1) “American Idol” opener, 8-10 p.m., ABC. For almost a month, TV’s Sunday line-up has been in limbo. It was the Grammys … then the Super Bowl … then the Oscars. After waiting patiently, other shows now start their seasons. Leading the way is “Idol,” starting its 18th season overall and its third at ABC. Ryan Seacrest still hosts, with Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and lots of eager people — including Nick Merico, shown here — auditioning. Tonight has auditions in Milwaukee, Savannah, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Sunriiver, Oregon.
2) “Outlander” season-opener, 8 p.m., Starz, rerunning at 10 and midnight. If your life feels complicated, consider Brianna. She was conceived in 18th-century Scotland and born in 1948 Boston. She and her fiance went to 1770s North Carolina, to be with her biological dad. Tonight, their wedding ahould be joyous … except the British colonialists are cruel, the American rebels are brutal and her dad is told to kill one of them. Also, her mom tries to secretly be a doctor … which she is in modern times.
3) “Washington,” 8 p.m., History, rerunning at 10. Speaking of American rebels, here’s a portrait of the man who became their leader. Mixing experts and re-enactments, this three-night documentary starts with some military mistakes … including one that may have launched the French and Indian War. Another low point came when he lost a battle, signed a surrender, returned home and made it sound like a victory. Washington, it seems, was very capable of telling a lie.
4) “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” 8 and 9 p.m., NBC. If you buy the time-travel plot in “Outlander,” this one will be easy. In the opener (rerunning at 8), Zoey (Jane Levy) suddenly started hearing people sing pop songs that reflect their feelings. Now she knows that her friend (a guy she supervises at work) loves her … a colleague is sad … and her paralyzed dad has an inner life. Tonight, Zoey denies herself a shot at love. It’s sometimes a downbeat hour … but one with vibrant song and dance.
5) And more: In “Homeland” (9 p.m., Showtime), Saul and Carrie grope for peace in Afghanistan. They make strong moves … but a fierce jolt follows. Then at 10 p.m., choices abound: NBC’s “Good Girls” opens its season … CBS’ “NCIS” has its first non-rerun in its new slot … And Showtime’s “Kidding” has two odd episode, as Jeff (Jim Carrey) recovers from donating an organ to his estranged wife’s lover. There are wild (and fun) twists, as his sister tries to revive his kid-oriented TV show.