Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, October 15. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Nathan For You (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.): Nathan For You is back for its third season, and this week, Nathan is heading to the “Electronics Store”: “Nathan clashes with a giant corporation when he tries to help a struggling electronics store.” All you Nath Heads (that’s what you’re called) out there, you can prepare yourself for this premiere by listening to this week’s episode of Comedy Bang! Bang! the podcast. Nathan Fielder is the guest. (Disclaimer: It’s not a solo bolo. Anthony Jeselnik and Drew Tarver are also there.) Then, you can read Nathan For You reviewer John Teti’s interview with the series star right over here. Once you’ve gotten done with all of that—and only then—you can watch this season premiere. At 10 p.m. Only on Comedy Central.
Also noted
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 p.m.): Oh, Vampy Ds. You can’t start an episode synopsis with the words “Damon makes an impulsive decision” without at least a little self-awareness. And yet, that’s what you’ve done. Damon’s default setting is “an impulsive decision.” But fine, let’s get through the whole sentence to see if you get out of that pit of obviousness: “Damon makes an impulsive decision that threatens to unravel a carefully negotiated deal between Stefan and Lily, so Damon tries to make amends with his mother before things spiral further out of control.” Alright, we’ll allow it. Meanwhile, “Caroline uncovers a shocking detail about Stefan’s past,” and Carrie Raisler just hopes it has something to do with Stefan’s love of ‘80s hair bands. We all hope that.
Sleepy Hollow (Fox, 9 p.m.): “Pandora releases an artifact from her box that can change a human being into a frightening creature from the past.” That sounds absolutely unpleasant for everyone involved. Sorry, Zack Handlen.
Comedy Bang! Bang! (IFC, 11 p.m.): Remember, Comedy Bang! Bang! is on at 11 p.m now. If you need a mnemonic device to remember that… We don’t actually have one, so hopefully you can figure out a way to remember that. This week, Judy Greer finds her way onto the Bang! Bang! couch during a hockey-filled episode. How does one get from Judy Greer to hockey? You’ll just have to watch and find out. That’s Emily L. Stephens’ chosen method of doing things.
Regular coverage
Steven Universe (Cartoon Network, 7:30 p.m.)
Heroes Reborn (NBC, 8 p.m.)
Scandal (ABC, 9 p.m.)
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
Check out The Lady Aye’s For Our Consideration piece on The Knick, where she takes an in-depth look into the work of Dr. Stanley Burns, the Cinemax series’ resident technical consultant. And again—don’t forget to check out John Teti’s interview with Nathan Fielder! Don’t. Forget.
What else is on?
SuperMansion (Crackle, 3 a.m.): “This Thursday on SuperMansion, American Ranger’s former sidekick Kid Victory joins the League for dinner at the mansion. Rex tries to secure more funding while Ranger struggles with Victory’s lifestyle and the rest of the League goes grocery shopping.” Things are happening on SuperMansion, and those are some of them.
Wabbit (Cartoon Network, 2 p.m.): It looks like Yosemite Sam is all over the place this week. First off, “Yosemite Sam wants a new phone after Bugs scratches his old one.” That sounds reasonable enough, but we can only assume that Bugs is going to be a stinker about it, and Yosemite Sam will greatly overreact. Then, “Yosemite Sam holds up a clothing store to get a belt, but Bugs intervenes.” Sam. You can just buy a belt. There’s no need for crime!
We Bare Bears (Cartoon Network, 6:30 p.m.): The week of We Bare Bears continues, with “The Road.” “The Bears flashback to a time when they were cubs and discovered a giant warehouse.” Aww, that sounds really adorable and possibly a little sad. (This has been: The We Bare Bears Brief.)
Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! (Cartoon Network, 7 p.m.): “The gang visit the Crystal Canopy to solve the mystery of the Crystal Crawler, but must remain quiet to prevent the crystals from falling.” Sadly, this might be the closest Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! ever gets to having the gang back in Crystal Cove. But since it’s probably the best Scooby-Doo! show after Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, it’s all good.
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 8 p.m.): “Owen teaches an important lesson to the interns regarding breaking bad news to patients’ loved ones.” In case you were worried Grey’s Anatomy had run out of new material 12 seasons in, congratulations! You were right to worry. “And a dinner party gets off to a bad start when the hosts forget about it.” Actually, never mind. This episode of Grey’s Anatomy is also preying on our love of dinner party plots, and now we must recommend it.
Chopped (Food Network, 8 p.m.): In “Chopped Catwalk,” “four chefs who also work as fashion models compete.” Yes, this week’s Chopped is dedicated to the immortal lyrics of RuPaul: “Sashay! Sauté!”
Bones (Fox, 8 p.m.): Bad timing (or good timing, depending on how you look at things like death) is the name of the game in this episode, as Brennan and Booth’s return to their jobs coincides with remains (bones, you might say) being found at a fish farm. It’s always nice to have something to do at work, right? Fine, we confess: We have no idea what it’s like to work with dead bodies. We’re sorry.
Project Runway (Lifetime, 9 p.m.): This week’s challenge is “fashion-forward,” as opposed to every other week’s prehistoric fashion challenges. “The designers use 3D-printing technology to create avant-garde styles.” Buzzwords! What will guest judge Mel B think of these styles? We’re not sure. We haven’t seen the episode yet. To the future!
The Blacklist (NBC, 9 p.m.): “Red and Liz head toward the Midwest in their quest to take down the Cabal and exonerate Liz.” Road trip!
The Originals (The CW, 9 p.m.): So, what’s up with Lucien? We’re sure this episode doesn’t completely answer that question, but it does have Lucien approach Elijah about that whole “war brewing among the sire lines” situation, which is something we can get behind. And much like the above Vampire Diaries’ synopsis, we’re told that another character does something that defines their entire character: “Klaus takes extreme measures.” He does so to confirm the legitimacy of a “dire prophecy” about his and his siblings’ futures, and if said prophecy ends up being nonsense, maybe Klaus will finally know how everyone else felt about the Sun and the Moon curse being his idea of “loljk.” Maybe.
Benders (IFC, 10 p.m.): “Paul’s effort to top Anthony in a new hockey division lead him to go clean and sober.” We’re very surprised this synopsis doesn’t have a parenthetical where it says “Hehe. Paul wants to top Anthony.” Benders!
The Player (NBC, 10 p.m.): The synopsis for this episode ends with “but Cassandra has her own plan,” which we’re fairly certain is how every episode synopsis for The Player ends. Cassandra’s entire character is one with her own plan. Still, play on, Player.
Haven (Syfy, 10 p.m.): “The Trial Of Nathan Wuornos,” Nathan is, well— He’s put on trial. It’s a pretty literal episode title, actually. Charlotte and Dwight are tasked with clearing his name as the Teagues moderate the trial, and Audrey is off solving the Trouble-of-the-week, which is one way to take your mind off trial stress.
Gigi Does It (IFC, 10:30 p.m.): “Wanting to overcome her lifelong body image issues, Gigi attends a local art class to pose nude for a portrait.” Wow, three episodes is all it took to get there.
Broke A$$ Game Show (MTV, 10:30 p.m.): “Scaring customers at a brunch buffet; testing folks on ‘cornography’; and inflating condoms.” This is a show.
Billy On The Street (TruTV, 10:30 p.m.): Chris Pratt is the celebrity guest star this week, and “pedestrians are asked if they relate to Ben Stiller.” So we ask you, dear What’s On Tonight readership: Do you relate to Ben Stiller? Follow-up question: Are any of you Chris Pratt? Let us know, please.
Watch What Happens: Live (Bravo, 11 p.m.): Olivia Wilde! Michael Strahan! There’s something for everyone! And also alcohol! That’s what happens when you watch what happens! Annnnnnd Buddyback pose!
Middle Of The Night Show (MTV, 11 p.m.): “Jordin Sparks meets an imposter, interviews Elmo and competes in a singing competition.” This is also a show.
Her (HBO Zone, 9 p.m.): When’s the last time you fell in love with your technology? Be honest. This is a safe space. Also, was it as heartbreaking as it is here in Her? If so, what is your life like on a regular basis, and why are you watching movies? You should be a movie.
Edge Of Tomorrow (MoreMax, 9 p.m.): Live. Die. Repeat.
Sports, sports, all type of sports
College Football: Auburn at Kentucky (ESPN, 7 p.m.)
College Football: Alabama State at Arkansas (Pine Bluff) (ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.)
MLB Playoff: Game 5: Mets at Dodgers (TBS, 8 p.m.)
Thursday Night Football: Falcons at Saints (CBS, 8:25 p.m.)
NBA Preseason Basketball: Rockets at Warriors (TNT, 10 p.m.)
College Football: UCLA at Stanford (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.)
WWE Thursday Night SmackDown (Syfy, 8 p.m.)
In case you missed it
Moonbeam City: Jesse Hassenger’s review was a lot more than just “Dazzle fell in love with a dolphin!” For that, he deserves a little appreciation.