1) “American Experience: JFK” (2013), 9-11 p.m., PBS. The first half of this terrific film saw John Kennedy (shown here), nearly crippled by ailments, pull off upset victories to become the country’s youngest president. Now comes the hard part — Bay of Pigs, Cuban missile crisis and the Vietnam build-up. Read more…
1) “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland,” 8 p.m., Disney Channel; repeats at 9:45. Four movies — each with upbeat songs and dazzling visuals — have centered on the offspring of Disney villains. The fourth introduced Red (the talented Kylie Cantrall); now — aided by Chloe (Malia Baker, shown here with Cantrell) — sge tries to rescue her mom (Rita Ora). Also, new character arrive, including one played by Awkwafina. Read more…
1) “Nation’s Dumbest” debut, 9 p.m, Fox. Here’s an odd delight, filled with quirky touches. In a school setting, we meet 12 people, some considered brilliant — Andrew Yang, Drew Pinsky — and some not — Steve-O (shown here), Carmen Electra. They face tests of logic and knowledge, with surprising results. Jack Whitehall, the host, adds quiet wit and a British accent. Read more…
1) “Once Upon a Time in Space” opener, 9 p.m., PBS. For decades, the U.S. and Russia fought for space supremacy. Then — reluctantly, at first, in the Mir shuttle (shown here) — they merged. This is a huge story, told with third-party brilliance by British filmmakers. Over four Tuesdays, interviews with astronauts and their kin bring passion and surprising bursts of warmth and humor. Read more…
1) “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” debut, 8 p.m. ABC. This opener seems like an audience-grabber. It has a dozen dancers, two sweet-faced guys — Robert Irwin (shown here winning “Stars” with Witney Carson) hosting, Derek Hough as the first mentor — and a worthy prize: The winner gets a spot as one of the pros paired with celebrities on “Dancing With the Stars.” Tonight, the dancers work on jive and samba. Read more…
1) “The 1% Club” and “Animal Control,” 7 and 8:30 p.m., Fox. Joel McHale is a big plus for Fox, with both of these shows — a game (which resumes new episodes Monday) and a situation comedy. The latter rerun is uneven, but has great moments at the start (with Rob Gronkowski) and the end: As union rep, Frank (McHale, shown here) must defend his enemy, Templeton. Read more…
1) World Cup, 5 and 9 p.m. ET, Fox. By the end of the day, the Cup will have its final four. It’s Norway-England at 5 and Argentina-Switzerland at 9. Those match-up include Cup scoring leaders: After five games, Argentina’s Lionel Messi (shown here) and Norway’s Erling Haaland have 8 and 7 goals. Read more…
1) “Big Brother: Unlocked” season-opener, 8 p.m., CBS. For its second season, this show — airing on alternate Fridays — is expanding. It adds a studio audience and Jerry O”Connell, who is a “Big Brother” fan. He’ll join Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur (shown here last season) for behind-the-scenes perspectives. Read more…
1) “Big Brother” opener, 8-9:30 p.m., CBS. It’s the 28th year for this ratings leader, which gobbles up lots of time. There’s 90 minutes today (the “time trip” decor, shown here, and the housemates) and Sunday, then 90 on Wednesdays and 60 on Thursdays and Sundays. All are at 8 p.m., as is “Big Brother: Unlocked,” which is on alternate Fridays, including this week. Read more…
1) “The American Southwest,” 10 p.m., PBS. The Colorado River (shown here) flows for 1,450 miles, from the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. It carved the Grand Canyon and is partly diverted to California farms. This portrait juggles gorgeous vistas, clumsy narration, strong ecological comments and views of critters, from beavers to snakes and salmon flies Read more…
