One of the best new shows in recent years returns for its anticipated third season. “The Bear” (Hulu, streaming) has won honors as a comedy, but there’s not many laughs to be found as Jeremy Allen White strives to create a Michelin-quality restaurant in the Windy City. It’s mostly intense exercise in paying attention to every culinary detail — and a lot of curse-filled arguments with Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri and the rest of the top-notch cast.
All 10 episodes are available today and will likely be consumed by many in one or two gulps. As such, the individual episodes take on the same kind of rhythms that propel the show. The first episode is a nearly wordless summary of how White’s Carm got to where he was and what he resolves to do following the opening night meltdown that closed season two; the second is where all the arguments explode. Mostly, the dishes look more and more delicious.
Only “The Bear” could eclipse the political world’s biggest telecast so far this year: The First Presidential Debate (CNN, 9 p.m.) this year between President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican candidate Donald Trump. It’s the first debate between a sitting and former president — and the first where one is felon. Unlike earlier such debates, this one occurs before the political conventions and is sponsored by only one network, whose Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate (and have the ability to turn off microphones if necessary). Other networks will pick up the feed however, including other news networks, nearly all of broadcast TV, CSPAN and public TV.
The one broadcaster not covering it instead brings what sounds like surprisingly similar fare: “Masters of Illusion” (CW, 9 p.m.) and “World’s Funniest Animals” (CW, 10:30 p.m.).
The ill-advised sequel to “That ‘70s Show,” “That ‘90s Show” (Netflix, streaming) returns for a new season. It’s set again in the basement of Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, but their attention has turned to a grandchild and her foul-mouthed friends. Laura Prepon pops up as the mom in the middle, but mostly this isn’t worthy even of a laugh track. Excruciating.
Siena Kelly stars as “Domino Day: Lone Witch“ (Sundance Now, streaming), a co-production with the BBC about female vampire who seeks victims through dating apps.
From Japan comes the new romantic film “Drawing Closer” (Netflix, streaming), about a man and women who each have terminal diagnoses
The second round of the NBA Draft (ESPN, 8 p.m.) moves to cable only.
“Outchef’d” (Food, 9:30 p.m.) has a salmon showdown.
Icy temperatures affect survivalists on “Alone Australia” (History, 9:35 p.m.).
“Cesar Millian: Better Human Better Dog, Lead On!” (Nat Geo Wild, 9 p.m.) helps a pair of terriers.
King Tut’s religious reforms are reviewed on “Lost Treasures of Egypt” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.).
The two day salute to Nicole Kidman concludes with a replay of The 49th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Nicole Kidman (8 and 11:30 p.m.), followed by her work in “The Hours” (9:30 p.m.). They’re also showing a look back at the awards in the AFI Life Achievement Award: 50th Anniversary Special (6 p.m. and 1 a.m.).
During the day on TCM are some horror films from the 1970s, “Dracula A.D. 1972” (6 a.m.), “The Satanic Rites of Dracula” (7:45 a.m.), “It’s Alive” (9:30 a.m.), “From Beyond the Grave” (11:15 a.m.), “Equinox” (1 p.m.), “The Shout” (2:30 p.m.) and “Wicked, Wicked” (4:15 p.m.).
Soccer includes Panama vs. USA (Fox, 6 p.m.) and Uruguay vs. Bolivia (Fox, ).
Baseball has Cleveland at Kansas City (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.).
WNBA action has Connecticut at Washington (NBA, 7 p.m.), Las Vegas at Chicago (Prime Video, 7 p.m.) and Indiana at Seattle (Prime Video, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Daniel Kaluuya, Adam Driver, Elle Fanning. The View: Busta Rhymes, Caroline Wanga, Sandra Bernhard, Judy Gołd. Drew Barrymore: Mikel Welch (rerun). Kelly Clarkson: Eddie Murphy, Abby Elliott, Savannah Bananas, Miranda Cosgrove, Alisa Amador. Jennifer Hudson: Roy Wood Jr. Joshua Weissman (rerun). Tamron Hall: Nicole Eggert, Don Lemon (rerun).