There are only a few political debates that will really go down in history: Lincoln-Douglas in 1858, Nixon-Kennedy in 1960 and maybe tonight’s only scheduled Presidential Debate (ABC, 9 p.m.) between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. It’s the first time they’ll be in a room together and may well be the last.
You could argue that Trump’s last debate knocked Biden out of the presidential race, but more likely he did it himself during his stumbling performance. Trump, for his part, told at least 30 proven lies in that debate, fact checkers found, and will likely surpass that record judging from recent rants.
Moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis (pictured above), and without an audience, the 90-minute event in Philadelphia will be simulcast on many other networks including CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, CNN, CSPAN, MSNBC, BET, FoxNews NewsNation, Hulu and Disney+.
Of them, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN will all have -re-debate coverage at 8; MSNBC at 7. Many will add their own analysis after the event at 10:30 as well. many of whom will tack on their own analysis at the end.
Elsewhere, the British comedian reunites with his father even as he prepares to become a first time father himself in the four-part series “Jack Whitehall: Fatherhood With My Father” (Netflix, streaming), in which he examines notions of fatherhood from other cultures around the world.
A new six-part documentary series looks how revenue has changed everything at Louisiana State University in “The Money Game — LSU” (Prime Video, streaming).
Brian and Mike take on their last indoor space on “100 Day Hotel Challenge” (HGTV, 8 p.m.).
“My Big Fat Fabulous Life” (TLC, 9 p.m.) still has Whitney planning her 40th birthday trip to Spain.
Olivia and Lydia Grace try speed dating on “Welcome to Plathville” (TLC, 10 p.m.).
“Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” (MTV, 8 p.m.) sees the family BBQ go up in flames.
Bacon is key to the tournament finale on “Chopped” (Food, 8 p.m.).
“Deadliest Catch” (Discovery, 8 p.m.) is hit by a 30-foot wave.
Taleen and Caroline confront each other on “The Real Housewives of Dubai” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
“Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living” (BET, 8:30 p.m.) involves a baptism.
Calvin worries about his son’s math scores on “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (BET, 8 p.m.).
The actor Brian Donlevy is featured on Turner Classic Movies tonight with “Wake Island” (8 p.m.), “Beau Gets” (9:45 p.m.), “The Great McGinty” (11:45 p.m.), “Impact” (1:15 a.m.) and “An American Romance” (3:15 a.m.).
During the day are the films of director Robert Wise, born this day in 1914, with “Blood on the Moon” (6 a.m.), “Mystery in Mexico” (7:30 a.m.), “Mademoiselle Fifi” (8:45 a.m.), “Criminal Court” (10 a.m.), “The Set-Up” (11:15 a.m.), “Born to Kill” (12:30 p.m.), “Tribute to a Bad Man” (2:15 p.m.), ”Until They Sail” (4 p.m.) and “This Could Be the Night” (6 p.m.).
Baseball includes Baltimore at Boston (TBS, 7:10 p.m.) and Cubs at Dodgers (TBS 10:10 p.m.).
WNBA action includes Minnesota at Atlanta (NBA, 7:30 p.m.) and New York at Dallas (CBS Sports, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Demi Moore, Dr. Melina Jampolis, Los Lonely Boys. The View: Venus Williams, Taylor Frankie Paul, Marci Neeley. The Talk: Adam Pally. Kelly Clarkson: Anne Hathaway, Amber Ruffin, Sam Neill (rerun). Drew Barrymore: Valerie Bertinelli, Zoe Kravitz. Jennifer Hudson: Cher (rerun). Tamron Hall: Lil Hunter Kelly, Kristell Jean, James Wimbley.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: John Dickerson, Tems. Jimmy Kimmel: Jane Fonda, George Conway, Good Neighbors. Jimmy Fallon: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Lainey Wilson. Seth Meyers: Kevin Hart, James McAvoy. Taylor Tomlinson: Bob the Drag Queen, Caitlin Reilly, Rickey Thompson. Daily Show: Steve Ballmer, Jon Stewart.