A changing of the guard occurs tonight in late night comedy.
Seems like a bad time politically to end “The Opposition with Jordan Klepper” (Comedy Central, 11:30 p.m.), which has its final episode tonight after a nine month run. It’s not easy helming a show entirely in character; when Stephen Colbert did it, it was exhausting for him as well.
And the politics he’s been spoofing is already so over the top it’s tough to compete. But the post “Daily Show” slot has been a tough one for everyone following Colbert, including “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” that preceded this.
A sharp satirist who excels in the field, Klepper will re-emerge on the network with a new weekly series next year; for now nothing has been announced to fill the 11:30 Comedy Central slot except reruns of “The Office.”
Elsewhere, “Desus & Mero” (Viceland, 11 p.m.) have their last show on their current network tonight as well, but only as a stepping stone up. The fast-thinking urban commentators and interviewers are moving over to Showtime and a presumably larger audience. For their final appearance on Viceland, a number of compatriots top by, from Awkwafina to Charlamagne Tha God as well as sports radio dude Mike Francesca.
A winner is named in the 10th season finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (VH1, 8 p.m.), where there will be tears and there will be glitter.
Ryan Murphy, James Baldwin and the parents of Trayvon Martin are among the honorees on “VH1 Trailblazer Honors 2018” (VH1, 9:30 p.m.).
Luke Combs is joined by soul singer Leon Bridges on the latest “CMT Crossroads” (CMT, 10 p.m).
The first Head of Household competition is held on the conclusion of the two-night premiere of “Big Brother” (CBS, 9 p.m.). So far the biggest obstacle has been the incessant commercials for the Kevin Hart wipe-out show. Then late tonight comes the first of the nightly episodes of “Big Brother After Dark” (Pop, 1 a.m.).
Tony Hall, Will Arnett and Regina Hall are judges tonight on “The Gong Show” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
“Jersey Shore Family Vacation” (MTV, 8 p.m.) can’t get away without a fight, this time between Ronnie and the Situation at the final family dinner. It’s followed by a reunion special at 10.
Tandy pushes her powers on “Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger” (Freeform, 8 p.m.).
“Marlon” (NBC, 9 p.m.) decides to keep the house he’s been renting since his separation, on the first of two episodes.
Don Wildman goes to Egypt for “Cleopatra: Mysteries at the Museum” (Travel, 9 p.m.).
Action sports get the spotlight on “Action Figures 2” (Crackle, streaming) by Travis Pastrans of the X Games.
On “Take Two” (ABC, 10 p.m.), Sam takes the case of a Hollywood producer suspected of killing his mistress.
A 5-year-old librarian and a 9-year-old log roller are among the “Little Big Shots” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
On “Detroiters” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.), Sam is grill master at the family reunion.
Phoebe returns to online dating on “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
Diana is set up on a date on “American Woman” (Paramount, 10 p.m.).
On “Nashville” (CMT, 9 p.m.), Deacon’s dad shows up.
Teresa helps an old friend with unclear intentions on “Queen of the South” (USA, 9 p.m.).”Them
On “Southern Charm” (Bravo, 9 p.m.), Chelsea and Austen come to terms with their relationship.
More contenders are introduced on ‘The Four: Battle for Stardom” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
On “Lip Sync Battle” (Paramount, 10:30 p.m.), it’s “Real Housewives” Ramona Singer vs. Melissa Gorga.
Jack McBrayer, Jenifer Lewis, James Van Der Beek, Ellie Kemper, Anthony Anderson and Kate Flannery play “Match Game” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies concludes its Mad About Musicals month with musicals from the 1970s: “The Boy Friend” (8 p.m.), “Mame” (10:30 a.m.), “Man of La Mancha” (12:45 p.m.), “Godspell” (3 p.m.), “1776” (5 p.m.), “Funny Girl” (8 p.m.), “Fiddler on the Roof” (10:45 p.m.), “Cabaret” (2 a.m.) and “Tommy” (4:15 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Anthony Mackie, Jussie Smollett, Ali Wentworth, Laura Prepon. The View: Harris Faulkner, Michael Douglas. The Talk: Bebe Rexha, Nancy O’Dell, Jordana Brewster. Harry Connick: Katharine McPhee, Melissa Ben-Ishay (rerun). Steve Harvey: Cedric the Entertainer, Cynthia Bailey, Hayley Orrantia (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Mandy Moore, Adam Rippon, Adam Devine, Dan + Shay (rerun). Wendy Williams: Rita Moreno (rerun).
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Michael Moore, Eric Andre, Derrick Beckles, Alexandria Oscasio-Cortez. Jimmy Kimmel: Kevin Costner, Katherine Langford, Weezer (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Amy Adams, Rob Reiner, Backstreet Boys. Seth Meyers: Paul Rudd, Florence + The Machine, Jennie Vee & Joe Russo. James Corden: David Duchovny, Henry Winkler, Billy Corgan (rerun). Carson Daly: Natalie Dormer, Two Allison Raskin (rerun). Trevor Noah: Darnell Moore. Conan O’Brien: Timothy Olyphant, January Jones (rerun).