Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Monday, October 31. All times are Eastern.
Top picks
Chewing Gum (Netflix, midnight): Netflix has a new “original” show on its hands with the six-episode, first series of the British sitcom Chewing Gum. Yes, the title’s no Scrotal Recall, but really, what is? (Not even Scrotal Recall is Scrotal Recall anymore.) “The virginal Tracey, who was raised in a strictly religious Tower Hamlets flat, is ready to realize her potential. And the first step is having sex.” Obviously.
People Of Earth (TBS, 9/9:30 p.m.): You saw the sneak preview, so now see two back-to-back premiere episodes. The Wyatt Cenac-led, alien abductee sitcom People Of Earth premieres tonight. In the pilot: “New York journalist Ozzie Graham (Wyatt Cenac) arrives at a support group for alien abductees when investigating a suspicious car accident in the series premiere of this ensemble comedy.” Then, in “Sponsored By,” People Of Earth immediately expects everyone watching to be familiar with these new characters: “Gerry tries to win Ozzie over. Meanwhile, Chelsea opens up to Father Doug about her marriage, and tensions escalate when Jeff, Don and Kurt prepare for an alien invasion.” Yes, Gerry, Chelsea, Father Doug—all your faves are here.
Full Frontal With Samantha Bee (TBS, 10:30 p.m.): “President Barack Obama is interviewed.” Boom. Mic drop. The Daily Show alums get shit done. At least on TBS. Wait, there’s more? Damn, Samantha Bee, don’t hurt yourself. “Also: Sam explores the alt-right movement.” Full Frontal With Samantha Bee is just the gift that keeps on giving. Don’t believe us? Danette Chavez’s review on this particular episode should change your mind on that one. Again: Boom. Mic drop.
Premieres and finales
Halloween Baking Championship (Food Network, 9 p.m.): Perfect timing. The second season of the Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship ends tonight, on Halloween. You can’t get much better than that, especially when you have a “Ginger Dead House” in the works.
All Access Nashville: Celebrating The CMA Awards With Robin Roberts (ABC, 10 p.m.): Nashville may be CMT’s property now, but that won’t stop ABC or Robin Roberts from getting their CMA Awards on. So tonight, ABC prepares for the 50th Annual CMA Awards with this eighth (out of 50 possible) annual pre-CMA Awards special. The special “will be taped at Tootsie’s in downtown Nashville where a live audience will enjoy performances and appearances from some of country music’s hottest stars while highlighting some of the most memorable moments from the past 50 years of the CMA Awards.” That’s right, they’re doing it live.
The Mind Of A Murderer (Investigation Discovery, 10 p.m.): This is how Investigation Discovery ends one of its show’s second seasons: “Rod Ferrell, who killed a couple while on a drug-fueled road trip at the age of 16, is interviewed.” We mean, that’s at least good horror story fuel for next year’s Halloween. Okay, thanks for keeping up the morbid work, Investigation Discovery. Weekend At Bernie’s is on at the same time on VH1 Classic, in case you want to watch something slightly less upsetting.
Impractical Jokers (TruTV, 10 p.m.): This “special presentation” of TruTV’s Impractical Jokers is just “A Day In The Life.” What does that mean? Well, it means what we know you’ve always wanted it to mean, deep down: It means “behind-the-scenes footage from the series.”
Stan Against Evil (IFC, 11 p.m.): IFC has a sneak preview (meaning, dropping of the pilot) of its new horror-comedy, Stan Against Evil, tonight. Because, you know, Halloween. The show itself stars John C. McGinley as the titular Stan, with Burning Love/You’re The Worst/general televisual joy mainstay Janet Varney as the female lead. We’ve got a disgruntled former sheriff (McGinley), the new sheriff in town (Varney), and all the demons you can imagine in a quaint little New England town (Evil). Let’s do this. And see you again on Wednesday, when you truly premiere and Dennis Perkins reviews you, Stan.
Regular coverage
Supergirl (The CW, 8 p.m.)
Gotham (Fox, 8 p.m.)
WWE Monday Night RAW (USA, 8 p.m.)
Jane The Virgin (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Lucifer (Fox, 9 p.m.)
Timeless (NBC, 10 p.m.)
Streaming pick
Inside No. 9 (Amazon Video/iTunes/Vudu): As you’ve probably heard, Black Mirror is pretty great. But it’s not the only current British anthology worth checking out, which is why we’re suggesting Inside No. 9—a 30-minute, dark comedy anthology created by and starring Psychoville duo Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton—as the streaming pick. The first series (of its two, so far) is currently available for purchase on various services, and it’s certainly worth the price of admission.