The fruitlessness of faith may be the underlying theme to the beloved Peanuts holiday special that first premiered in 1966. There may be a new poignancy to this year’s annual showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (ABC, 8 p.m.), since Charles Schulz’s house was one of the thousands that were destroyed in this month’s California wildfires. And then there’s the 100th anniversary of World War I, the battle of Snoopy’s ace, who also flies around on his doghouse in the special.
In advance of the eighth season start on Sunday — and its 100th episode — the special “The Walking Dead: Behind the Dead” (AMC, 10 p.m.) looks back to the time when we were still watching the zombie saga.
On “The Eleven” (A&E, 9 p.m.) a journalist and retired detective take another look at the cases of 11 teenage girls murdered near Galveston in the 1970s.
Sam wants satisfaction on a “Better Things” (FX, 10 p.m.) titled “Eulogy.”
Jane Lynch and Andrew Rannells guest star on a new “Will & Grace” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
Annalise builds her case on “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
Nathan hones his story-telling techniques on “Nathan for You” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.).
Carly Chaikin of “Mr. Robot” is guest judge on a “Project Runway” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) featuring the Lexus Challenge.
“Scandal” (ABC, 9 p.m.) checks in on Fitz.
Loretta Divine returns as psychic Missouri Moseley on “Supernatural” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Somebody tries to rob the “Superstore” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
On “Gotham” (Fox, 8 p.m.), Nygma faces Butch Gilzean.
Dolley Madison gets her due on “Mysteries at the Museum” (Travel, 8 p.m.).
Tahani confides in Janet on “The Good Place” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.).
Can Oliver be both mayor and the Green “Arrow” (The CW, 9 p.m.)?
Monroe gets baptized on “Flipping Out” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
There will be a time when “The President Show” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) just isn’t funny any more.
Katie tries to keep her mother from the awards show on “Great News” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.).
Dawson is trapped in a collapsing parking garage on “Chicago Fire” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
Director Todd Haynes is guest programmer on Turner Classic Movies tonight. His choices: “The Crowd” (8 p.m.), “Sounder” (10 p.m.), “The Night of the Hunter” (midnight), “Walkabout” (2 a.m.) and “Performance” (4 a.m.).
Chicago forced a Game 5 in the National League Championship Series, so it’s Dodgers at Cubs (TBS, 8 p.m.).
Thursday Night Football has Kansas City at Oakland (CBS, 8:25 p.m.).
NBA action includes New York at Oklahoma City (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Clippers at Lakers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Hockey has Nashville at Philadelphia (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.).
In college football, it’s Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas State (ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.) and Memphis at Houston (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
Soccer includes South Korea at the United States (Fox Sports 1, 8:30 p.m.) in a women’s international friendly.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Josh Brolin, Lauren Cohan. The View: Julianne Moore, Patti LuPone. The Talk: Angelica Huston, Francisco Caceres, Curtis Stone, Garcelle Beauvais. Harry Connick: Jessie James Decker, Stephanie Humphrey. Steve Harvey: Isla Fisher, Cedric Yarborough. Ellen DeGeneres: Dax Shepard, Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold, HAIM. Wendy Williams: Dr. Mehmet Oz, Keshia Cole. The Real: Judge Greg Mathis.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Jeff Bridges, Sen. Jeff Flake, Miguel (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Billy Joel, Tracy Morgan, Paul Shaffer. Jimmy Fallon: Reese Witherspoon, U2 (rerun). Seth Meyers: Jim Parsons, Chrissy Metz, Ruston Kelly, Gregg Bissonette (rerun). James Corden: Michael Keaton, Dylan O’Brien, Superfruit (rerun). Carson Daly: Amy Landecker, Tobacco, Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris (rerun). Trevor Noah: Vic Mensa. Jordan Klepper: Carol Anderson. Conan O’Brien: Carl Reiner, Nikki Glaser, Pokey LaFarge (rerun).