1) “The Simpsons” season-opener, 8 p.m., Fox. The only thing that can save the school is getting a British author (Emma Thompson) to Springfield. And the only one who can do it, alas, is Homer (shown here with her). This, of course, requires car theft, jail break and freeway chaos There are plenty of funny moments, plus a clever shift into styles of children’s-book artwork. Read more…
1) “Farm Aid,” 7-11 p.m., CNN. Ever since 1985, this mega-concert has raised money for hard-pressed farmers. The co-founders — Willie Nelson, 93, shown here; Neil Young, 80; and John Mellencamp, 74 — are expected back, plus new generations (including Nelson’s son Lukas). Also: Dave Matthews, Margo Price, Lily Meola, Chris Pierce and many more. Read more…
1) “R.J. Decker” (ABC) or “Line of Fire” (NBC), both 8 p.m. Most scripted shows haven’t started their seasons yet, but these two began early and have reruns here. For “Decker” (10 p.m. Tuesdays), it’s the second episode, with a missing man and a dangerous stranger. For “Fire” (10 p.m. Mondays), it’s the pilot film, ending with a stark game-changer; shown here is the second generation in a family of federal agents. Read more…
1) “Hell’s Kitchen” season-opener, 8 p.m., Fox. In the sweet-spirited “MasterChef,” home chefs cooked for a tranquil Gordon Ramsay. Now, alas, we’re back to the pros, albeit young ones, whom he can shout at. As the 25th season starts (shown here), they make their signature dishes. Read more…
1) “Survivor” opener, 8-10 p.m., CBS. An “open era” begins, with twists and detours popping up quickly. A new bunch arrives (shown here), including three farmers, two lawyers, a doctor, a med student, a wrestler and actress Ana Sani. She’s been the voice of Strawberry Shortcake, Izzy Moonbow and such; on “The Boys,” she was an analyst who was killed after five episodes. Read more…
1) “America’s Got Talent” finals, 10 p.m., NBC. The 10 finalists get one more chance to get votes; on Wednesday (9-11 p.m.), one will become champion. There are only two music acts, ages 14 and 16, plus four dance acts — including dogs, robots (shown here) and light-up dancers. There’s another dog act, two magic acts and an aerialist. “The Voice” auditions precede this at 8. Read more…
1) “The Voice” season-opener, 8-10 p.m., NBC. This is one of the rare times when half of the judges are new. Queen Latifah and country’s Riley Green (shown here) join the 19th year for Adam Levine and 11th for Kelly Clarkson, each with four champions so far. This week, blind auditions continue from 8-10 p.m. Tuesday and 8-9 Wednesday. Read more…
1) “Best Medicine” season-opener, 8 p.m., Fox. If you missed the first season of this charming oddity, here’s the perfect way to meet it. A mermaid (well, sort of) has been rescued (shown here). To help her, townsfolk must admit their own quirks and flaws, which are ample. This hour repeats two days later, when the show takes its regular Tuesday spot. Read more…
1) “Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. The “SNL” summer ends the same way the regular season ended — with Will Ferrell hosting and Paul McCartney as music guest. Ferrell even shows up in chains as the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein (shown here), haunting Donald Trump. Next Saturday, “SNL” has its earliest opener in 14 years, with basketball’s Jalen Brunson hosting. Read more…
1) “Greatest @Home Videos,” 8 p.m., CBS. This amiable series was created during the pandemic, showing the creativity of people confined to their homes. Now it merely has scattered specials. In this one, the first in 16 months, Cedric the Entertainer has his “annual” Cedy awards, shown here. Read more…
