A new eight-part series chronicles the rise of the notorious Italian dictator. In “Mussolini: Son of the Century” (Mubi, streaming), Luca Marinelli stars as Benito Mussolini. The series follows his early career from 1919 to 1925 and is directed by Joe Wright, better known for his UK adaptations of “Pride & Prejudice,” Atonement,” “Anna Karenina” and “ Cyrano.”
Competing town hall events address separate sides of the political spectrum. “Shutdown America: A CNN Town Hall with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez” (CNN, 9 p.m.) is moderated by Kaitlan Collins.
It plays opposite Chris Cuomo hosting a two-hour “NewsNation Town Hall Live from the Kennedy Center” (CW, 8 p.m.) with Bill O’Reilly and Stephan A. Smith.
“Nova” (PBS, 9 p.m.) looks at how early man developed its eventual mastery over the world.
It’s teacher’s appreciation night at a Phillies game on “Abbott Elementary” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.).
“The Golden Bachelor” (ABC, 9 p.m.) has to choose the final three women, whose hometowns he’ll visit next week.
Riley considers her career future on “Shifting Gears” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
“Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.) is already shaking up tribes.
Harry Houdini’s birthplace in Budapest is a destination on “The Amazing Race” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.).
Other game shows tonight include “The Floor” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and “99 to Beat” (9 p.m.).
“Chicago Med” (NBC, 8 p.m.) gets an unusual request from the parents of a patient on life support; “Chicago Fire” (NBC, 9 p.m.) deals with budget cuts; and “Chicago P.D.” (NBC, 10 p.m.) deals with a murder close to home.
“Secrets of the Dead” (PBS, 10 p.m.) digs up some new information about Cleopatra’s reign.
Amusement park accidents are the focus of “Fatal Engineering” (Science, 9 p.m.).
“Expedition X” (Discovery, 9 p.m.) visits something called the Bridgewater Triangle in Massachusetts.
A fire breaks out under Lisa’s rig on “Ice Road Truckers” (History, 9:30 p.m.).
“Mountain Men” (History, 8 p.m.) go to an uninhabited island to hunt wild buffalo.
Perhaps owing to the title, four new episodes of “Dangerously Obese” (TLC, 8 p.m.) play all the way to midnight.
Aziz Ansari is guest programmer on Turner Classic Movies tonight. His choices: “Sullivan’s Travels” (8 p.m.), “How Green Was My Valley” (9:45 p.m.), “Killer of Sheep” (midnight) and “The Organizer” (1:45 a.m.).
During the day, TCM turns to World War II in Europe with “Underground” (6 a.m.), “The Cross of Lorraine” (7:45 a.m.), “Desperate Journey” (9:30 a.m.), “The North Star” (11:30 a.m.), “Uncertain Glory” (1:30 p.m.), “Joan of Paris” (3:15 p.m.), “Passport to Destiny” (5 p.m.) and “To the Victor” (6:14 p.m.).
Game 3 of the American League Championship Series has Toronto at Seattle (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.), with Seattle so far leading 2-0.
Hockey has Florida at Detroit (TNT, HBO Max, 7 p.m.) and Chicago at St. Louis (TNT, HBO Max, 9:30 p.m.).
College football has Delaware at Jacksonville State (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and UTEP at Sam Houston (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.).
Preseason basketball has Toronto at Boston (NBA, 7:30 p.m.) and Dallas at Lakers (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Patricia Arquette, Joanne Lee Molinaro, Midnight Til Morning. The View: Bradley Whitford. Kelly Clarkson: Mariska Hargitay, Michael Chernus, Ballet Hispanico. Drew Barrymore: Jessica Buttafuoco, Valerie Bertinelli. Jennifer Hudson: Bill Bellamy, Tatum Galberth. Tamron Hall: Eric Williams, Deborah Cox, Ash Wind Anabelle, Avery Adamson.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Anderson Cooper, Mason Thames. Jimmy Kimmel: Chris O’Donnell, Jackie Tohn, the Beaches. Jimmy Fallon: Dwayne Johnson, Henry Winkler, the Favors (rerun). Seth Meyers: Timothy Olyphant, Tyriq Withers (rerun).