TV Best Bets

Monday, Nov. 12: Return to Olympus Town With Nat Geo’s ‘MARS’ Season 2

National Geographic

ALSO SEE: NFL Regular Season Schedule 2018

All Times Eastern.

Monday, Nov. 12

MARS: “We Are Not Alone”
National Geographic, 9pm
Season Premiere!

In the season’s first episode, the scientists at the Olympus Town settlement prepare for the arrival of a skilled group of astronauts who are funded by a for-profit corporation and are on a mission to extract natural resources from the red planet. Jeff Hephner joins the cast as the group’s leader and points out that his capitalism-minded character shouldn’t automatically be seen as a villain, just as not all scientists are virtuous heroes.

“Harry Potter” Wizarding Week Marathon
Syfy, 7:30pm

Beginning tonight and continuing at various times through Nov. 18, enjoy extended versions of all eight Harry Potter movies.

Welcome to the Neighborhood: “Welcome to the Barbershop”
CBS, 8pm

In the new episode “Welcome to the Barbershop,” Calvin (Cedric the Entertainer) is not thrilled when Dave (Max Greenfield) drops by Calvin’s longtime barbershop and is quickly embraced by its owner and patrons.

Arrow: “The Demon”
The CW, 8pm

Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) learns something new about Oliver (Stephen Amell) that shocks her. Meanwhile, Diggle (David Ramsey) asks Curtis (Echo Kellum) to go undercover for ARGUS. Dinah (Juliana Harkavy) works with an unlikely ally.

The Price of Everything
HBO, 8pm

This documentary examines the thrill and anxiety associated with pricing and purchasing contemporary art, exploring the vagaries of an exploding market that’s often driven by subjective opinions of what is “hot” and valuable. This film takes a deep dive into the world of high-end collectors, dealers, curators, auctioneers and artists.

The Voice: “Live Playoffs Top 24”
NBC, 8pm Live

The remaining artists perform in front of the coaches for their chance at a spot in the Top 13. During the first night of the playoffs, the Top 24 all perform live. “Fifth Coach” Kelsea Ballerini makes an appearance.

China From Above
Smithsonian Channel, 8pm

This two-part series, airing tonight and next Monday, is an epic journey revealing the secrets and patterns of life in traditional and modern China. A combination of innovative aerial photography and on-the-ground human stories reveals China as a land of ancient monuments and customs, astonishing landscapes, and megacities.

Happy Together: “How Jake and Claire Met”
CBS, 8:30pm

Flashback! The sitcom reveals how suburban couple Claire and Jake (Amber Stevens West and Damon Wayans Jr.) met as college students. Jake being Jake, he naturally adds a few embellishments as he recounts the story to their house guest, Cooper (Felix Mallard).

Magnum P.I.: “Die He Said”
CBS, 9pm

A man dying of lymphoma hires Magnum (Jay Hernandez) to find his estranged, bone-marrow-compatible brother in the new episode “Die He Said.”

The Good Doctor: “Hubert”
ABC, 10pm

Dr. Murphy (Freddie Highmore) and Dr. Reznick (Fiona Gubelmann) must contend with two brothers who are bargaining over life and death. Dr. Brown’s (Antonia Thomas) friend who is dying of cancer asks her for something she doesn’t think she can give her, and Dr. Glassman (Richard Schiff) is dealing with the effects of his treatment.

Bull: “But for the Grace”
CBS, 10pm

In the new episode “But for the Grace,” Bull (Michael Weatherly) takes on a client who was poorly advised by his public defender to plead guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and is now facing felony manslaughter after the victim dies.

Explorer: “The Mouth of Hell”
National Geographic, 10pm
Season Premiere!
The acclaimed documentary series returns with new host Phil Keoghan taking on an explosive story. He travels to Nicaragua to check out one of the country’s 19 active volcanoes — which could blow at any moment. In another segment, Tanzanian bikers deliver solar panels to remote areas with the help of a Silicon Valley tech whiz.

Manifest: “S.N.A.F.U.”
NBC, 10pm

With the detained passengers secretly moved and subjected to painful experimentation — and Cal’s (Jack Messina) health directly linked to them — Ben (Josh Dallas) takes advantage of an old friend to find out where the passengers were taken. Meanwhile, a mysterious new version of the calling pulls Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh) into a murder investigation that has deep personal ramifications for her.

Independent Lens: “The Cleaners”
PBS, 10pm

Meet the Filipino workers who comb through thousands of online images — particularly on Facebook and YouTube — to monitor and delete offensive, pornographic and incendiary posts.

StarTalk With Neil deGrasse Tyson
National Geographic, 11pm
Season Premiere!

Cosmic superstar Neil deGrasse Tyson returns for a fourth season of his science-based talk show. This season, his guests include the late Anthony Bourdain (tonight); authors George R.R. Martin and Patricia Cornwell; former Vice President Al Gore; podcaster Joe Rogan; performer Weird Al Yankovic; engineer and science educator Bill Nye; news anchor Dan Rather; and actors Jack Black, Jeff Goldblum, James Marsden and Anna Deavere Smith. Tyson also travels to the Arctic Circle in Greenland to tour the facilities of one of the Air Force’s most critical military bases, Thule Air Base.

Tuesday, Nov. 13

The Conners: “The Separation of Church and Dan”
ABC, 8pm

Geena (Maya Lynne Robinson) is madder than H-E-double-hockey-sticks when she finds out that, while she was serving in Afghanistan, husband D.J. (Michael Fishman) neglected to take their daughter, Mary (Jayden Rey), to church.

NCIS: “A Thousand Words”
CBS, 8pm

After a mural by a street artist and activist is stolen, the NCIS investigation leads to a conspiracy regarding a Navy contractor and the safety of ocean mammals in the new episode “A Thousand Words.”

The Flash: “All Doll’d Up”
The CW, 8pm

Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy) lets something slip about the future that devastates Iris (Candice Patton). In an attempt to distract his wife, Barry (Grant Gustin) asks Iris to team up to stop a new meta, Rag Doll (guest star Troy James).

The Voice: “Live Top 24 Eliminations”
NBC, 8pm Live

As the playoffs continue, the two artists with the most votes from each team will be revealed and advance to the Top 13. Each coach will then select one of their remaining artists to move on. For the first time ever, the final two Comeback Artists will perform live for a chance to re-enter the competition as part of the Top 13 through the Instant Save. The winning artist will then indicate which team they would like to join.

We’ll Meet Again
PBS, 8pm
Season Premiere!

If you need a dose of human kindness, We’ll Meet Again is just what the doctor ordered. The popular PBS series reunites ordinary people who met in extraordinary times and were bonded by a selfless act. “It’s about big transformative moments in history and how human beings, even in terrible moments, rise for each other,” says host Ann Curry. “Deep down, we have a desire to save each other. We want our species to survive. It’s part of our DNA.” Season 2 presents stories from the women’s movement, Castro’s Cuba and, tonight, Vietnam, with one vet seeking the doctor who saved his leg; another, the helicopter pilot who answered his Mayday call.

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath: The Jehovah’s Witnesses
A&E, 9pm

Taking a breather from her anti-Scientology crusade for this special, ex–church member Leah Remini and former Scientology bigwig Mike Rinder meet with onetime Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their takeaway: The controversial groups aren’t so different.

black-ish: “Purple Rain”
ABC, 9pm

In the 100th episode of the show, the family is shocked to learn that Jack (Miles Brown) and Diane (Marsai Martin) are not familiar with the iconic music of Prince. One by one, each member of the family works to explain Prince’s tremendous impact on their lives through his music.

FBI: “Cops and Robbers”
CBS, 9pm

Maggie (Missy Peregrym) and OA (Zeeko Zaki) hunt down a ruthless group of robbers who are posing as NYPD officers to target armored trucks in the new episode “Cops and Robbers.”

Lethal Weapon: “Bali”
FOX, 9pm

Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) turns to Cole’s (Seann William Scott) former mentor, Tom Barnes (guest star Mykelti Williamson), for help on a high-stakes cartel case.

Driver vs. Driver 2: “Winner Takes All”
Golf Channel, 9pm
Season Finale!

Season 2 of Golf Channel’s Driver vs. Driver competition comes down to the wire, with the remaining finalists making their last pitch for why their design is worthy of a $250,000 prize and a position as Wilson Golf’s newest world-class driver. The winner’s final design will hit retailers worldwide immediately following the season finale.

The Curse of Oak Island
History, 9pm
Season Premiere!

History’s No. 1 series across all key demographics is back for Season 6 as brothers Rick and Marty Lagina continue to pursue their lifelong dream of solving the 223-year-old Oak Island mystery and finding the treasure believed to be buried there.

Welcome to Murdertown
Investigation Discovery, 9pm
New Series!

This new ID offering tracks cases made tougher by the fact that everyone who might know something has clammed up.

This Is Us: “Sometimes”
NBC, 9pm

Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Zoe (Melanie Liburd) land in Vietnam. In the past, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore) take a road trip to Los Angeles. Jack’s war story continues to be revealed.

The Rookie: “The Switch”
ABC, 10pm

The rookies are temporarily paired with new training officers, and Officer Nolan (Nathan Fillion) is paired with Officer Lopez (Alyssa Diaz). When Nolan and Lopez track down an escaped criminal, they discover a little kindness goes a long way. Meanwhile, Jackson (Titus Makin) is forced to face his fears when he is partnered with Bradford (Eric Winter).

NCIS: New Orleans: “Sheepdogs”
CBS, 10pm

A deadly car explosion in the French Quarter ignites an NCIS investigation into a student protest organization in the new episode “Sheepdogs.”

New Amsterdam: “Domino Effect”
NBC, 10pm

With a big domino transplant procedure on the line, Max (Ryan Eggold) must decide if he can be present in the hospital while also dealing with his illness. Meanwhile, a bond with a patient makes Bloom (Janet Montgomery) consider her personal life, and Iggy (Tyler Labine) makes progress on a long-standing case.

Monster Encounters: “Killer Croc”
Travel Channel, 10pm

Following reports that a renegade, giant, man-eating crocodile named Bizmark is terrorizing the Zambezi River, host Casey Anderson heads to Zimbabwe and Zambia to launch an investigation. Anderson even puts his own life at risk as he goes into a custom-built crocodile cage to try to trap the fierce reptile.

Real Country
USA Network, 10pm
New Series!
This country music showcase features superstar Shania Twain, award-winning singer-songwriter Jake Owen and music legend Travis Tritt on a mission to find the future stars of country music. In each hourlong episode, Twain, Owen and Tritt hand-select emerging solo artists, duos and groups to perform in showcases that spotlight a specific country genre. At the end of the season, the best artists from each showcase will perform in a grand finale for the chance to be named one of country music’s next breakout acts.

The Guest Book: “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back”
TBS, 10:30pm

Nikki (Kimiko Glenn) tries to hide her secret, and Vivian (Carly Jibson) convinces Bodhi (Jimmy Tatro) to stay with her until Eddie (Eddie Steeples) reappears. Guest-starring Allison Tolman, Parvesh Cheena, Shoniqua Shandai and Steve Zissis.

Wednesday, Nov. 14

The 52nd Annual CMA Awards
ABC, 8pm Live

Chris Stapleton tops the list of nominations with five. Producer and musician Dann Huff received four, while nine artists garnered three each — Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Janson, Miranda Lambert, Midland, Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban.

Riverdale: “Chapter Forty: The Great Escape”
The CW, 8pm

After weeks pass with no contact from Archie (KJ Apa), Veronica (Camila Mendes) devises a dangerous plan to break him out of juvie. Meanwhile, when Betty (Lili Reinhart) learns that Jughead (Cole Sprouse) has taken their investigation into Griffins & Gargoyles a step too far, she finds herself in a race against the clock to save him.

Chicago Med: “Play by My Rules”
NBC, 8pm

Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt) struggles to convince Dr. Choi (Brian Tee) that surgery isn’t always the answer. Dr. Rhodes (Colin Donnell) finds himself in hot water with Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) when he disobeys her direct order. April (Yaya DaCosta) becomes frustrated with Maggie (Marlyne Barrett) when she continues to question her leadership role as the stand-in charge nurse. Dr. Manning (Torrey DeVitto) suspects Dr. Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss) is keeping something from her.

Nature: “A Squirrel’s Guide to Success”
PBS, 8pm

Join some of the world’s top squirrel scientists who are making groundbreaking discoveries. Learn about the fox squirrel, who can remember the location of 9,000 nuts, and the gray squirrel, whose treetop leaps are the basis of new designs in robotics.

SEAL Team: “Outside the Wire”
CBS, 9pm

In the new episode “Outside the Wire,” Bravo Team continues to follow tips that will lead to Andres Doza, the head of one of the most powerful and lethal drug cartels in Mexico.

All American: “All We Got”
The CW, 9pm

Spencer’s (Daniel Ezra) worlds come together to celebrate his birthday in Beverly Hills. But mixing the dysfunctional families — with the complication of an unexpected guest — ends in disaster. Olivia (Samantha Logan) and Jordan (Michael Evans Behling), on a mission to uncover a family secret, discover a missing link to their father’s past.

Chicago Fire: “The Solution to Everything”
NBC, 9pm

Firehouse 51 is called in to battle a dangerous structure fire that places everyone in peril. Severide (Taylor Kinney) makes a big personal realization. Casey (Jesse Spencer) lends another helping hand to Naomi (Kate Villanova), the investigative reporter.

NOVA: “Thai Cave Rescue”
PBS, 9pm

Follow the remarkable story of how a Thai boys soccer team became trapped in a cave system, how they were located, and how rescuers worked against the clock to make a miraculous rescue of all 12 boys and their coach.

Criminal Minds: “Twenty Seven”
CBS, 10pm

Vigilantes are behind a series of attacks occurring every 27 minutes in Washington, D.C., and it’s up to the BAU to thwart them in the new episode “Twenty Seven.”

American Horror Story: Apocalypse
FX, 10pm
Season Finale!
Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story: Apocalypse season comes to a conclusion that will no doubt be as head-scratching as it is hair-raising. FX has picked up AHS for at least two more seasons.

Chicago P.D.: “Black and Blue”
NBC, 10pm

While CPD tries to take down a drug kingpin, Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) faces a tough choice between doing what’s required to solve the murder of a young dealer and what’s best for the community.

Thursday, Nov. 15

Tell Me a Story
CBS All Access

Tonight on the modern-day fairy-tale thriller: Jordan (James Wolk) is ready to huff and puff and blow up somebody’s life! Fed up with the police, the obsessive restaurateur looks for the three jewelry store robbers responsible for his fiancée’s death.

The Emperor’s Newest Clothes
HBO, 6pm

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale gets a colorful, music-filled makeover in this half-hour special written and produced by Sheila Nevins. The animated adventure, which features the voices of Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Alison Pill, John Early and Tim Heidecker, offers an enchanting twist on a beloved tale.

Grey’s Anatomy: “Blowin’ in the Wind”
ABC, 8pm
Midseason Finale!

Seattle is hit by a huge wind storm, and Grey Sloan gets inundated with patients. Alex (Justin Chambers) and Jo (Camilla Luddington) are stuck at home and decide to make the best of it by having a second honeymoon, while Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) confronts Richard (James Pickens Jr.) about getting his life back on track.

Supernatural: “Optimism”
The CW, 8pm

The Winchester brothers are off on separate adventures! Sam (Jared Padalecki) joins Alternate World hunter Charlie (fan fave Felicia Day) to solve a string of random disappearances, while Dean (Jensen Ackles) goes on his first mission alone with young Jack (Alexander Calvert).

NFL Football: Green Bay at Seattle
FOX, 8pm Live

The Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rogers head to CenturyLink Field to take on Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.

Superstore: “New Initiative”
NBC, 8pm

When a new Cloud 9 initiative forces employees to be friendlier to their customers, Amy (America Ferrera) ends up getting to know Jonah’s (Ben Feldman) parents — and learns he hasn’t been completely truthful with them. The new policy also inspires Garrett (Colton Dunn) and Dina (Lauren Ash) to find out who can hold a smile longer.

The Good Place: “Don’t Let the Good Life Pass You By”
NBC, 8:30pm

Michael (Ted Danson) and Janet (D’Arcy Carden) take an important journey, while Eleanor (Kristen Bell) ponders whether she should share a secret.

Station 19: “Weather the Storm”
ABC, 9pm

The crew’s hoped-for “Friendsgiving” dinner gains new meaning after the storm that hit Seattle on Grey’s Anatomy swirls up frightening fire conditions in the spinoff, putting the responders in harm’s way.

Mom: “Jell-O Shots and the Truth About Santa”
CBS, 9pm

In the new episode “Jell-O Shots and the Truth About Santa,” Bonnie (Allison Janney) pushes Christy (Anna Faris) to mend her relationship with her daughter, Violet (returning guest star Sadie Calvano).

Legacies: “Hope Is Not the Goal”
The CW, 9pm

When two local students go missing, Alaric (Matthew Davis) sends Hope (Danielle Rose Russell), Lizzie (Jenny Boyd), MG (Quincy Fouse) and Landon (Aria Shahghasemi) to Mystic Falls High to investigate. Meanwhile, Josie (Kaylee Bryant) helps Rafael (Peyton Alex Smith) adjust to his new life at the school, but his reluctance to follow the wolf pack’s rules puts a target on his back.

Murphy Brown: “The Coma and the Oxford Comma”
CBS, 9:30pm
Guest Star Alert!

Brooke Shields guest-stars as Holly, a former beauty pageant contestant who just woke up from a 10-year coma, in the new episode “The Coma and the Oxford Comma.”

I Feel Bad: “I Miss Important Moments”
NBC, 9:30pm

After missing her baby’s first steps, Emet (Sarayu Blue) vows not to miss any other important moments. But when a huge, career-making presentation at work comes up at the same time as Lily’s (Lily Rose Silver) dance competition, Emet scrambles to pull off both.

How to Get Away With Murder: “I Want to Love You Until the Day I Die”
ABC, 10pm
Midseason Finale!

In the explosive winter finale, Connor (Jack Falahee) and Oliver’s (Conrad Ricamora) big wedding day has arrived, but there’s murder in the air, and the mystery of who the unlucky victim is will be revealed.

Food: Fact or Fiction?: “Dishes in Disguise”
Cooking Channel, 10pm

Host Michael McKean (Better Call Saul) pulls back the curtain on “Dishes in Disguise,” including the steps it takes to make that multibird oddity known as the Turducken and how soup dumplings get their brothy center. Also: pie-filled cake, or what we call “perfection.”

The Wine Show
Ovation, 10pm
Season Premiere!

The Crown’s Matthew Goode keeps taste-testing top vintages, but in Season 2, James Purefoy of Hap and Leonard replaces Matthew Rhys as partner-in-wine, and they’ve moved from Italy to France. (Rhys fans, don’t freak: He’ll still appear, but on his own from the U.K.)

Friday, Nov. 16

The Gymkhana Files
Amazon
New Series!

This eight-episode docuseries follows famed motorsports star and entrepreneur Ken Block and the making of Gymkhana 10, the tenth installment of his award-winning Gymkhana film series about the titular, highly specific style of motorsport racing.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Netflix
Original Film!

Joel and Ethan Coen wrote, produced and directed this six-part Western anthology film, with each chapter telling a distinct story about the American West through the Coens’ unique voice. Among the cast are Clancy Brown, Tyne Daly, James Franco, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson, Tim Blake Nelson, Tom Waits and many more. The film received the Best Screenplay Award at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

Dogs
Netflix
New Series!
This six-episode documentary series celebrates the deep emotional bonds between people and dogs. Each episode is helmed by a different critically acclaimed director as they chronicle incredible stories of this interspecies relationship from around the globe, including Syria, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy and the United States.

The Kominsky Method
Netflix
New Series!

Oscar winners Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin star as once-famous actor Sandy Kominsky and his longtime agent Norman Newlander in this half-hour comedy series executive produced and cowritten by The Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre (who also directs the first episode). The series follows the men as they navigate their later years in Los Angeles. Sarah Baker costars as Sandy’s daughter Mindy, with Nancy Travis as recent divorcée Lisa, whose decision to take acting classes from Sandy seems like it could develop into something more.

Narcos: Mexico
Netflix
New Series!

Michael Peña and Diego Luna star in this spinoff of Netflix’s popular Narcos drama, which leaves behind the Colombian backdrop of Narcos’ first three seasons and heads to Mexico. There, it explores the origins of the modern drug war, beginning at a time when the Mexican trafficking world was a loose and disorganized confederation of independent growers and dealers, as it follows the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s.

Fresh Off the Boat: “Sub Standard”
ABC, 8pm

Eddie (Hudson Yang) has a radically progressive new substitute who leaves mom Jessica (Constance Wu) feeling not so hot for teacher. Equally frustrated, dad Louis (Randall Park) and neighbor Honey (Chelsey Crisp) search for the workout group that will turn up the heat and help them sweat off the pounds.

MacGyver: “Revenge + Catacombs + Le Fantome”
CBS, 8pm

MacGyver (Lucas Till) and the team try to capture the dangerous bomb maker known as “The Ghost” in the new episode “Revenge + Catacombs + Le Fantome.”

Blindspot: “Ca-Ca-Candidate for Cri-Cri-Crime”
NBC, 8pm

The team is drawn into dangerous political intrigue when a tattoo points to someone from Weitz’s (guest star Aaron Abrams) past.

Speechless: “C-E– CELEBRITY S-U– SUITE”
ABC, 8:30pm

When the DiMeos land in the hospital on Thanksgiving, Maya’s (Minnie Driver) determination to save the holiday leads to an uneasy truce with her rival, Melanie Hertzal (Sarah Chalke); and Jimmy (John Ross Bowie) gets jealous when Kenneth (Cedric Yarbrough) bonds with his brother, Billy (Rob Corddry).

The Cool Kids: “Thanksgiving at Murray’s”
FOX, 8:30pm

When Margaret (Vicki Lawrence) scores an invite to Shady Meadows’ exclusive Thanksgiving potluck for foodies, she takes Sid (Leslie Jordan) as her plus one, leaving Hank (David Alan Grier) and Charlie (Martin Mull) to find a backup plan.

Hawaii Five-0: “Lele Pū Nā Manu Like (Birds of a Feather)”
CBS, 9pm
Guest Star Alert!
Louis Gossett Jr. and Gladys Knight guest-star as Grover’s (Chi McBride) parents in the new Thanksgiving-themed episode “Lele Pū Nā Manu Like (Birds of a Feather).”

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: “I See You”
The CW, 9pm

Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) gets more than she bargained for during a day out with Darryl (Pete Gardner). Josh (Vincent Rodriguez III) lends a helping hand to Paula (Donna Lynne Champlin), while Heather (Vella Lovell) encourages Nathaniel (Scott Michael Foster) to be a nice person.

Midnight, Texas: “I Put a Spell on a You”
NBC, 9pm

The Midnighters join forces to protect a newcomer in town. With Bobo (Dylan Bruce) still in danger, Fiji (Parisa Fitz-Henley) is forced to take desperate action to save him. Patience (Jaime Ray Newman) and Manfred (François Arnaud) bond over their relationship troubles.

Great Performances: “John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway”
PBS, 9pm

Follow John Leguizamo’s path to the Great White Way with his latest theatrical showcase, Latin History for Morons, a comedic and pointed look at the systematic repression of Hispanic culture throughout American history.

Z Nation: “Doc’s Stoned History”
Syfy, 9pm

As Doc (Russell Hodgkinson) explains his version of American history to George (Katy M. O’Brian), Sketchy (Mark Carr) and Skeezy (Doug Dawson) re-enact Doc’s stories about the Founding Fathers, while Warren (Kellita Smith) and the others go the bakery that invented bizkits in search of the secret ingredient.

Blue Bloods: “Stirring the Pot”
CBS, 10pm

Erin (Bridget Moynahan) and Frank (Tom Selleck) clash over new legislation from the district attorney’s office that undermines Frank’s policies in the new episode “Stirring the Pot.”

Real Time With Bill Maher
HBO, 10pm
Season Finale!

Bill Maher concludes the 16th season of his frank and comedic take on contemporary issues.

Fish My City With Mike Iaconelli
Nat Geo Wild, 10pm
Season Finale!

Anchors up, as the series closes its first season.

Van Helsing: “Hunted Down”
Syfy, 10pm

Sam (Christopher Heyerdahl) moves closer to his destiny while Mohamad (Trezzo Mahoro) tries to free himself from imprisonment. Axel (Jonathan Scarfe) escorts San Francisco survivors to Denver. Ivory (Jennifer Cheon) and Scab (Rowland Pidlubny) take control of the Daywalker horde.

Saturday, Nov. 17

Sesame Street
HBO, 9am
Season Premiere!

Season 49 of the landmark preschool series begins today.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
TBS, 7pm

It’s early for this 1966 holiday classic to already show up on the lineup, but we’re excited to welcome back the fabulous Grinch, his dog Max and all the darlings of Whoville.

Christmas at Graceland
Hallmark Channel, 8pm
Original Film!

The music of Elvis Presley forms the soundtrack and Graceland serves as the backdrop of this holiday story. Kellie Pickler stars as a Chicago-based executive who travels to Memphis for work but rediscovers her love of the blues.

A Murder in Mansfield
Investigation Discovery, 9pm

Oscar-winning director Barbara Kopple’s (Harlan County U.S.A.) new documentary explores the legacy of the notorious 1989 murder of Noreen Boyle in Mansfield, Ohio. The film chronicles Noreen’s son, Collier, on his journey for answers and peace in the aftermath of his mother’s death at the hands of his father nearly three decades ago.

Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle
SundanceTV, 9pm

This two-night documentary, which airs tonight and tomorrow night, explores the Jonestown massacre, which occurred 40 years ago this month when more than 900 members of the Rev. Jim Jones’ Peoples Temple died from drinking poison in their Guyana jungle settlement. With stunning archival footage and new interviews with survivors, former Temple members, and Jones’ own family, the documentary reveals how Jones transformed his Peoples Temple from an inclusive church in Indianapolis to a socialist commune ruled by fear and violence, and how he was able to convince people to commit the ultimate act of loyalty to him.

It’s a Wonderful Lifetime Preview Special
Lifetime, 10pm

What if Lifetime never made Christmas movies? This preview special, hosted by Melissa Joan Hart, takes viewers on a journey that explores how life would be without the holiday cheer brought by Lifetime Christmas movies. Melissa will be visited by the “hosts” of Lifetime Christmas Past, Present and Future as she previews the 14 new movies coming to Lifetime this holiday season.