Forget 1939. A new series makes a case for “1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever!” (CW, 9 p.m.), since that’s when “E.T.,” “Poltergeist,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan,” above, all came out.
Hoping to cool you down during the global heat wave, “A Royal Christmas Crush” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.), a new made for TV romance premiering at the opposite time of year, takes place at a Royal Ice Hotel. Katie Cassidy and Stephen Huszar star, It’s not the only network with out-of-season programming. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (IFC, 8 p.m.) is followed by “Elf” (10:15 p.m.).
Bret Bassinger and Donna Mills stars in the first of a three-film trilogy based on the author’s books, “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.).
SharkFest offers three consecutive episodes of “Most Extreme Sharks with Steve Backshall” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.).
“Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper” (Nat Geo Wild, 10 p.m.) goes to Palm Springs.
Johnny Knoxville, Eric Andre and Gabourey Sidibe comprise “The Prank Panel” (ABC, 10 p.m.), who will pull fast ones on people by request. Seems a little mean.
Kim reaches a level of understanding on “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” (OWN, 8 p.m.).