Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Monday, November 7. All times are Eastern.
Top picks
American Dad (TBS, 8:30 p.m.): Monday night television is always kind of a mash-up, so your friendly neighborhood What’s On Tonight contributor has decided to show just how much of a mash-up it can be with tonight’s top picks. So first up is American Dad, an obscure TBS sitcom (“Very funny”). It begins its 14th season with a parody of an equally obscure bit of pop culture, this little movie called Groundhog Day. In the episode, “Father Daze,” “Stan keeps reliving the same Father’s Day.” You see, in Groundhog Day, Bill Murray relives the holiday Groundhog Day. These are the pop-cultural connections. You’re welcome.
The Odd Couple (CBS, 9:30 p.m.): Then, in more mainstream top pickery—because who doesn’t know Matthew Perry and/or The Odd Couple, two things that this show remakes—this week’s episode of The Odd Couple promises to pay tribute to the late Garry Marshall. Coincidentally, it’s another father episode (so maybe these shows aren’t so different after all): “Oscar reconnects with many significant people from Walter’s (Garry Marshall) life when he agrees to carry out his father’s final wish to spread his ashes behind the candy factory he used to own.” The “significant people” will be actors from Mr. Marshall’s other television series, such as sister Penny Marshall, Ron Howard, and Pam Dawber.
Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party (VH1, 10 p.m.): Snoop Dogg is a father. This theme checks out. Also, now he has a VH1 series with Martha Stewart, because as far as career paths go for both of these people, that’s a natural one, right? You are cordially invited to the series premiere, “Putting The Pot In Potluck” (get it?):
Premieres and finales
The Real Housewives Of Orange County (Bravo, 8 p.m.): It seems like every week, there’s a new reality show reunion special. That’s because there is—this is actually one of two reunion specials on tonight. And of course, it’s only part one of the reunion, because these things have to be stretched out. “Included: Vicki is grilled; Tamra opens up about religion and being a peacemaker; Meghan addresses her relationship with Jimmy; and Kelly stands her ground when ’70s party accusations fly.” “’70s party accusations”? Sounds like a Swingtown situation to us. Color us intrigued.
Love & Hip Hop Hollywood (VH1, 8 p.m.): See what we mean? Love & Hip Hop Hollywood also has the “Reunion: Part 1” (of two!) treatment tonight, though it’s only in its third season, not 11th.
Vanderpump Rules (Bravo, 9 p.m.): In the Vanderpump Rules season five premiere, “Summer Bodies” (even though we’re in November right now), “Jax spreads a shocking rumor, jeopardizing the best relationship he’s ever had.” Classic Jax. There’s also a “fat-shaming incident” and “scandalous gossip.” Does anyone do any restaurant work? Ha. Please.
Cake Wars (Food Network, 9 p.m.): This is Cake Wars’ new time slot—there is also a new episode at 8 p.m., so we should acknowledge that too—and it’s starting things off right with its celebration of the 20th anniversary of Space Jam. “Helping choose the winning baker is Bill Farmer, the voice actor behind Sylvester and Yosemite Sam.” Will Bill Murray randomly show up, as Bill Murray is wont to do? You’ve got to watch Cake Wars to find out.
People Magazine Investigates (Investigation Discovery, 9/10 p.m.): It’s the series and time slot premiere of Investigation Discovery’s newest life ruiner… er… television show, and we’ll just tell you the synopsis for the first episode so you know what to expect. “In the premiere of the true-crime series, the search for a missing escort leads the police on Long Island to discover the bodies of 10 women believed to have been murdered by the same killer.” Yes, you should expect exactly what Investigation Discovery wants you to expect.
Saturday Night Live: The 2016 SNL Election Special (NBC, 10 p.m.): What’s this? Saturday Night Live? On a Monday?!? What. Is. This. It’s the 2016 SNL Election Special. It says so right there. Now that that’s all settled, we know what you’re really wondering. Is the special just an hour of “The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started A Conversation With At A Party”? We can all continue to hope.
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.)
People Of Earth (TBS, 9 p.m.)
Streaming pick
The Odd Couple (Hulu): If you don’t want to watch tonight’s episode of The Odd Couple but still want some Oscar/Felix goodness, you can still see the original (as far as television goes) sitcom online. However, a word of warning: “A limited number of The Odd Couple episodes are available for streaming at this time.” Please direct all boos to Hulu.