Around the remote: Chuck Barney’s picks for Oct. 2-8
DON’T MISS: “Westworld” – Based on Michael Crichton’s 1973 film, this lavish new sci-fi thriller whisks viewers to a futuristic Western-style theme park where guests pay big bucks to interact with lifelike robots. Of course, something goes haywire and chaos ensues. The extraordinary cast includes, among others, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden and Thandie Newton. 9 p.m. Sunday, HBO.
Other bets
SUNDAY: As “NCIS: Los Angeles” kicks off its eighth season, the team is being investigated by the under secretary of the Navy, who is out to find a mole in the department. Still, there’s work to do and that includes tracking down a dangerous Syrian terrorist, 8 p.m., CBS.
SUNDAY: The demon hunters of “Ash Vs. Evil Dead” are back, and you know what that means: There will be blood. Lots of it. 8 p.m., Starz.
SUNDAY: In the Season 3 opener of “Madam Secretary,” Elizabeth urges President Dalton to re-examine his approach to climate change and his overall foreign policy. But here’s what we really want to know: Will she accept the offer to be his running mate? 9 p.m., CBS.
MONDAY: One of the more intriguing new shows of the fall season is “Timeless.” It’s a sci-fi thriller that has a hand-picked team of experts traveling through time to battle a baddie who is out to alter human history. First stop: The Hindenburg disaster of 1937. 10 p.m., NBC.
TUESDAY: Vice presidential candidates Tim Kaine (D) and Mike Pence (R) face off in their only debate. The showdown, aired live from Longwood University in Virginia, will be moderated by Elaine Quijano of CBS News, on the major networks and cable news channels.
TUESDAY: In the fun new dramedy “No Tomorrow,” a shy wallflower (Tori Anderson) falls for a free-spirited hunk (Joshua Sasse) who wants her to live life to the fullest because he thinks the world will soon end. Is he bonkers? Does it matter? 9 p.m., The CW.
WEDNESDAY: Mariah Carey makes a guest appearance in what promises to be a diva-licious episode of “Empire.” Mariah and Cookie sharing the same screen? We are so there. 9 p.m., Fox.
WEDNESDAY: “Frequency” is a new drama series about a woman (Peyton List) who somehow reconnects, via an old ham radio, with the mysterious voice of her father (Riley Smith). Just one problem: Pops was an undercover cop who died when she was 8 years old. 9 p.m., The CW.
THURSDAY: Class is back in session as the clueless teachers of Smoot High School return for Season 2 of “Those Who Can’t.” And we continue to wonder how long they’ll keep their jobs. 10:30 p.m., TruTV.
FRIDAY: On “Shark Tank,” a bidding war breaks out among the panel of investors with a married couple from Florida who stumbled on the bright idea to put safety light clips on running shoes. 9 p.m., ABC.
SATURDAY: The “31 Days of Halloween” celebration continues with “Day of Reckoning.” The made-for-TV shriek-fest has strange creatures coming up from below to purge humanity of evil. 9 p.m., Syfy.