One highlight of election year coverage is usually “The Choice” episode of “Frontline” (PBS, 9 p.m.), which goes deeper into the biographies of the two major candidates. Perhaps it will get lost tonight in the aftermath (and coverage overkill) of the first debate. But there are aspects of the lives of the candidates that are not often talked about, from Hillary Clinton’s adjustments to being a young governor’s wife in Arkansas and her childhood penchant of secrecy because of a difficult homelife to Donald Trump’s career-long efforts to fight humiliation.
Still, it’s hard to believe some of the theses in the two-hour documentary. Did Trump’s political ambition really happen after Obama roasted him at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner? (It was Seth Meyers at that event who really took him apart). Solid reporting, but maybe for another day. Nothing at this point will certainly change anybody’s mind.
Sometimes it’s more illuminating to look at historical campaigns that fell short. So “The Contenders: 16 for ’16” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) looks at the shortfalls of Michael Dukakis and Mitt Romney.
Finally, one of the funniest commentators on the political season offers some additional scenes from his visit to the conventions, “Triumph’s Summer Election Bonus Poop” (Hulu, streaming).
On the new “Aftermath” (Syfy, 10 p.m.) Anne Heche and James Tupper head a family that battle creatures in a post-apocalyptic future.
The fourth season of “Drunk History” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) begins with woozy versions of escapes, from Devil’s Island to the Titanic to prison, with a guest cast that includes Chris Parnell, Thomas Lennon, Ron Funches and Thomas Middleditch.
On the new “Star Plates” (Food, 11 p.m.), they bring celebrities into the kitchens of their favorite restaurants, starting with Mindy Kaling and Marcus Samuelson.
The unnecessary time jumping gymnastics of “This is Us” (NBC, 10 p.m.) continues, marring an otherwise worthy family drama, as suddenly the children of the couple giving birth last week are eight years old.
Rick Perry has been getting the most consistently bad scores from judges on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.) but Vanilla Ice did just about as bad. Either could go tonight.
Maya Rudolph and Ken Marino guest star on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Bobby Lee and Will Sasso join the new cast of “MadTV” (The CW, 9 p.m.) to help close their first season.
Gabriel Luna enters the action as Ghost Rider on “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 10 p.m.) and the agency gets a new director.
“Bull” (CBS, 9 p.m.) detects a gender bias on a trial.
The team of “NCIS” (CBS, 8 p.m.) uncover a theft ring at Quantico.
The slapstick comedy fest on Turner Classic Movies continues with movies from the 1970s such as “Bananas” (8 p.m.), “Young Frankenstein” (9:30 p.m.), “Foul Play” (11:30 p.m.), “The Three Musketeers” (1:30 a.m.), “The Gumball Rally” (3:30 a.m.) and “The Frisco Kid” (5:30 a.m.).
Baseball includes Boston at Yankees (ESPN2, 7 p.m.).
In game one of the World Cup of Hockey finals, it’s Europe vs. Canada (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Samuel L. Jackson, Mandy Moore, Kristin Chenoweth, Josh Groan. The View: Robby Mook, Common. The Talk: Jennifer Esposito, Duane Henry, Wilmer Valderrama, Nancy O’Dell. Harry Connick: Gabourmy Sidibe, Kristen Bell. Ellen DeGeneres: Allison Janney, Usain Bolt, Shawn Mendes. Wendy Williams: Mike Colter, Melissa Garcia. The Real: Cheryl Hines.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Sean Penn, Sutton Foster, Regina Spektor. Jimmy Kimmel: J.K. Simmons, Action Bronson, Air. Jimmy Fallon: Kate Hudson, David Oyelowo, De La Soul with Estelle. Seth Meyers: Samuel L. Jackson, Cecily Strong, Spike Feresten, Danny Carey. James Corden: Usain Bolt, Allison Janney, Owen Wilson, Eliza Skinner. Carson Daly: Lisa Ling, the Thermals, Vlad Yudin. Trevor Noah: Sara Goldrick-Rab. Conan O’Brien: Sharon Osbourne, Bruce Campbell, Mike Recine.