With the success of its Emmy-nominated “Genius,” National Geographic moves further into scripted programming with the four-hour, two-night film “The State” (Nat Geo, 9 p.m.).
Partnering with England’s Channel 4, Peter Komisnsky, writer of “The Promise” and director of “Wolf Hall” wrote the compelling, well-acted drama about four Brits who decide to join ISIS in Syria.
With a couple years of research into it, it’s a convincing look at what they have given up, and why people may join, even as there are shocking steps backwards as well. Chapter one begins with the four packed up and fleeing across the Syrian border and settling into their new lives. It’s an example how a well-honed drama can make a stronger impression than a documentary on the same subject.
Speaking of which, the second two hour episode of “The Vietnam War” (PBS, 8 and 9:30 p.m., check local listings) concerns the conflict’s handling in the Kennedy administration and how corruption in South Vietnam could have given reason to pull out advisors altogether while casualties were low but did not. Already behind? Episode one is available streaming online on PBS apps and at pbs.org.
Normally the day after the Emmys means the start of the fall TV season. That doesn’t happen at all today, when the only new network offering is the 25th (!) season premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.). Its definition of star has changed considerably since the start, with 80s pop singer Debbie Gibson, Freddie Muniz of “Malcolm in the Middle” and Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees are the biggest names they have to offer. Their county fair work will have to be put on hold accordingly.
Much more common now the day after the Emmys is discussing its attire, which will occur on “Fashion Police” (E!, 8 p.m.) with Melissa Rivers, Giuliana Rancic, Brad Goreski, Margaret Cho and NeNe Leakes.
Climate change’s role in causing widespread social unrest, refugee migrations and terrorism is examined in the documentary “The Age of Consequence” (Starz, 9 p.m.).
The final four perform on “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Don’t mix up the first, and greatest reality series, “An American Family” with the new “Behind Closed Doors: The American Family” (TLC, 11 p.m.) which follows the daily lives of three families through extensive home camera systems. At least two out of three may be having affairs.
Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Fat Joe, Bibulous and Lil’ Kim all perform at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors (VH1, 9 p.m.) where honorees are Mariah Carey, Master P, Jermaine Dupri and for some reason Martin Lawrence.
A winner is named and given $1 million on the season nine finale of “American Ninja Warrior” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Also ending its season tonight is the summer series “Midnight, Texas” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
Saturn and Jupiter get the focus on a two hour episode of “The Planets” (Science, 9 p.m.).
Crack and opioids are the problem for a woman on “Intervention” (A&E, 10 p.m.).
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS, 11:30 p.m.) marks its second anniversary.
Mel Brooks and Cloris Leachman play “To Tell the Truth” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
The wolf pack prepares for winter on “Alaskan Bush People: Alaskan Gift” (Animal Planet, 9 p.m.).
On “The Real Housewives of Dallas” (Bravo, 10 p.m.), LeeAnne gets a surprise at the Texas State Fair and probably not a blue ribbon.
Turning a military truck into a snowplow is just dumb on “Diesel Brothers” (Discovery, 9 p.m.).
Jenelle and Barb reach a custody agreement for Jace on “Teen Mom 2” (MTV, 9 p.m.).
“The Coroner: I Speak for the Dead” (Investigation Discovery, 10 p.m.) finds an odd scene in rural Pennsylvania.
On “Siesta Key” (MTV, 10 p.m.), Pauley spends a night in jail.
The 26th family member will “Meet the Putmans” (TLC, 10 p.m.).
To mark the 90th anniversary of what used to be known as Gruauman’s Chinese Theatre, Turner Classic Movies presents the first film to premiere there, “The King of Kings” (8 p.m.); the first with prerecorded sound effects and music, “White Shadows in the South Seas” (11 p.m.), and the first all talking, all singing musical, “The Broadway Melody” (12:45 a.m.). They are followed by “Sullivan’s Travels” (2:45 a.m.) and “The Sin of Harold Diddlebock” (4:30 a.m.), which probably played there too.
Monday Night Football has Detroit at Giants (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.).
Baseball includes Minnesota at Yankees (MLB, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Ben McKenzie, Shonda Rhimes. The View: Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber, Bob Saget, Dave Coulier. The Talk: Wanda Sykes, Kevin Frazier, Garnele Beauvais. Harry Connick: Tom Bergeron, Matthew Hussey. Steve Harvey: NeNe Leakes, Matt Iceman, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila. Ellen DeGeneres: Justin Theroux, Drew Carey. Wendy Williams: Michael Yo, CeCe Pension.
Late Talk
Jimmy Kimmel: Julie Bowen, Kumail Nanjiani, Fall Out Boy. Jimmy Fallon: Demi Lovato, John Cleese. Seth Meyers: Amy Poehler, Nicolle Wallace, Daru Jones (rerun). James Corden: Lonzo Ball, Sonequa Martin-Green, Prof. Robert Winston. Carson Daly: Danny Pudi, Pup, Angela Johnson. Trevor Noah: Gucci Mane. Conan O’Brien: Fred Savage, Paula Patton, Shane Torres.