A new version of “Gossip Girl” (HBO Max, streaming) has plenty of references, but little of the charm, of the original. It happens at the same upscale private school, but years later when teachers try to take control of the hideously privileged students by taking over the long-dormant Gossip Girl account (on Instagram; not a lowly blog). Kristen Bell again provides the “XOXO” narrator’s voice, but we know the author of the account from the get go. The initial drama among estranged half-sisters is a little tiresome.
It gets a showcase on its original home, The CW, on Friday and will thereafter appear on its digital site for free.
“Grown-ish” (Freeform, 8 p.m.) returns for a new season with a summer trip to Mexico.
The new computer animated “Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness” (Netflix, streaming), based on the video game, is set between the 4th and 5th iteration of the game, following a zombie attack on the White House.
“Genera+ion” (HBO Max, streaming) winds up its first season.
Vivica A. Fox stars as matriarch of a wealthy family who runs the family business on the three movies that make up “Keeping Up with the Joneses” (Lifetime Movie Channel, 8 p.m.). Playing out the next consecutive Thursdays. Kandi Burruss narrates and Eric Roberts, Arie Thompson and Ciarra Carter also star.
Neighbors compete in creating their dream at-home bar on the new competition “Backyard Bar Wars” (truTV, 10:30 p.m., which premieres after a new episode of “Impractical Jokers” (truTV, 10 p.m.).