It’s been a minute since the last music awards show, so here’s the 2018 American Music Awards (ABC, 8 p.m.), hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross. Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Dua Lipa, Panic at the Disco, Twenty One Pilots, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes are all scheduled to perform. Cardi B and Drake lead with eight nominations each; Ed Sheehan and Post Malone follow with six each. Aretha Franklin and Queen will also be honored.
“The Flash” (CW, 8 p.m.) returns for its fifth season, greeting a guest from the future. It’s follow by the second season start for “Black Lightning” (CW, 9 .m.).
On the concluding half of “The Circus” on “American Experience” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings), the Ringing Brothers and Barnum & Bailey go through a number of challenges before they stop playing the big top for the last time in 1956.
The brief first season run of “Mr. Inbetween” (FX, 11 and 11:30 p.m.) winds up tonight, as does “Carter” (WGN America, 10 p.m.), the Canadian detective show starring Jerry O’Connell.
The 20-hour “Basketball: A Love Story” (ESPN, 7 p.m.) is a collection of small films about different aspects of the game and its personalities. It runs four hours Tuesdays the next five weeks.
The romances nominated in “The Great American Read” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) are discussed.
The low key reality show “Terrace House” (Netflix, streaming) returns with a fourth season, in which six people live in a big forest mansion.
Polaris’ baby suffers from a deadly illness on “The Gifted” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
An agent on “NCIS” (CBS, 8 p.m.) is starstruck by a reality TV star.
Blind auditions continue, as if in slow motion, on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
“Below Deck” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) makes it to Tahiti.
The murders of 18 women are investigated on “FBI” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
“Lethal Weapon” (Fox, 9 p.m.) goes after a lottery scam.
Kate undergoes a medical procedure on “This is Us” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
“The Little Couple” (TLC, 8 p.m.) returns for a 13th season.
The Prospect has to continue to prove himself on “Mayans M.C.” (FX, 10 p.m.).
“NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS, 10 p.m.) investigates the murder of an intelligence officer during a conference for foreign diplomats.
Jane learns a dark truth on “The Purge” (USA, 10 p.m.).
In a new “New Amsterdam” (NBC, 10 p.m.), Reynolds begins to build his department.
“Sorry for Your Loss” (Facebook Watch, streaming0 ends its first season.
The month-long Tuesday night salute to Rita Hayworth continues with “Gilda” (8 p.m.), “The Lady from Shanghai” (10 p.m.), “Cover Girl” (11:45 p.m.), “Tonight and Every Night” (1:45 a.m.) and “The Loves of Carmen” (3:30 a.m.).
In the American League Divisional Series, it’s Boston at Yankees (TBS, 8 p.m.) in game 4.
Hockey has San Jose at Philadelphia (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.).
Preseason basketball has Milwaukee at Oklahoma City (NBA, 8 p.m.) and Denver at Clippers (NBA, 10:30 p.m.).
In college football, it’s Appalachian State at Arkansas State (ESPN2, 8 p.m.).
Women’s college soccer has Vanderbilt at Tennessee (ESPNU, 4 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Anthony Anderson, Tom Payne, KT Tunstall. The View: Yvette Nicole Brown. The Talk: Kevin Frazier, Jack and Kelly Osbourne. Steve Harvey: James Sexton. Ellen DeGeneres: Jenna Fischer, Nicole Maines, Hofier, Mavis Staples. Wendy Williams: Cress Williams. The Real: Daniel Ezra, Tiffany Aliche.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Hillary Rodham Clinton (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Jennifer Garner, Romany Malco, Carrie Underwood. Jimmy Fallon: John Cena, Maggie Gyllenhaal, H.E.R. Seth Meyers: Emma Thompson, Elle Fanning, Lykke Li (rerun). James Corden: Kris Jenner, Ben Schwartz (rerun). Carson Daly: Jameela Jamil, Brett Felman, Family of the Year, Alex Wolff. Trevor Noah: Mark Leibovich.