TV Best Bets

Sunday, Oct. 20: Regina King Leads an All-Star Cast in HBO’s ‘Watchmen’

Mark Hill/HBO
The Emmys will still air this fall; HBO's Watchmen leads the nominees

ALSO SEE: NFL 2019 TV Schedule

All Times Eastern.

Sunday, Oct. 20

Watchmen
HBO, 9pm
New Series!

Damon Lindelof, the producer behind mind-boggling shows like Lost and The Leftovers, marks his TV return by bringing the famed bestselling graphic novel Watchmen into 2019 with a cast that includes Regina King, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson and many others. Set in Tulsa, the series picks up 30 years after the comic’s ending and explores what the world looks like now, when masked vigilantes are being treated as outlaws.

“Final Destination” Marathon
AMC, beginning at 8:45am

Catch the quintet of quake-inducing films in the Final Destination franchise.

The Simpsons: “Treehouse of Horror XXX”
FOX, 8pm

The 30th Halloween installment and Episode 666 overall of the animated series (no, we’re not making that up) features a demon Maggie, a mission to rescue Milhouse from another dimension, dead-Homer’s spirit trying on some new bodies for size and Selma finally finding love in an unlikely place — the alien in the basement.

Three Days at the Brink
FOX News Channel, 8pm

FOX News Channel’s chief political anchor and anchor of Special Report Bret Baier hosts this one-hour special based on his upcoming book Three Days at the Brink, which goes inside the Tehran Conference of 1943 and details Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin’s plan to end World War II. With the deadly war in doubt, the three powerful leaders set their differences aside to change the course of history. An extended director’s cut version containing additional footage will be available on FNC’s on-demand streaming service FOX Nation.

Expedition Amelia
National Geographic, 8pm

National Geographic Explorer-at-Large Dr. Robert Ballard, best known for his 1985 discovery of the Titanic, is setting out to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. “I have always been intrigued by the story of Amelia Earhart because she shocked the world doing what everyone thought was impossible, much like what I have attempted to do my entire career as a deep-sea explorer,” Ballard said. “Using state-of-the-art technology and decades of evidence collected in regard to her disappearance, I would say we have a real shot at rewriting history by solving one of the greatest mysteries of our time.”

NFL Football: Philadelphia at Dallas
NBC, 8:15pm Live

A big Sunday Night Football matchup between NFC East rivals is in store as Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles take on Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

NCIS: Los Angeles: “Yellow Jack”
CBS, 9pm

In the new episode “Yellow Jack,” while Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam (LL Cool J) are aboard the USS Allegiance, the ship is placed under quarantine for possible Ebola exposure.

Rise of the Supercarrier: “Do or Die”
Smithsonian Channel, 9pm

The new Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is full steam ahead as she embarks on dangerous sea trials in the North Sea. Problems arise after only one day at sea, revealing the harsh realities of life on a warship. There’s an explosion in a cooling plant, a fuel leak in one of the main engine spaces and an alarm alerting the crew of a man overboard. The sailors must test everything on the ship for the first time and ask questions at every turn: What is the supercarrier’s top speed? How stable is she in rough waters? While working under pressure and responding quickly to each emergency, the ship’s company becomes a seaborne community.

Bob’s Burgers: “Pig Trouble in Little Tina”
FOX, 9pm
Guest Star Alert!

Jenny Slate and Billy Eichner guest-voice when Tina dissects a fetal pig and science class gets spooky.

Crossword Mysteries: Abracadaver
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, 9pm
Original Film!
Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott return for the latest installment of their mystery franchise. “It’s all about magic,” hints Elliott. “It’s also got a lot of Clue elements, which are really fun. The director did a lot of nice, swiping camera angles, and you feel like you’re in a magic show.”

Ultimate Cowboy Showdown
INSP, 9pm
Season Finale!
Tonight, after a week of intense and grit-testing competition, country superstar Trace Adkins will crown a winner who will earn the title of Ultimate Cowboy.

Leavenworth
Starz, 9:30pm
New Docuseries!

Steven Soderbergh executive produces this true-crime docuseries that looks at the military justice system. It tells the story of Clint Lorance, who is serving a 19-year sentence for murder at the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth. While deployed in Afghanistan in July 2012, the former first lieutenant ordered his soldiers to fire on three local men riding a motorcycle, killing two of them and outraging his platoon.

The Rookie: “Warriors and Guardians”
ABC, 10pm

Officer Nolan (Nathan Fillion) gets off to a rocky start after being introduced to his new training officer Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox), who has an unconventional approach to police work after her stint as an undercover detective. Meanwhile, Officer Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) finds herself navigating a case that triggers a personal memory.

Madam Secretary: “Killer Robots”
CBS, 10pm

In the new episode “Killer Robots,” Elizabeth (Téa Leoni) must decide whether to use autonomous unmanned weapons or send U.S. soldiers to bring the mastermind of the U.N. gas attack to justice.

E! True Hollywood Story: “Does Hip-Hop Reject Women?”
E!, 10pm

Hip-hop legends Yo-Yo, Da Brat, MC Lyte and Salt-N-Pepa talk about what it was like to rise to fame as female rappers in a male-dominated industry. Despite their fame and many accomplishments, did they and the women who came after them get their due? Or is fame still fleeting for females in hip-hop?

Deadline: Crime With Tamron Hall: “Driven to Murder”
Investigation Discovery, 8pm

In October 2016, after helping a friend fix his computer, 18-year-old tech prodigy Sam Poss takes off on foot and never returns home. Did the beloved teen run away? Was there an accident? Police work around the clock to find the truth.

On Becoming a God in Central Florida
Showtime, 10:20pm
Season Finale!

The first season of the dark comedy about a minimum-wage water park employee (Kirsten Dunst) conning her way to the top of the multimillion-dollar pyramid scheme that brought financial ruin to her family comes to a close.

Monday, Oct. 21

No Tears
Acorn TV
New Miniseries!

Both a searing indictment of official corruption and a sensitively drawn, inspiring story of the power of individuals, this gripping miniseries dramatizes a real-life scandal that rocked Ireland. Oscar winner Brenda Fricker (My Left Foot) and Maria Doyle Kennedy (Striking Out) star as women unknowingly infected by a potentially fatal disease who fight against the medical authorities for justice.

The Neighborhood: “Welcome to Soul Food”
CBS, 8pm

The Butlers and Johnsons decide to go on a double date, and everyone gets more than they bargained for in the new episode “Welcome to Soul Food.”

NFL Football: New England at N.Y. Jets
ESPN, 8pm Live

Monday Night Football features Tom Brady and the New England Patriots taking on Le’Veon Bell and the N.Y. Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

2019 American Humane Hero Dog Awards
Hallmark Channel, 8pm

After over 360 nominees and 900,000 votes cast by animal lovers across the country, the top vote-getters in seven canine categories — including Military, Shelter and Therapy — travel to Los Angeles for a star-studded gala. The event is cohosted by Beth Stern and James Denton and culminates with the announcement of the 2019 American Hero Dog.

The Voice: “The Battles, Part 3”
NBC, 8pm

The battle rounds continue tonight and tomorrow night.

Bob (Hearts) Abishola: “Whacking the Mole”
CBS, 8:30pm

After Abishola (Folake Olowofoyeku) has a romantic dream about Bob (Billy Gardell), she tries to suppress her feelings for him in the new episode “Whacking the Mole.”

The Love of Dogs Benefit Concert
Hallmark Channel, 10pm

Home & Family’s pet adoption expert Larissa Wohl hosts this fundraiser for the Pedigree Foundation’s efforts to help the millions of shelter and rescue dogs across the country find the loving homes they deserve. The one-hour special will feature performances from top country artists, including Lee Brice, Hunter Hayes and Easton Corbin.

Rock the Block
HGTV, 9pm
New Series!
With only four weeks and $175,000 each, HGTV stars Leanne Ford (Restored by the Fords), Mina Starsiak Hawk (Good Bones), Jasmine Roth (Hidden Potential) and Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) will face off to max out identical properties in the Los Angeles area — with the goal to add the most property value to each home. Hosted by Property Brothers star Drew Scott, the series will boast in-show surprises and special guest judges.

The River and the Wall
Starz, 9pm

This documentary follows five friends as they journey from El Paso to the Gulf of Mexico on horses, mountain bikes and canoes to document the borderlands and explore the potential impacts of a border wall on the natural environment.

Catherine the Great
HBO, 10pm
New Miniseries!

Helen Mirren stars as Catherine the Great, who ruled the Russian empire and transformed its place in the world in the 18th century. The four-part drama follows the end of Catherine’s reign and her affair with the military leader Grigory Potemkin.

Bluff City Law: “When the Levee Breaks”
NBC, 10pm

Sydney (Caitlin McGee) and Elijah (Jimmy Smits) help a 12-year-old girl find justice for the failed levee system that flooded her town. Della (Jayne Atkinson) and Anthony (Michael Luwoye) fight for an old blues musician’s song rights.

Tuesday, Oct. 22

NCIS: “Wide Awake”
CBS, 8pm

In the new episode “Wide Awake,” the NCIS team investigates a Marine (guest star Camryn Grimes) after evidence suggests she murdered her neighbor while being treated for insomnia by a hypnotherapist.

The Flash: “Dead Man Running”
The CW, 8pm

Knowing that Crisis is only weeks away, Barry (Grant Gustin) prepares a member of Team Flash for life without him while hunting a terrifying meta-human with an unquenchable thirst. Meanwhile, Ralph (Hartley Sawyer) uncovers a family secret.

MLB: World Series: Game 1
FOX, 8pm Live

FOX has exclusive coverage of the 115th World Series as the NL champion Washington Nationals will face either the N.Y. Yankees or the Houston Astros. Game 1 takes place tonight at the home park of the league champion with the better regular-season record. Game 7, if necessary, is scheduled for Oct. 30.

NBA Basketball
TNT, beginning at 8pm Live

It’s opening night of the NBA regular season, and TNT tips off the celebration with a star-studded doubleheader. First up, No. 1 draft pick Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are in Toronto to face the NBA champion Raptors. The second game is in Los Angeles, where LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers are “on the road” against Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the Clippers.

mixed-ish: “All She Wants to Do Is Dance”
ABC, 9pm

It’s time for the Johnson kids’ first school dance, but before Bow (Arica Himmel) can dance the night away, she’ll have to consider the social impact of her date choice. Johan (Ethan William Childress) finds an outfit for the dance and discovers his love of fashion, while Santamonica (Mykal-Michelle Harris) spends some time with Harrison (Gary Cole).

Arrow: “Welcome to Hong Kong”
The CW, 9pm

Oliver (Stephen Amell), John (David Ramsey), Laurel (Katie Cassidy Rogers) and Tatsu (guest star Rila Fukushima) seek out an important person within the Monitor’s (guest star LaMonica Garrett) plan. Connor (Joseph David Jones) has a heart-to-heart with his brother (guest star Charlie Barnett).

This Is Us: “Storybook Love”
NBC, 9pm

Rebecca (Mandy Moore) hosts a dinner party. Kevin (Justin Hartley) tries to support those around him. Randall (Sterling K. Brown) faces concerns about how his family is adjusting to their new home.

In a Man’s World: “Shital”
Bravo, 10pm
Season Finale!

Shital’s career accomplishments don’t mean much to her conservative, Indian American family. Shital’s struggle to please them has pushed their relationship to the breaking point, and she makes the radical decision to go undercover as a man and infiltrate a family holiday celebration. Will meeting the male version of their daughter open the Patels’ eyes to how they treat her?

NCIS: New Orleans: “Spies & Lies”
CBS, 10pm

A Navy officer (guest star Michael Ocampo) asks the New Orleans field office for help when he suspects his girlfriend is a spy in the new episode “Spies & Lies.”

Truth About Murder With Sunny Hostin
Investigation Discovery, 10pm
New Series!

Sunny Hostin, senior legal correspondent for ABC News, cohost of The View, a former federal prosecutor and current victims’ rights advocate, executive produces and hosts this true-crime docuseries. Hostin travels across America to explore the stories behind some of the most controversial homicides the nation has ever seen.

New Amsterdam: “The Karman Line”
NBC, 10pm

When Sharpe (Freema Agyeman) has a case that hits close to home, she and Max (Ryan Eggold) team up to make things right for the patient. Meanwhile, Iggy (Tyler Labine) and Bloom (Janet Montgomery) are forced to make a tough call on a unique situation.

The Misery Index
TBS, 10pm
New Series!

Contestants must place embarrassing moments on a scale from 1-100 called the Misery Index, developed by a panel of therapists. They are helped by members of the comedy group the Tenderloins (Impractical Jokers) with host Jameela Jamil (The Good Place).

Wednesday, Oct. 23

NBA Basketball
ESPN, beginning at 7:30pm Live

ESPN’s season-long coverage of the NBA tips off tonight with a doubleheader featuring the Boston Celtics at the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by the Denver Nuggets at the Portland Trail Blazers.

Riverdale: “Chapter Sixty: Dog Day Afternoon”
The CW, 8pm

Things take a dangerous turn when Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Charles (guest star Wyatt Nash) track down Edgar (guest star Chad Michael Murray) and his Farmies. Archie (KJ Apa) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) hold a car wash fundraiser at Pop’s to raise money for the community center. Elsewhere, Jughead’s (Cole Sprouse) first day at Stonewall Prep doesn’t go as planned.

Chicago Med: “Got a Friend in Me”
NBC, 8pm

Drs. Choi (Brian Tee) and Marcel (Dominic Rains) don’t see eye-to-eye over the treatment of a patient’s chronic pain, and rumors start to circulate about Maggie (Marlyne Barrett). Dr. Manning (Torrey DeVitto) works to help a young boy, but her treatment suggestions are challenged by the parents who believe in only using holistic remedies.

NHL Hockey: Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay
NBCSN, 8pm Live

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins hope to bottle up Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., for NBCSN’s Wednesday Night Hockey.

Nature: “Okavango: River of Dreams: Paradise”
PBS, 8pm
New Miniseries!

Experience the wildlife of the Okavango Delta, an unlikely oasis and lush paradise in Southern Africa that connects and supports a wide array of creatures. Lions chase elephants, who chase hippos, who chase crocodiles. In the first of three episodes, Paradise, a lioness severely injured by a buffalo, is left for dead by her pride. Now handicapped, she has to survive in the swamp alone, hunting to feed her little cubs. F. Murray Abraham narrates.

The Oval
BET, 9pm
New Series!

This first of two new original dramas from Tyler Perry debuting tonight tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of power, while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the nation’s most iconic residence.

The Real Housewives of Dallas: “Guess Who’s Coming to Happy Hour?”
Bravo, 9pm

A death in the family has Brandi hosting a funeral for a beloved Redmond, while Mama Dee refuses to help D’Andra with the failing family business. Kameron spins in circles when two of the ladies back out of her couples shower for LeeAnne. But Kameron sends everyone spinning when she crashes Kary’s girls night with other uninvited guests in tow.

Chicago Fire: “Buckle Up”
NBC, 9pm

Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) must prove herself at the National Firefighter Leadership Conference while the rest of Firehouse 51 is called to two eerily similar car wrecks. Mouch (Christian Stolte) tries to keep everyone in the firehouse informed by starting a newsletter, but things quickly get out of hand. Cruz (Joe Minoso) deals with a heartbreak.

Sistas
BET, 10pm
New Series!

Tyler Perry is the writer, director and executive producer of this new hourlong drama that follows a group of single black women as they navigate their love lives, careers and friendships through the ups and downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals.

S.W.A.T.: “Immunity”
CBS, 10pm

In the new episode “Immunity,” Deacon’s (Jay Harrington) family gets caught in the crosshairs of a drug cartel when he and the SWAT team aim to bring down its leader.

Chicago P.D.: “Brother’s Keeper”
NBC, 10pm

A murder in a Bulgarian neighborhood results in a challenging investigation when locals won’t talk to police. Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) has a clash with a patrol officer.

Life From Above
PBS, 10pm
New Series!

See new footage of the greatest, most beautiful and powerful movements on our planet. Cameras in space capture events like an elephant family’s struggle through drought, and thousands of Shaolin Kung Fu students performing in perfect synchronicity.

The Cry
SundanceTV, 11pm
New Series!

After launching in the U.K. to rave reviews and becoming the most-watched program in its time slot and the second biggest new drama of 2018, this powerful psychological thriller chronicles the collapse of a relationship between two young parents in the aftermath of a tragedy and explores the myths and truths of motherhood, marriage and postpartum depression.

Thursday, Oct. 24

Grey’s Anatomy: “Breathe Again”
ABC, 8pm

Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) has a court hearing after skipping out on community service, while Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Jo (Camilla Luddington) have a patient that Jo realizes is from the treatment facility. Richard (James Pickens Jr.) and Gemma (Jasmine Guy) grab breakfast together and things go awry.

Young Sheldon: “A Pineapple and the Bosom of Male Friendship”
CBS, 8pm

After being released from the mental hospital, Dr. Sturgis (Wallace Shawn) unexpectedly breaks up with Meemaw (Annie Potts) in the new episode “A Pineapple and the Bosom of Male Friendship.”

NFL Football: Washington at Minnesota
FOX & NFL Network, 8pm Live

U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is the site of this Week 8 Thursday Night Football matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Horror Classics: The Undead
TCM, beginning at 8pm

Vampires, zombies and other ghouls lurk throughout tonight’s spooky movie lineup that begins with Horror of Dracula (1958) and includes The Gorgon (1964), Plague of the Zombies (1966), Night of the Living Dead (1968) and others.

NBA Basketball
TNT, beginning at 8pm Live

TNT’s NBA doubleheader has Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in Houston to face James Harden and the Rockets, followed by Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the L.A. Clippers in San Francisco’s new Chase Center to run the floor with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

Mixtape: “Todd Rundgren”
AXS TV, 8:30pm

Singer/songwriter/musician Todd Rundgren stops by.

The Unicorn: “No Small Parts”
CBS, 8:30pm

In the new episode “No Small Parts,” Wade (Walton Goggins) realizes that the teachers are giving Grace (Ruby Jay) special treatment when she gets the lead in the school musical.

Perfect Harmony: “It’s Electric”
NBC, 8:30pm

Arthur (Bradley Whitford) deals with Jean’s father, who attempts to take their family houseboat back. Reverend Jax (Rizwan Manji) hosts a “Singles Night” where Ginny (Anna Camp) and Dwayne (Geno Segers) finally address the elephant in their relationship.

A Million Little Things: “austin”
ABC, 9pm

Delilah (Stephanie Szostak) makes arrangements for a family photo shoot with longtime photographer Seymour (guest star Richard Kind), but Danny (Chance Hurstfield) struggles to accept that this new family does not include his father. Meanwhile, Rome (Romany Malco) and Regina (Christina Moses) make big plans to celebrate Rome’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary and are forced to take a closer look at their own marital woes.

Legacies: “You Remind Me of Someone I Used to Know”
The CW, 9pm

As the Salvatore School prepares for its annual football game against Mystic Falls High, the latest monster to arrive in Mystic Falls sets its eyes on one of the students. Landon (Aria Shahghasemi) and Josie’s (Kaylee Bryant) relationship is put to the test when a player from the opposing team catches his eye.

Saudi Women’s Driving School
HBO, 9pm

In June 2018, women in Saudi Arabia were allowed to drive legally for the first time. The Saudi Women’s Driving School, in the capital city of Riyadh, caters exclusively to women, and this documentary follows Saudi women as they embrace a new way of life and the freedom of being behind the wheel.

The Good Place: “Employee of the Bearimy”
NBC, 9pm

Michael (Ted Danson) and Jason (Manny Jacinto) hatch a plan. Eleanor (Kristen Bell) learns firsthand the difficulties of running the neighborhood.

Will & Grace
NBC, 9:30pm
Season Premiere!

NBC bumped up the premiere date for Will & Grace‘s final season. The sitcom that made many inroads for LGBT representation on TV will conclude (again) after 11 seasons. After its initial run from 1998-2006, NBC revived it in 2017. “They say you can’t go home again, but we did,” executive producers Max Mutchnick, David Kohan and James Burrows said in a statement announcing that the upcoming season would be the last. “And now, three seasons and 52 episodes later, we’re even more proud of something we never thought we’d get a chance to do again. We have had a once-in-a-lifetime experience twice.” In the Season 10 finale, a canceled flight led to Jack (Sean Hayes) and Estefan (Brian Jordan Alvarez) getting married in the airport. Meanwhile, Will (Eric McCormack) proposed to McCoy (Matt Bomer), who accepted a job in London, and love was in the air for Grace (Debra Messing) and Marcus (Reid Scott).

Evil: “October 31”
CBS, 10pm

On Halloween night, Kristen (Katja Herbers) and David (Mike Colter) are at odds as they try to determine whether a case is supernatural demonic possession or severe mental disease in the new episode “October 31.”

Law & Order: SVU: “At Midnight in Manhattan”
NBC, 10pm

The detectives are spread thin when three major cases come in at midnight. Rollins (Kelli Giddish) and Carisi (Peter Scanavino) argue over an arrest.

Friday, Oct. 25

Dolemite Is My Name
Netflix
Original Film!

Eddie Murphy stars as pioneering comedian Rudy Ray Moore in this biopic about the man who, among other things, created Dolemite, a defining movie of the “blaxploitation” era. Keegan-Michael Key, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Wesley Snipes also star.

The Kominsky Method
Netflix
Season Premiere!

Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin are back for Season 2 of Chuck Lorre’s comedy about two friends facing their later years in Los Angeles. This season, Sandy (Douglas) meets his daughter’s new boyfriend (guest star Paul Reiser), who is uncomfortably close to Sandy’s age. Meanwhile, Norman (Arkin) reconnects with an old flame (guest star Jane Seymour) after 50 years.

Leprechaun-a-thon
AMC, beginning at 6pm

We bet you didn’t know that there are six — that’s right, six! — films in the Leprechaun franchise that star Warwick Davis, and AMC is playing them all.

NBA Basketball
ESPN, beginning at 8pm Live

A pair of Western Conference contests are in store tonight on ESPN as the Dallas Mavericks visit the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz are in Los Angeles to face the Lakers.

Sweet Mountain Christmas
Lifetime, 8pm
Original Film!

Country music star Laney Blu (Broadway and Patsy & Loretta star Megan Hilty) hasn’t been back to her Tennessee hometown in years, and when a quick pit stop home to see her family is elongated by a freak snowstorm, she’s stranded and is roped into taking part in a local Christmas concert. As Laney spends time in her hometown, she finds herself falling in love with the people, place and the town’s handsome snowplow driver (Marcus Rosner).

The Blacklist: “Kuwait”
NBC, 8pm

Cooper’s (Harry Lennix) moral compass is tested when an officer he served with as a young man, long presumed dead, resurfaces as a POW.

Monster of the Month: Godzilla
TCM, beginning at 8pm

TCM’s monthlong salute to Godzilla concludes tonight with Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1975) and Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975). These are followed by a non-Godzilla Toho Studios monster mash called The War of the Gargantuas (1966).

Fresh Off the Boat: “Hal-Lou-Ween”
ABC, 8:30pm

It’s Halloween again, and with Eddie (Hudson Yang) getting closer to college (maybe), the Huang boys are determined to find a group costume they can all agree on. Meanwhile, Louis (Randall Park) decides this is the year he’ll finally show Jessica (Constance Wu) why his favorite spooky holiday is so great.

College Football: USC at Colorado
ESPN2, 9pm Live

A Pac-12 battle at Folsom Field in Boulder has the USC Trojans visiting the Colorado Buffaloes on ESPN2.

A Merry Christmas Match
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, 9pm
Original Film!

Corey (Ashley Newbrough) works in her mom’s antique shop and puts on a Christmas pageant every year to honor her late father. When Ryder (Kyle Dean Massey) visits the store, Corey wonders if she should have left town to follow her dream of becoming a theater director.

American Masters: “Rothko: Pictures Must Be Miraculous”
PBS, 9pm
Explore the life of Mark Rothko, the celebrated artist whose luminous color-field paintings helped define the abstract expressionist movement, which shifted the art world epicenter from Paris to New York.

Blue Bloods: “The Price You Pay”
CBS, 10pm

Frank (Tom Selleck) works to vindicate a detective (guest star Mike Carlsen) accused of using excessive force in the new episode “The Price You Pay.”

Songwriting With Soldiers
PBS, 10pm

The organization SongwritingWith:Soldiers is a unique collaboration of professional artists working with veterans to tell their stories of war and the return home through song. This concert special celebrates music’s power to heal and bring diverse people together.

Saturday, Oct. 26

NHL Hockey
NBCSN, beginning at 7pm Live

The Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues visit the Boston Bruins in a rematch of the 2019 finals series. Then in an all-Canadian matchup, the Calgary Flames hit the road to take on the Winnipeg Jets.

Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses
Hallmark Channel, 8pm
Original Film!

Jill Wagner stars alongside Matthew Davis and Donna Mills as Abbey, a single mom who has given up on her career as a talented interior designer. When she is contracted by Grinch-like billionaire Nick Sinclair (Davis) to decorate his estate for a gala, she rediscovers her passion for her career and thaws Nick’s heart. “Matthew Davis is from The Vampire Diaries, and it’s his first Hallmark movie,” says Wagner. “I can’t wait to show him the ropes!”

The Road Home for Christmas
Lifetime, 8pm
Original Film!

When Lindsay (Marla Sokoloff) and Wes (Rob Mayes) — rival musicians in a dueling piano show — find themselves without a gig on Christmas Eve, they decide to drive together to their neighboring hometowns. As the road trip progresses, romantic high jinks ensue, including a flock of Santa conventioneers, a Nativity play in need of saving and a Nashville performance with music royalty (Marie Osmond).

Destination Fear
Travel Channel, 10pm
New Series!

Maverick paranormal explorer Dakota Laden takes his sister Chelsea and best friend Tanner across the country in an RV to spend the night in the most haunted locations in America. The goal: to face their deepest, darkest fears and prove that the only way we can understand the paranormal is if we push ourselves to the limits of fear and overcome the terror it creates in us.