Months ago, I got to witness the initial table read for the 15th episode of “The Carmichael Show” (NBC, 9 p.m.) that begins its third season. It really didn’t work for me and I imagined it would change a lot before it got to air. Surprise: the show that likes to think of itself as topical presents almost exactly the same wrongheaded script in which rape is the topic for the jokes.
“All sides” of the rape issue doesn’t really work, especially when men bring up the notion of wrongful accusation or make a running joke of verbal consent. But they think they’re clever for bringing it up at all. Episode two is about blind allegiance to soldiers, or something like that, further indicating the show relies more on talking, occasional preaching and clunky presentation than laughs.
So far safe from “The Carmichael Show” is a serious look at what happened to the water in Flint, Mich., when short-sighted city officials decided to save money and omit a chemical that kept lead from the pipes, potentially affecting 8,000 children there. The tragedy, which still affects the city, gets a deeper look on a new “Nova” (PBS, 9 p.m.).
“Little Big Shots” (NBC, 8 p.m.) has somehow succeeded in its way without any celebrity but its host Steve Harvey. The new “Big Star Little Star” (USA, 9 p.m.) isn’t so much a father-son talent show as it is a game show that tests how much kids know about their own parent. Another question: What do we know about these “celebrities”? The best they can do is getting “Chrisley Knows Best” patriarch Todd Chrisley and his son, Marissa Janet Winokur of Broadway’s “Hairspray” and her son, and the former Chad Ochocinco and his daughter. Host Cat Deeley may be a bigger star than any of them.
Accompanying the eighth season start of “MasterChef” (Fox, 8 p.m.) is yet another new Fox show hosted by Gordon Ramsay — his fourth at least. “The F Word with Gordon Ramsay” (Fox, 9 p.m.) is, despite its name, a live family show about cooking and smaller stake competitions, along the line of shows he’s hosted back in the UK.
Crazy stuff has been happening on “Fargo” (FX, 10 p.m.) and there is significant fallout. Gloria has to go against orders to get to the bottom of it.
To deal with the real life crazy stuff, there’s a new episode of “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.).
On “The Handmaid’s tale” (Hulu, streaming), the Commander takes Offred on a secret adventure.
“Kingdom” (DirecTV) begins its third and final season.
I hope his appearance on “Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry” (E!, 8 p.m.) isn’t the final TV appearance for Alan Thicke. Also on: Nico Tortorella and Ice-T and Coco Austin.
The fifth season of “Brother vs. Brother” (HGTV, 9 p.m.) has the sibling rival renovators on the Gulf Coast.
The season three reunion of “Little Women: Atlanta” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.) does to an end.
“Expedition Unknown” (Travel, 9 p.m.) is on the lookout for a Visigoth king.
Ramona acts odd at dinner on “The Real Housewives of New York City” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
On “Lopez” (TV Land, 10:30 p.m.), George’s TV show is threatened by the behavior of his co-star.
“Andy Cohen’s Then and Now” (Bravo, 10 p.m.) looks back to the time he wasn’t hosting “Love Connection.” Actually, he looks at such names from the past as Lorena Bobbitt and Amy Fisher.
“Food- Delicious Science” (PBS, 10 p.m.) looks at the chemistry in food that keeps one fit and healthy.
“Nobodies” (TV Land, 10 p.m.) are back to performing at the Groundlings Theatre.
In addition to a regular episode of “Little Women: LA” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) there’s a special at 10 about how they all got married.
Two shows you haven’t watched end their short first seasons: “Hollywood Darlings” (Pop, 8 p.m.) and “Return of the Mac” (Pop, 8:30 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies spends a night with the work of director Delbert Mann with “Middle of the Night” (8 p.m.), “Marty” (10:15 p.m.), “Separate Tables” (midnight), “Dear Heart” (2 p.m) and “Mister Buddwing” (4 a.m.).
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals has Nashville at Pittsburgh (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
Baseball includes Houston at Minnesota (MLB, 1 p.m.), Dodgers at St. Louis (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Colorado at Seattle (MLB, 11 p.m.).
Second round play occurs at the French Open (Tennis, 5 a.m.).
Other early morning play includes the FIFA U-20 World Cup games of Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia (Fox Sports 1, 4 a.m.), England vs. Costa Rica (Fox Sports 1, 7 a.m.) and Zambia vs. Germany (Fox Sports 2, 7 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly and Ryan: Vanessa Williams, Louie Anderson. The View: Chelsea Clinton. The Talk: Sam Elliott, Connie Nielsen. Harry Connick: Holly Robinson Peete, Cesar and Andre Milan (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Noah Ritter, Macey Hensley, Dylan Gilmer, Brielle Milla (rerun). Wendy Williams: Roland Martin The Real: Simone Messick, Monica (rerun).
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Amy Schumer, Gabourey Sidibe (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Jim Carrey, Rachel Lindsay, Bush (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Dr. Phil McGraw, Leslie Jones, Rick Ross with Young Thug and Wale (rerun). Seth Meyers: Kyle Chandler, Michaela Watkins, cast of “Come From Away,” Matt Frazier (rerun). James Corden: Abigail Spencer, Ben Platt, Tim Minchin, Take That (rerun). Carson Daly: Tyrese Gibson, Strand of Oaks, Jodie Comer (rerun). Trevor Noah: Logan Browning. Conan O’Brien: David Oyelowo, Louie Anderson, Angel Olsen (rerun).