1) “This Is Us” season-opener, 9 p.m., NBC. From its first episode, this has been a rarity – a drama with twists, surprises and deep human emotions. Now its sixth and final season starts with lives in flux. In last year’s season-finale, Kevin’s wedding fell through and we saw signs that his sister Kate will lose her marriage. Tonight, they gather with their adoptive brother Randall (shown here with Kevin in an earlier episode), to mark their 41st birthday.
2) “Black-ish” season-opener, 9:30 p.m. , ABC. It’s an overloaded night: Two of TV’s best shows start their final seasons, with “This Is Us” and this one. “Black-ish” has only won one Emmy (for hairstyling), but it’s been nominated 25 times, including three for best comedy series. Tonight, Dre really doesn’t want to go to a fundraising dinner; he changes his mind when Michelle Obama is there.
3) “New Amsterdam” return, 10 p.m., NBC. In the previous episode, Max and Helen were ready to move to her native England; instead, they went back into the hospital to help with a crisis. But what happens now? We won’t spoil any surprises, except to say this: Despite one flaw – an exaggerated villain – this is a strong, tough hour, filled with major changes.
4) “Judge Steve Harvey” debut, 8 p.m., ABC. From “People’s Court” to “Judge Judy,” unscripted judge shows have swamped daytime line-ups. But here’s something new – a primetime hour, with someone who’s never been a judge or even a lawyer. The first case involves damage to a fence during a holiday party. The next two see siblings clash: A woman says her brother didn’t do the carpentry work he was paid for; one sister says the other took money intended for their brother’s funeral.
5) “Abbott Elementary,” 9 p.m., ABC. After airing its terrific pilot film twice, “Abbott” settles into its regular spot. Writer-producer Quinta Brunson stars as Janine, a young teacher doing her best in tough conditions. Tonight, she decides to tackle maintenance issues herself, starting with a hallway light bulb.