The network itself doesn’t really show any music videos anymore, but The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV, 8 p.m.) are still being held, this year in Newark. Nicki Minaj, above, hosts and Shakira and Diddy will receive special awards.
Performers include Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Wayne, Maneskin, Kelsea Ballerini, Karol G, Fall Out Boy, Doja Cat, Demi Lovato, Anitta, Cardi B with Megan Thee Stallion and a hip-hop tribute with DMC, Doug E. Fresh, LL Cool J and Grandmaster Flash. Taylor Swift leads nominations, followed by SZA, Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Rodrigo, Minaj and Blackpink. The awards will be simulcast on sister networks BET, CMT, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Pop, TV Land and VH1.
There’s not a whole heck of a lot to talk about the new fall TV season, which has been hobbled by strikes since spring. But there’s a new title tonight, imported from Germany.
“The Swarm” (CW, 9 p.m.), based on Frank Schätzing’s novel, concerns the finding of a strange new strain in the ocean causing whales to attack boats, and deep sea crabs to attack beaches. When it gets into the drinking water, it gets even worse.
Less corny looking than a normal stateside broadcaster may have made it, it at least boasts an executive producer from “Game of Thrones,” Frank Doelger.
“Welcome to Wrexham” (FX, 10 p.m.) makes a welcome comeback as the scrappy Welsh team owned by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds regroups after their painful playoff eliminations and returns for a new season. Here’s a story I wrote about the new season for TV Insider.
A football team also worthy of attention is from Ukraine, competing in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League season despite war in their homeland. The four-part “Football Must Go On” (Paramount+, streaming) follows the season of Shakhtar Donetsk club.
Following the American version of football is the documentary “Kielce” (Prime Video, streaming), all about Philadelphia Eagles team captain Jason Kelce.
The comedian returns with a three-part stand-up special “Michelle Wolf: It’s Great to Be Here” (Netflix, streaming).
A fifth season comes for the makeup artist competition from the UK, “Glow Up” (Netflix, streaming).
“Beat Shazam” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” (Fox, 9 p.m.) both wrap up their seasons.
A second documentary about 1970 integration efforts, this time in Leland, Mass., comes on “American Experience” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
“America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.) sees 11 more performers that viewers can vote for or against to advance.
The first week’s games are summarized on “Inside the NFL” (CW, 8 p.m.).
“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) encounter vacation crashers.
Sig’s boat is hampered by damage on “Deadliest Catch” (Discovery, 8 p.m.).
“Bering Sea Gold” (Discovery, 9 p.m.) finds treasure 40 feet under the ice.
The Pullman company is profiled on “Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America” (Discovery, 10 p.m.).
“E60” (ESPN, 8 p.m.) looks at the crossover of hip-hop with sports.
Southern chefs battle on “Chopped” (Food, 8 p.m.).
“My Big Fat Fabulous Life” (TLC, 9 p.m.) also has a family secret.
Olivia reconciles with her estranged sister on “Welcome to Plathville” (TLC, 10 p.m.).
It’s all about revenge tonight on Turner Classic Movies with “Winchester ’73” (8 p.m.), “Act of Violence” (10 p.m.), “Point Blank” (11:30 p.m.), “Daddy’s Gone-A-Hunting” (1:15 a.m.) and “Black-Belt Jones” (3:15 a.m.).
During the day are comedies largely about becoming stars with “Free and Easy” (7 a.m.), “Make Me a Star” (8:30 a.m.), “It’s a Great Feeling” (10 a.m.), “Thousands Cheer” (11:45 a.m.), “Hollywood Canteen” (2 p.m.), “Two Guys from Milwaukee” (4:15 p.m.) and “Without Reservations” (6 p.m.).
Baseball includes Yankees at Boston (TBS, 7 p.m.).
Soccer has U.S. vs. Oman (TNT, 8:30 p.m.) in an international friendly.
Women’s college volleyball has Nebraska at Stanford (ESPN, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Matt Gutman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Devon Rodriguez. The Talk: Kelly Rowland, John Michael Higgins (rerun). Drew Barrymore: Penn Badgley, John Oliver (rerun). Kelly Clarkson: Scarlett Johansson, Guy Braun (rerun). Jennifer Hudson: DJ Khaled, Diego Boneta (rerun). Tamron Hall: Jinger Duggar Vuolo, S.A. Cosby.
Late Night
All reruns due to the writers’ strike: Stephen Colbert: Woody Harrelson, Justin Theroux, The Walkmen. Jimmy Kimmel: Tiffany Haddish, Peter Weber, Pharrell Williams. Jimmy Fallon: Melissa McCarthy, Henry Winkler, Ian Vellani, Marcus King. Seth Meyers: Janelle Monte, Paul Dano. James Corden: Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine.