Reality series about quirky families that are actually only just annoying only encourages them. Nonetheless, here’s another example, “Mother of All Talent” (TV Guide Network, 8 p.m.) about a mother-daughter talent agency for children on Staten Island. The mother is said to be a character, but mostly she’s just crass and inappropriate, especially considering their business.
Another new reality show based on the entertainment industry, “Chasing Nashville” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.) follows hopeful teen singers in music city.
The new “American Daredevils” (History, 10 p.m.) follows the career of another corner of entertainment, stuntmen. Specifically, Spanky Spangler tries to break his son into the business. What does this have to do with history? Well, it has America in the title.
A frightening new “Frontline” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) looks at the rise of superbugs and the inability of antibiotics to stop them.
“Pretty Little Liars” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.) births a spinoff, “Ravenswood” (ABC Family, 9 p.m.) featuring the character Caleb Rivers, just in time for Halloween.
Halloween is celebrated on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox, 8:30 p.m.) and “New Girl” (Fox, 9 p.m.). But not on “The Mindy Project” (Fox, 9:30 p.m.), she goes to a mixed martial arts bout.
It’s a big week for sports. The World Series may start tomorrow, but the NBA season starts tonight with a double header: Bulls at Heat (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Clippers at Lakers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
“Held Hostage” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) examines the January terrorist attack on a gas plant in Algeria.
Why do parents lie to their children? “Nick News with Linda Ellerbee” (Nickelodeon, 8 p.m.) looks into it.
Because it involves Michael Ian Black and D.L. Hughley, I wish that the new “Trust Me, I’m a Game Show Host” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) were more of a take off on game shows. Instead, on a typically overlit stage, the game involves contestants guessing between two statements from each comic, trying to determine which one is true. And while it’s occasionally amusing, the facts rarely feature actual knowlege (and instead personality stuff and trivia) and it’s not enough of a game to maintain interest.
Chris Hardwick’s new show “@Midnight” (Comedy Central, midnight), by the way, isn’t a talk show at all; it’s like one of those English quiz shows in which comics compete to be the funniest for some totally arbitrary points from the host. The subject is the internet, so they provide hashtags and such in a manner that makes all social media seem old fashioned. Except that nearly every example they comment on is something that was popular that day online. Because of the late hour, it’s that much more vulgar.
The latest “30 for 30” documentary focuses on the Dallas businessman who bought the New York Islander in 1996. “Big Shot” (ESPN, 8 p.m.) is directed by “Entourage” star Kevin Connolly.
If you’re watching in order, after Monday’s one and two, here’s “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (AMC, 8 p.m.) and “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (AMC, 10 p.m.).
The history of world film in the 1960s continues on Turner Classic Movies with “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” (8 p.m.), “The Insect Woman” (10 p.m.), “The House is Black” (12:15 a.m.), “I Am Cuba” (12:45 a.m.), “Black Girl” (4:30 a.m.) as well as this week’s chapter of the documentary, “The Story of Film: An Odyssey: New Waves Sweep Around the World” (3:15 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Johnny Knoxville, Alyssa Milano, Fifth Harmony. The View: Daniel Radcliffe, Tori Spelling, Alicia Mendez. The Talk: Jackie Chan, Mo Rocca, Pat Harvey. Ellen DeGeneres: Ethan Hawke, Lady Antebellum. Wendy Williams: Tasha Smith, Meghan McCain.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Tom Hanks, Two Door Cinema Club (rerun). Jay Leno: Kristin Chenoweth, Ross Mathews, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Jimmy Kimmel: Al Gore, Ethan Dizon & Skylan Brooks, Michael Franti. Jimmy Fallon: Johnny Knoxville, Hailee Steinfeld, Robin Pecknold. Craig Ferguson: Queen Latifah, John Lloyd, Laura Mvula (rerun). Carson Daly: Flula, Bad Milo!, Metz. Tavis Smiley: Dr. Patrick McCarthy, Greg Kaufmann. Jon Stewart: Malcom Gladwell. Stephen Colbert: A. Scott Berg. W. Kamau Bell: Keith Knight. Arsenio Hall: Tyra Banks, Daymond John, Chris Spencer. Conan O’Brien: Michael C. Hall, Jeb Corliss, Sam Simmons. Chelsea Handler: Martha Stewart, Michael Yo, April Richardson, Julian McCullough.