Revved up by The Deuce, another program in the night

Here’s what’s happening in the world of television for Sunday, September 9. All times are Eastern.

Top pick

The Deuce (HBO, 10 p.m.): David Simon’s and George Pelecanos’ saga detailing the rise of the legalized porn industry returns for its second season tonight, leaping five years into the future to check in on its cast of “flawed, fascinating people.” We last left Vincent Martino with a bruise on his hand and a chill in his relationship, Darlene with a wig she’d outgrown, Chris Alston on the verge of a big promotion, and Eileen “Candy” Merrell with a blossoming career as an adult film director, wearing the jacket of a fallen friend. They’re back tonight, and so is Erik Adams, peeking in through the windows and counting the minutes until the first Gerald Ford reference. There will be money, sex, and top-notch cursing.

Regular coverage

Shameless (Showtime, 9 p.m.)
Insecure (HBO, 10:30 p.m.)
Venture Bros. (Adult Swim, midnight)

Wild card

The Bad Seed (Lifetime, 8 p.m.): Rob Lowe is directing and starring in this remake of the 1956 psychological melodrama about a couple that suspects that their adorable little moppet is a stone-cold killer. Could be good, could be bad, could be deliciously both—but if nothing else, the person stepping into Patty McCormack’s evil kid shoes is McKenna Grace, a terrific young actor who is probably best known for playing the young Tonya Harding in I, Tonya. Katie Rife will be on hand to share her thoughts, casting a wary eye at anyone wearing pigtails.