Mark Ruffalo, currently killing it in “Task” (HBO, 8 p.m.), narrates a documentary about a Kentucky-born scientist whose breakthrough in the area of RNA that caused a revolution in science, health and biotech. “Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution” makes its debut on the 27th season premiere of “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings).
Monday night football has Kansas City at Jacksonville (ABC, ESPN, 8 p.m.).
In the baseball playoffs, it’s Dodgers at Philadelphia (TBS, truTV, HBO Max, 6 p.m.) and Cubs at Milwaukee (TBS, truTV, HBO Max, 9 p.m.).
“Ancient Aliens: Origins” (History, 9 p.m.) returns for a new season, as does the preschool children’s show “Dr. Seuss’ Horton!” (Netflix, streaming).
Dr. Wolf treat a patient accused of a serious crime on “Brilliant Minds” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
Cedric the Entertainer, Lil Red Howery, Natasha Leggero, Lisa Lampanelli, Kathy Griffin, Chris redd, Iliza Shlesinger and Margaret Cho play “Celebrity Weakest Link” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
“Celebrity Name That Tune” (Fox, 8 p.m.) has Lil Jon and Chord Overstreet competing.
The Spanish-language “Top Chef VIP” (Telemundo 8 p.m.), has its three-hour finale.
“The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) continues blind auditions.
On the good-story documentary series “Born Lucky with Leland Vittert and Bill O’Reilly” (CW, 9 p.m.), tells the story of someone who overcame autism to become a top national journalist.
Desserts that hide hidden messages are made on “Halloween Baking Championship” (Food, 9 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies has three films about a talking mule: “Francis” (8 p.m.), “Francis Goes to the Races” (9:45 p.m.) and “Francis Goes to West Point” (11:30 p.m.) , then three films with Chill Wills: “The Alamo” (1 a.m.), “Gun Glory” (3:45 a.m.) and “Rackateers of the Range” (5:15 a.m.).
Earlier, TCM has movies about the oil biz, with “Louisiana Story” (6 a.m.), “Oil for the Lamps of China” (7:30 a.m.), “Tulsa” (9:15 a.m.), “Flowing Gold” (10:45 a.m.), “Giant” (12:15 p.m.), “The Drowning Pool” (3:45 p.m.) and “Local Hero” (5:45 p.m.).
Preseason basketball has Oklahoma City at Dallas (NBA, 8:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Jennifer Lopez, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. The View: Andrew Cuomo. Kelly Clarkson: Sylvester Stallone, Garrett Hedlund, Jay Will, Lawrence Zarian. Drew Barrymore: Will Taylor, Danny Seo, Valerie Bertinelli. Jennifer Hudson: Courtney B. Vance. Tamron Hall: Samin Nosrat, Paul Carmichael, Yara Herrera.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Gov. Favin Newsom, Priscilla Presley (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats. Jimmy Fallon: Taylor Swift, Keri Russell, the Format. Seth Meyers: Kirsten Dunst, Tony Shalhoub.