Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Monday, October 13. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Jane The Virgin (The CW, 9 p.m.): In this new CW series adapted loosely from the Venezuelan daytime soap “Juana la Virgen,” Jane—a student and waitress who wants to be a writer—ends up pregnant when a doctor accidentally artificially inseminates her. If you don’t know how that could possibly happen, you’ll have to tune into the series premiere tonight. Yes, Jane is a virgin, but she’s also “considerate, thoughtful, intelligent, and hard-working,” as Kate Kulzick remarks in her pre-air review. With its mixture of melodrama and wacky comedy that parodies its telenovela roots along with its occasional serious moments, Jane The Virgin already reminisces of the late, great Ugly Betty and similarly works against stereotypes of Latina women. And we would not be opposed to Marc St. James and Amanda Tanen showing up in this universe:
Also noted
Sleepy Hollow (Fox, 9 p.m.): This week on the Abbie and Ichabod Variety Hour, a demonic Pied Piper shows up because of course. And he’s stealing children. But, more importantly, Abbie also gives Ichabod a driving lesson, which is bound to be hilarious.
Regular coverage
Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.)
Gotham (Fox, 8 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
The complete series of The Wonder Years is finally available on DVD, and if you find yourself wondering how Dan Lauria came to be Jack Arnold, Will Harris spoke with the man himself in the latest Random Roles.
What else is on?
The Originals (The CW, 8 p.m.): “Klaus encourages Hayley to regain her position within her werewolf pack; Mikael tries to uncover a spell that will protect her loved ones; Davina and Kaleb are threatened when unexpected visitors crash their dinner; Klaus grows suspicious when a meeting with Cassie doesn’t go as planned.” Threats, unexpected things, and foiled plans. Yep, sounds like The Originals is busy being The Originals this week.
The Voice (NBC, 8 p.m.): It’s time for battle! Tonight kicks off the dueling battle round of The Voice, with star advisors Stevie Nicks (!!!), Little Big Town, Alicia Keys, and Gavin Rossdale stepping in to ready these vocal soldiers for war.
Castle (ABC, 10 p.m.): A pool shark dies, and everything thinks magic is responsible, apparently. Meanwhile, Castle and Beckett are all like “hey let’s just forget about that whole traumatizing disappearance thing and get back to normal!”
The Black List (NBC, 10 p.m.): Regular nonviolent citizens are becoming killers, so looks like a psychological experiment must be afoot! This still has nothing to do with magazines, so what’s up with those promos? But hey, Mary Louise-Parker and Paul Reubens guest star so there’s that. (Can someone please save Mary Louise-Parker by putting her on a good show again?)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (ABC Family, 9:30 p.m.): Daniel Radcliffe will play Igor in 2015’s contemporary adaptation of the overly adapted Frankenstein story, Emma Watson’s doing feminist things, and Rupert Grint … well, we’re not really sure where Rupert Grint is. But you can see the Harry Potter trio when they were but little babes in the very first installment of the beloved films.
Volcano (AMC, 7:30 p.m.): Already finish binging on all of Transparent and want some more Gaby Hoffmann in your life? In this 1997 disaster movie, she plays the daughter of Los Angeles’ Emergency Manager (played by Tommy Lee Jones), who has to spring into action when a geologist (Anne Heche) informs him that a volcano is forming beneath the city. Insert joke about people in Los Angeles taking hot yoga to a whole new level.
Monday Night Football: 49ers at Rams (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.): Last week it was announced that coach Jim Harbaugh will not be returning to the 49ers in 2015 no matter the outcome of the current season, but despite all the drama that has surrounded his employment, the San Francisco 49ers have been playing well this season. Defeating the St. Louis Rams would mark a third consecutive win for the 49ers and a third consecutive loss for the Rams.
In case you missed it
The Affair: If you missed last night’s premiere of Showtime’s new infidelity drama, it’s time to catch up, because Carrie Raisler kicks off our weekly coverage by calling it one of the best pilots she has seen in a while. She promises not to refer to Joshua Jackson as “Pacey” in her reviews, but just know that she’s thinking it.