Sunday
Dominion – 10pm on Showcase – 2nd Season Premiere
This post-apocalyptic drama takes place in a future year when an army of lower angels has waged war against mankind. Coming out of the 25-year-long battle are newly fortified cities that protect humans who survived the war. The largest of the cities is Vega, which we know as Las Vegas, but as the second season begins, main characters Alex and Noma head to New Delphi after an attack, Claire begins to understand her responsibilities and Michael discovers a quaint southern town. It sounds as though their world is expanding.
The Strain – 10pm to 11:15 on FX – 2nd Season Premiere
This series has some heavy-hitters behind it, including Oscar-nominated writer Guillermo del Toro and Emmy-winning writer Carlton Cuse, and everything I’ve heard is that it’s a labour of love from them. Our story so far: Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the CDC’s New York-based Canary Project, is called upon to investigate when an airplane lands with everybody on board dead. What his team discovers is a viral outbreak that has similarities to an ancient strain of vampirism. As the virus spreads, Goodweather works with his team and a group of the city’s residents to wage a war that could hold humanity’s fate in its hand.
Ray Donovan – 9pm on TMN – 3rd Season Premiere
Ray Donovan is a “fixer” for Hollywood’s elite (think Olivia Pope on Scandal). He is the go-to guy that big names turn to make their problems go away. Ray has a shady past of his own, though, and shaking that makes up a big part of his story. This season takes on a new challenge to help a wealthy family to free their kidnapped son, opening up a whole new can of worms for Ray.
Masters of Sex – 10pm on TMN – 2nd Season Premiere
This feels like a stride-hitting season, as Masters and Johnson prepare to publish their study (and that’s saying something, since the first season was no slouch, either!).
Monday
Running Wild with Bear Gryls – 10pm on NBC – 2nd Season Premiere
Oscar-nominated actress Kate Hudson goes on a journey with Bear that involves a treacherous mountain range in Italy; Kate shares details of her unique upbringing.
Comic-Con All Access – 11pm on Spike
Looking for a wrap-up of Comic-Con International in San Diego? Here you go!
Wednesday
The 2015 ESPYs – 8 to 11pm on ABC
What a coincidence that this awards show moves from ESPN to ABC on the very year that Caitlyn Jenner is getting The Arthur Ashe Award. Yes, an amazing coincidence indeed. (Is my sarcasm too subtle?) Joel McHale (speaking of sarcasm) hosts.
Thursday
Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll – 10pm on FX – Series Premiere
Denis Leary is BACK, baby (with John Corbett)! I’ve missed his “take” on the world since Rescue Me ended (and his Sirens on Comedy has been cancelled, sadly), but this time around, Dennis plays Johnny Rock, the leader of an early-’90s band (The Heathens) which lived up to that name offstage as well as on it, partying hard and using drugs. They were on the brink of fame with the release of its first album, but they broke up on the day of the album’s release when lead guitarist Flash discovered Johnny in bed with his wife. And then (as the cliché goes), the fun begins! However, it’s 25 years later when we pick up the story, and things have changed, but not too much. There’s talk of getting the band together for a reunion, but with one very big twist (which you’ll have to tune in to see…or slightly Google to discover). 😉
Married – 10:30 on FX – 2nd Season Premiere
Recently married couples are usually madly in love, but as time goes on, that love often wanes and the partners seem to be just going through the motions. This sitcom explores what life is like for a not-so-newlywed couple who have seen the romance diminish. Russ and Lina Bowman can barely remember what things were like before kids and debt started to put a strain on their relationship. But every so often, they are reminded about what brought them together to begin with… being best friends. Is there life after the wedding (as in life during marriage)? That’s what this series attempts to answer. It stars Judy Greere, Jenny Slate, Nat Faxon and Brett Gelman.
Friday
Best Friends Whenever – 8:05pm to 8:30 on The Family Channel – Series Premiere
Disney-type teen comedy plus time travel? It sounds perfect for a TGIF Friday from our younger years, if you ask me. BFFs Shelby and Cyd can travel to any era in history (even the future!) after a science experience goes wrong (or right, am I right, people?), and it ends up helping them to navigate those awkward teen years both at home and at school. It stars a bunch of newbies, so whatevs. 😉
Saturday
Hell On Wheels – 9pm on AMC – 5th Season Premiere
The fifth and final season begins with the Civil War in the past, but former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon can’t put it behind him. The death of his wife—killed by Union soldiers—sets him on a revenge quest and as the story winds down, Cullen is in California with the Central Pacific Railroad, and must learn to contend with the new workers; word comes in from Salt Lake City about the Hatches. Set in America, but filmed in Alberta.
