As marathon runners get closer to breaking the two-hour mark, the sneaker manufacturer Nike is trying all it can do to help, funding scientific and technological research that might help. And they’re documenting it in the film “Breaking2” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.) making its debut tonight.
The returning network comedy “The Good Place” (NBC, 10 p.m.), having revealed late last season that everyone was actually in the bad place does a reset this season — trying to fool the same set of characters led by Kristen Bell, by erasing their memories and trying again. It’s kind of a crazy thing for a show to do, but I’ve always found the fussiness of characters and setting a little off putting. After tonight’s one hour premiere, it moves to its regular slot on Thursday.
Finales abound on summer reality shows that all feature two hour finales. On “Big Brother” (CBS, 8 p.m.) it’s between Josh, Christmas and Paul, who has been pretty much running things since the start.
On “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.), finalists are largely singers, but there is also a stand-up comic, a dog act, a light-up dance group and a kid ventriloquist who also sings.
And on “MasterChef” (Fox, 8 p.m.), the finalists are dancer Dino Luciano, counselor Eboni Henry and music teacher Jason Wang.
The horror anthology series “Channel Zero” (Syfy, 10 p.m.) returns with a tale of a haunted house that plays on the mind.
“The Vietnam War” (PBS, 8 p.m.) looks at the growing antiwar movement and the growing escalation from 1966-67.
On the season finale of “Salvation” (CBS, 10 p.m.), it’s up to Harris, Grace and Darius to topple the illegitimate government.
Ilana gets a job in a restaurant on a new “Broad City” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.).
The only reality show that I understand is popular on campuses returns for sixth season: “Are You the One?” (MTV, 10 p.m.).
“The Sinner” (USA, 10 p.m.) wraps its season tonight and Cora’s fate will be determined.
Kelly Lynch has her moment tonight on “Mr. Mercedes” (DirecTV, 8 p.m.).
“Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) goes to the Netroots Nation conference.
“South Park” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) sets its sights on North Korea.
Bigfoot is the target of “The Lowe Files” (A&E, 10 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies’ salute to the Motion Picture Television Fund has another eclectic collection of films: “In the Heat of the Night” (8 p.m.), “Roustabout” (10 p.m.), “The Stone Killer” (midnight), “A Star is Born” (2 a.m.) and “Klute” (4 a.m.).
Baseball includes Minnesota at Yankees (ESPN, 1 p.m.), Colorado at San Francisco (MLB, 3:30 p.m.), Boston at Baltimore (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and Cleveland at Angels (ESPN, 10 p.m.).
Preseason hockey is here with Washington at Montreal (NHL Network, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Ben Stiller. The View: Terrence Howard, David Muir, Elizabeth Vargas. The Talk: Sean Valentine, Garcelle Beauvais. Harry Connick: Adrian Grenier. Steve Harvey: Howie Mandel, Jordan Brewster. Ellen DeGeneres: Megan Kelly, Russell Westbrook, Logic and Alessia Cara. Wendy Williams: Rachel Lindsay, Bryan Abasolo. The Real: Kyle Simpson.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Jeff Bridges, Sen. Jeff Flake, Miguel. Jimmy Kimmel: Kyra Sedgwick, Adam Scott, Judah & the Lion. Jimmy Fallon: Ben Stiller, Fred Armisen, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Midland. Seth Meyers: Anderson Cooper, Bobby Moynihan, Billie Jean King. James Corden: Mayim Bialik, Susan Kelechi Watson, Billie Ellish, Foo Fighters. Carson Daly: Maria Sharapova, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas, Ari Shaffir. Trevor Noah: Ellen Pao. Conan O’Brien: Luke Wilson, Jeff Bauman, Atlas Genius.