With the end of “The Borgias” and between seasons of “The King of Thrones,” those in need of medieval pageantry, love and war cable style might be appeased by “The White Queen” (Starz, 10 p.m.), the lavish adaptation of Phillippa Gregory’s novels about the war of the roses. Rebecca Ferguson brings an Ingrid Berbman vibe as the commoner who casts a spell on King Edward IV, who, as played by Max Irons, has a little of his own early Brando in his looks.
The first episode, shown to night as a “sneak,” but repeating tomorrow as the official premiere, sets up the central problem – a commoner into the fragile new kingdom. The cast is bolstered by Janet McTeer as the ambitious mother of the newly betrothed and James Frain as the kingmaker upset with the new addition to the throne. It may not be the best series in the genre currently, but it’s certainly one of the best dramas yet from Starz.
Sticking to the more reliable mix of action and sex, “Strike Back” (Cinemax, 10 p.m.) is back for its third season with Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton back to fight terrorists worldwide. First stop, Colombia.
One cable drama that didn’t quite make it was “Magic City” (Starz, 9 p.m.), the stylish-looking Vegas period piece that failed to grab an audience. So it all ends tonight with its second season finale, on the eve of a gambling vote that may affect the casinos.
Zoe Saldana plays along as guest on “Comedy Bang! Bang!” (IFC, 10 p.m.).
Another ridiculous challenge is part of the competition on “America’s Next Top Model” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
The dating show “Perfect Score” (The CW, 8 and 8:30 p.m.), which shows how shallow young daters can be (while their enemy is the compatibility score that’s already been derived), has moved to Fridays, entertaining those who don’t have dates.
In lieu of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the network starts to catch you up with “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO, 9 and 10 pm.), returning for a new season Sept. 8.
Speaking of catching up, cable provides a replay of recent episodes of “Big Brother” (TV Guide Network, 8 p.m.) Friday nights, while “Homeland” (Showtime 2, 8 p.m.) begins its saga from the very first episode.
Steve McQueen is the star of the day on Turner Classic Movies with “The Magnificent Seven” (11:45 a.m.), “The War Lover” (2 p.m.), “Bullitt” (4 p.m.), “Le Mans” (6 p.m.),“The Cincinnati Kid” (8 p.m.), “The Reivers” (10 p.m.), “Papillion” (midnight), “Soldier in the Rain” (2:45 a.m.) and “The Blob” (4:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Ashton Kutcher, Brett Eldredse, Nicole Richie. The View: Mario Cantone, Regis Philbin, Meredith Vieira, Joan Rivers, Susie Essman, Alan Alda, Tony Bennett. The Talk: Sinbad, Sam Trammell, Chi-Lan Lieu, Tabatha Coffey. Ellen DeGeneres: Portia de Rossi, Jennifer Aniston (rerun). Wendy Williams: Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Kevin James, Shaun White, Darius Rucker (rerun). Jay Leno: Jason Sudeikis, Jim Stacy, K.T. Tunstall. Jimmy Kimmel: Selena Gomez, Ben Stein, Palma Violets (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Vanessa Hudgens, John Oliver, Earl Sweatshirt. Craig Ferguson: Keith Olbermann, Esther Povitsky. Carson Daly: Angel Haze, Sirah, Big Black Delta, Grape St. (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Grace Lee Boggs (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Jennifer Aniston, Greg Fitzsimmons, Annie Lederman, Ros Mathews (rerun).