists that range from Nick Cave and his Soundsuits to graphic novelist ace Chris Ware. A second episode at 10 p.m. travels to Mexico City to visit with Damian Ortega and Pedro Reyes, among others.
“Real Time with Bill Maher” (HBO, 10 p.m.) is back with guests that include Kerry Washington, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, Ralph Reed, Margaret Hoover, and Adam Gopnik.
In a rare Friday edition of “Big Brother” (CBS, 8 p.m.) the final head of household competition is held among Nicole, Paul and James, the unexpected final three, leading up to next week’s finale.
In a new standup special, “Cedric the Entertainer: Live from the Ville” (Netflix, streaming), the comedian makes it clear that the Ville means Nashville.
“Z Nation” (Syfy, 8 p.m.) begins its third season with a two hour episode about a new enemy emerging.
They’re on the brink of intergalactic war on the season finale of “Dark Matter” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
Jorge wins a dinner with his favorite horror author on “Queen of Screams” (Disney, 8 p.m.).
Murray SawChuck is one of the magicians featured on “Masters of Illusion” (The CW, 8 p.m.). Then the third season of “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” (The CW, 8 p.m.) comes to a close.
Flo Rida and Mariah Carey give final advice to the competitors on “The Rap Game” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.) as the final assignment begins.
The Dubai trip is finally over on “The Real Housewives of Melbourne” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
It’s culture week on “Girl Meets World” (Disney, 8:30 p.m.), where diversity is the byword.
The ice season reaches its midway point on “Bering Sea Gold” (Discovery, 9 p.m.).
There’s one more competition before the Summer Dance Slam on “Bring It!” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
The month-long Friday night salute to Gene Hackman on Turner Classic Movies continues with “A Covenant with Death” (8 p.m.), “The French Connection” (10 p.m.), “Night Moves” (midnight), “The Split” (2 a.m.) and “The Killing” (3:45 a.m.).
Baseball includes Milwaukee at Cubs (MLB, 2 p.m.) and Yankees at Boston (MLB, 7 p.m.).
College football has Baylor at Rice (ESPN, 8 pm.), Arkansas State at Utah State (CBS Sports, 9 p.m.) and Arizona State at Texas San Antonio (ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.).
In WNBA action, it’s Minnesota at Indiana (NBA, 7 p.m.) and San Antonio at Los Angeles (NBA, 10:30 p.m.).
And the Paralympics (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.) continue from Rio.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Alan Cumming, Paige Vanzant, Neil Patrick Harris. The View: Keke Palmer. The Talk: Trisha Yearwood, Jim Clemente. Chelsea Handler: Diane Guerrero, Craig Ferguson, Mike Colter. Harry Connick: Amy Adams, Celeste Barber. Ellen DeGeneres: Seth Rogen, Carrie Underwood. Wendy Williams: Fat Joe and Remy Ma (rerun). The Real: Bryshere Yazz Gray.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: John Slattery, Oliver Stone, Jon Fisch. Jimmy Kimmel: Andy Samberg, Dave Salmoni, Desiigner (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Miley Cyrus. Seth Meyers: Jeffrey Tambor, Corey Stoll, Hailee Steinfeld, Nate Morton (rerun). James Corden: Matt Damon, Keegan Michael Key (rerun). Carson Daly: Natasha Lyonne, Wild Nothing, Derek Clanfrance (rerun). Tavis Smiley: David Hockney.