Joanne Froggatt gets to doc her maids clothes from “Downtown Abbey” as she steps into a sleek thriller “Liar” (Sundance, 10 p.m.), a mini-series about a school teacher who spends a night with a charming surgeon (Ioan Guffrudd) only to awaken with accusations of rape. Harry and Jack Williams, who were behind “The Missing” produced this one, which has more interest than anything the broadcast networks could come up for on Wednesdays.
The 35th (!) season of “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.) begins, set in Fiji, with 18 players identified either as Heroes, Lealers or Hustlers, or those who have courage, who help others or who have tenacity. The first episode is titled “I’m Not Crazy, I’m Confident,” which means somebody is crazy. Participants range from 23 to 46 years old.
It’s one of a dozen returning network shows tonight. Among them are “Empire” (Fox, 8 p.m.), on which Lucious is still stricken with amnesia and Demi Moore is his nurse.
Ukrainian nationalists hijack a Russian airliner leading to a hostage situation on the second season opener of “Designated Survivor” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
The second season of “Star” (Fox, 9 p.m.) starts dealing with the aftermath of Hunter’s death.
“Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.) starts its ninth season with a houseboat vacation.
The second season of “American Housewife” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.) starts with plans for the spring gala.
James Spader returns for the fifth season of “The Blacklist” (NBC, 8 p.m.) devising a whole new a new operation.
The 13th season of “Criminal Minds” (CBS, 10 p.m.) starts, still in pursuit of Mr. Scratch.
A personnel change marks the fifth season premiere of “Chicago P.D.” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
The oldest network scripted show making its return is “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 9 p.m.), with season 19.
The second season premiere of “Speechless” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) is about a road trip.
“Weird Science” (ABC, 8 p.m.) is the theme of the fifth season opener of “The Goldbergs” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Elsewhere, Margot and Jules deal with the presence of the Father on “Channel Zero: No-End House” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
The rapper 50 Cent hosts the new late night variety series “50 Central” (BET, 10:30 p.m.), whose first guests include Katt Williams and Lenny Grant.
It might be worth tuning into “Rosehaven” (Sundance, 11 p.m., tonight), what looks to be a light Australian comedy written by and starring Luke McGregor and Celia Pacquola as small town friends.
Sounds like a Columbus Day special on “South Park” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.).
“Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) is forced to follow sports.
Ilana goes wild at a party on “Broad City” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.).
“The Lowe Files” (A&E, 10 p.m.) looks back at the season.
A cupcake challenge awaits the “Worst Cooks in America” (Food, 9 p.m.).
On “Eric & Jessie” (E!, 10 p.m.), Eric is cut from the team.
Turner Classic Movies’ spotlight on films associated with the Motion Picture and Television Fund concludes with “Heidi” (8 p.m.), “Sealed Cargo” (9:45 p.m.), “McQ” (11:30 p.m.) and “Doctor Zhivago” (1:30 a.m.).
Baseball includes Houston at Texas (ESPN, 2 p.m.), Miami at Colorado (MLB, 3 p.m.), Cubs at St. Louis (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and San Diego at Dodgers (ESPN, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Kiefer Sutherland, David Boreanaz. The View: Sofia Vergara. The Talk: Nina Dobrev, Jaymes Vaughan, Sabrina Soto. Harry Connick: Kristen Bell. Steve Harvey: Elisabeth Shue. Ellen DeGeneres: Eric Stonestreet, Whitney Cummings, Kelsea Ballerini. Wendy Williams: Kofi Scribe, Chassie Post. The Real: Christina Milian, Lance Bass.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Nick Kroll, Michael Bloomberg, Tim & Eric. Jimmy Kimmel: Liam Neeson, “Science” Bob Pflugfelder, Old Dominion. Jimmy Fallon: Jared Leto, Nicole Richie, Tyler the Creator. Seth Meyers: Sofia Vergara, Craig Robinson, Julie Klausner, Gregg Bussonette. James Corden: Billie Lourd, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Tim Roth, Macklemore. Carson Daly: Ron Perlman, Now Now, Drew Frees. Trevor Noah: America Ferrera. Conan O’Brien: Andy Samberg, Big Jay Ockerson, J. Roddy Walston & The Business.