The rise of Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and his role in pushing the judiciary to the right is subject of a new “Frontline” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings), reported by Michael Kirk. It should provide a different kind of scare on Halloween.
Otherwise, costuming excess represents the holiday on TV today, from the morning shows and daytime talk shows to the evening fare, topped by a Halloween-themed monster night on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.), where the eight remaining couples dance to things like the Cranberries’ “Zombie” and Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me.” Last week, one of the biggest celebrities of the season, Mira Sorvino, got the boot.
Of course, there’s always “Halloween” (Syfy, 6:48 p.m., FX, 7:30 p.m.; AMC, 8 p.m.) on three different networks and “Halloween II” (Syfy, 9:18 p.m.; AMC, 10 p.m.) on two (or II).
The latest episode of “Native America” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) looks how warrior traditions spark contemporary athletes.
“The Swarm” (CW, 8 p.m.) ends its first season with a key decision.
An abuse of power has a ripple effect on “Tyler Perry’s the Oval” (BET, 9 p.m.).
The “Winter House” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) is brought together by Kyle to uplift Tom.
Ray J is missing from class on “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” (BET, 10 pm.).
“Welcome to Wrexham” (FX, 10 p.m.) has only the biggest match in National League history.
Winter’s end approaches on “Life Below Zero” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.).
“My Big Fat Fabulous Life” (TLC, 9 p.m.) offers travel suggestions for Glenn.
With Cirie and Felicia on the block, and houseguests only numbering five, a power of veto competition is held on “Big Brother” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
“FBI True” (CBS, 9 p.m.) looks at the legacy of the Beltway Sniper, whose rampage came 21 years ago this month.
Battle rounds continue on “The Voice” (NBC, 9 p.m.), which reviews past battles at 8.
“Found” (NBC, 10 p.m.). looks for an undocumented 21-year-old woman.
Horror, of course, dominates Turner Classic Movies all day with “Rasputin – The Mad Monk” (6:30 a.m.), “Taste the Blood of Dracula” (8:15 a.m.), “The Mummy” (10 a.m.), “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (11:45 a.m.), “The Invisible Man” (1:15 p.m.), “The Black Cat” (2:30 p.m.), “Frankenstein” (3:45 p.m.), “Bride of Frankenstein” (5 p.m.), “The Wolf Man” (6:30 p.m.), “When a Stranger Calls” (10 p.m.), “Black Sabbath” (11:45 p.m.), “Carnival of Souls” (1:30 a.m.) and “Night of the Living Dead” (3 a.m.).
Game 4 of the World Series is in Phoenix, where it’s Texas at Arizona (Fox, 8 p.m.). The Rangers lead the series, 2-1.
Hockey has Los Angeles at Toronto (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
NBA action has New York at Cleveland (TNT, 7:30 p.m.) and San Antonio at Phoenix (TNT, 10 p.m.).
In college football, it’s Northern Illinois at Central Michigan (ESPNU, 7 p.m.) and Buffalo at Toledo (ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.).
And soccer has Brazil at Canada (Fox Sports 2, 6:30 p.m.) in a women’s international friendly.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Michael Urie. The View: Roy Wood Jr., Marc Summers. The Talk: JoJo Siwa, Bush. Drew Barrymore: Ree Drummond, Chris Appleton and Danny Seo. Kelly Clarkson: Kyle Richards, Keith Morrison. Jennifer Hudson: Coi Leray, Sheila E.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: John Dickerson, Alex Newell. Jimmy Kimmel: Marisa Tomei, John Wilson, Madison Beer. Jimmy Fallon: Alex Cooper, Depeche Mode. Seth Meyers: Meg Ryan, Sarah Cooper.