Zoo oughta know to stay out of the woods

Here’s what’s happening in the world of television for Thursday, August 24. All times are Eastern.

Top pick

Zoo (CBS, 10 p.m.): We’ll admit, despite associate editor Gwen Ihnat’s best efforts, we’ve never watched an episode of this bonkers CBS show. Then how do we know it’s bonkers? Because Gwen said so, and also the weekly synopses indicate there’s been some kind of animal uprising that’s endangered humanity and the Large Hadron Collider. In tonight’s episode, “The Black Forest,” Mitch’s alter ego, Mr. Duncan, is on the run after attacking the team’s plane (which we suppose means Mitch is also on the run? We’ll check with Gwen). Luckily, Jamie, Abe, and Max are on his/their trail.

Regular coverage

The Mist (Spike, 10 p.m.)
Marvel’s The Defenders season finale (Netflix)

Wild card

The Guest Book (TBS, 10:30 p.m.): Among the many things 2017 will be remembered for are the multiple anthology series set in motels. First came the Duplass brothers’ uneven Room 104, and here’s Greg Garcia’s take on the model. From the looks of the trailer, there’s less James Van Der Beek and more Kellie Martin ’round these parts. But this basic cable show features Garret Dillahunt in a recurring role, as well as guest spots from Danny Pudi, Lauren Lapkus, and Stockard Channing, so it’s worth checking out.