The third newly launched sitcoms in two days from ABC is pretty simpatico. Zach Braff stars as a radio guy who quotes his job to go into the field of podcasting. Of course it’s not lucrative, but his family generally supports him and he gets a team behind him that includes the comically adoring Hilary Matthews and his cousin, a schemer portrayed by Michael Imperioli. The resulting “Alex, Inc.” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) seems a step up from family sitcoms, with some amusing visual comedy going on in the background. Wait until he finds that podcasts can’t sustain a family.
The eighth and final season of “The Americans” (FX, 10 p.m.) begins, with its central couple never more at odds; he’s quit the spy business and tried to maintain a travel agency in Dupont Circle; she’s spying with a vengeance and neutralizing random people who get mixed up with their daughter (who is putting her toe into the family business).
A few years has passed; Gorbachev is about to visit as part of a Washington summit, Paige is in college and Henry is still clueless. Here’s something I wrote about the time jump in the new season for Smithsonian Magazine.com.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Legend, Glenn Close and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City are on hand for “Andrew Lloyd Webber: Tribute to a Superstar” (NBC, 10 p.m.), a few days before Legend returns to star in his “Jesus Christ Superstar” live on the same network.
A special “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS, 10 p.m.) travels to Puerto Rico to check on hurricane relief, or lack of it.
Stella applies for a managerial position on “Life Sentence” (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Nurse Claudia kidnaps Lucious on ‘Empire” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
It’s election season for both the mayor of “Riverdale” (The CW, 8 p.m.) and for the student council.
Another tribe swap occurs on “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
Barry wants all the attention on “The Goldbergs” (ABC, 8 p..m.).
The auditions and battle rounds are reviewed on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
On “Grown-ish” (Freeform, 8 p.m.), Zoey has a decision to make about her love life.
Haley’s boyfriend meets everybody on “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
On “Designated Survivor” (ABC, 10 p.m.) the president tries to broker a peace treaty with East and West Hanchu.
The fire shakes up Carlotta on “Star” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
“Suits” (USA, 9 p.m.) returns with new episodes, the final ones before one cast member, Meghan Markle, leaves to become part of the British royals and marry Prince Harry. Meanwhile, Harvey and Louis fight to protect the firm.
The political situation comes to a head on “The Magicians” (Syfy, 9 p.m.).
Davey Crockett tries to hold the Alamo on “The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen” (History, 9 p.m.).
On “SEAL Team” (CBS, 9 p.m.), Mandy takes matters into her own hands.
Rossi gets a visit from his ex-wife on “Criminal Minds” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
On “Expedition Unknown” (Travel, 9 p.m.), Josh Gates goes to the Batagay crater and to the Siberian wilderness
The gullible on “Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry” (E!, 9 p.m.) include Rick Fox, Padma Lakshmi, K. Michelle and Erika Jayne Girard.
Turner Classic Movies presents a handful of World War II bio pics with “The Diary of Anne Frank” (8 p.m.), “The Story of G.I. Joe” (11:15 p.m.), “Pride of the Marines” (1:15 a.m.), “Carve Her Name with Pride” (3:30 a.m.) and “PT 109” (5:45 a.m.).
NBA action has Boston at Utah (ESPN, 9:30 p.m.)
It’s game 2 in the best of three finals of the CBI basketball tournament with San Francisco at North Texas (ESPNU, 8:30 p.m.).
Hockey has Rangers at Washington (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
In tennis, the Miami Open (ESPN2, 7 p.m.)begins its quarterfinals.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ricky Martin, Lupita Nyong’o, Phillip Phillips. The View: Samantha Bee, Chrissy Metz. The Talk: Jeff Goldblum. Harry Connick: Anne Heche, Alex Roe (rerun). Steve Harvey: Tyler Perry, Kit Hoover, Julissa Bermudez, Diann Valentine. Ellen DeGeneres: Hugh Jackman, Demi Lovato (rerun). Wendy Williams: Roseanne Barr. The Real: Jackee Harry.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Dana Carvey, Simon Pegg, Coyote Peterson. Jimmy Kimmel: Zach Braff, Nick Robinson, Borns (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Alicia Vikander, Jim Sturgess, Kali Uschis with Tyler the Creator (rerun). Seth Meyers: John Cleese, Laverne Cox, Joelle Nicole Johnson, Brendan Canty (rerun). James Corden: Hillary Swank, Zach Woods, Shawn Mendes. Carson Daly: Anna Paquin, Absofacto, Ryan Hansen (rerun). Trevor Noah: Chloe x Halle. Jordan Klepper: Kay Cannon. Conan O’Brien: Ed Helms, Miles Brown, The Breeders.