One problem of not being here last week was that of our best current comedies (yes, better than “The Studio”) quietly began its second season with three episodes. After another three episodes tonight of “English Teacher” (FX, 10 p.m.) the season will already be half over. They seem to be a rush in getting it out, but all 10 are on Hulu anyway.
Brian Jordan Alvarez stars in his own creation, amid a tight ensemble of Stephanie Koenig, Sean Patton, Carmen Christopher and Enrico Colantoni – all working in an Austin high school where the kids are as smart and the issues more grown up than, say, “Abbott Elementary.” Tonight’s three episodes cover college admission week, military recruitment and an invasive visit from a mother.
The new series “Dudes” (Netflix, streaming), about pals in their 40s, begins its run. It’s based on the Spanish original.
“The Graham Norton Show” (BBC America, 11 p.m.) begins a new season of chatting up celebrities as the show moves from Friday to Thursdays. Tonight’s guests: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Matthew McConaughey, James Norton and Raye.
Stabler recovers from his injury on “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (NBC, 10 p.m.), whose fifth season began last week.
So far, only Brittany Cartwright of “The Valley” has dropped out from the fourth season of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” (Fox, 9 p.m.). Still in it are Teresa Giudice and her daughter, former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and her husband Andrew East, and “Sister Wives” dude Kody Brown. Tonight they have to escape a sinking plane.
Chefs do scallops on “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
“Greatest Mysteries Ever” (Travel, 10 p.m.) looks into the life of Mary Magdalene.
The series about Theodore Roosevelt’s early days as a rancher, “Elkhorn” (INSP, 9 p.m.), returns for a second season.
Giant skeletons have been discovered, causing some to think they’re “Ancient Aliens” (History, 8 p.m.). (But they’re probably not).
Tensions linger after the wedding on “Welcome to Plathville” (TLC, 8 p.m.).
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” (Bravo, 8 p.m.) keep trying to mend relationships.
Half-sisters battle anew in the made-for-TV sequel “Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge” (Lifetime Movie Network, 8 p.m.).
“Lost Treasures of Ancient Civilizations” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.) goes to Pompeii.
Julia drops a bomb to “The Real Housewives of Miami” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
Angela Lansbury is Turner Classic Movies’ star of the month, beginning tonight with her early work in “The Harvey Girls” (8 p.m.), “Tenth Avenue Angel” (10 p.m.), “The Three Musketeers” (11:30 p.m.), “The Red Danube” (1:45 a.m.) and “National Velvet” (4 a.m.).
During the day, scary children take over TCM with in “Lord of the Flies” (6:30 a.m.), “Village of the Damned” (9:45 a.m.), “These Are the Damed” (11:15 a.m.), “Our Mother’s House” (1:15 p.m.), “Wild Boys of the Road” (3:15 p.m.), “Over the Edge” (4:30 p.m.) and “Bronco Bullfrog” (6:30 p.m.).
Baseball playoffs have Detroit at Cleveland (ESPN, 1 p.m.), San Diego at Cubs (ABC, 3 p.m.), Boston at Yankees (ESPN, 6 p.m.) and Cincinnati at Dodgers (ESPN, 9 p.m.). It’s Game 3 for all four series, which are all tied.
Thursday Night Football has San Francisco at Rams (Prime Video, 8:15 p.m.).
College football has Sam Houston at New Mexico State (CBS Sports, 9 p.m.).
Preseason hockey has Detroit at Toronto (NHL, 7 p.m.).
Women’s college volleyball includes Creighton at Marquette (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.) and Utah at Arizona (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: Glen Powell, Paige DeSorbo, Monica Mangin. The View: Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka. Kelly Clarkson: Lionel Richie, Grace Van Patten, Nick Offerman, Buena Vista social Club. Drew Barrymore: Deborah Norville, Nicole McLaughlin, Matthew McConaughey. Jennifer Hudson: Jessica Simpson. Tamron Hall: Vickie Winans, Marvin Winans Jr.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Lady Gaga. Jimmy Kimmel: Jeremy Allen White, Bruce Springsteen, Living Color, Ivan Neville. Jimmy Fallon: Mark Ruffalo, Addison Rae, Chase Infiniti. Seth Meyers: Ayo Edebiri, David Sedaris. Daily Show: Kevin Nguyen.