Golf Channel, 1:30 a.m. ET
An American, J.B. Holmes, led the British Open after Day 1. Day 2 already is half in the (golf) bag, and the Golf Channel provides live coverage until 4 p.m. ET.
Netflix, 3:00 a.m. ET
SEASON PREMIERE: Now in its second season on Netflix, moved (or rescued) from Sony’s Crackle, Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee continues to be the perfect little TV talk show. It’s a brilliantly reductive idea – the title says it all, though sometimes they eat meals and this season even take a ride on vintage Italian motor scooters – and Seinfeld does it perfectly. He spends enough money to make it look sharp in the photography and editing, and is loose enough with his questions and conversation to make these one-on-one visits absolutely intimate and quietly fascinating. This season, when Seinfeld tells Martin Short he doesn’t prepare any questions for these interviews, Short replies with a mocking moment of mock incredulity, making Seinfeld double over with laughter. When talking to comic Bridget Everett, Seinfeld launches into a blistering tirade about what a jerk one particular comic is – but bleeps out the comic’s name. Yet when talking to Seth Rogen, they get deep into the weeds, and uncomfortable truths, discussing one of Seinfeld’s comedy idols, Bill Cosby. His return visit with Eddie Murphy is great, and whether Seinfeld is arguing with Ricky Gervais (who prompts Seinfeld to say something dangerously un-P.C., then dares him to leave it in the show, which he does) or delighting at the vocal impressions of Melissa Villasenor, Seinfeld always sparkles as brightly and runs as smoothly as his vintage cars. Obviously, I scarfed up the entire new season at one sitting. Since most episodes are 15 minutes or so, I’m betting you will too. Bet you can’t watch just one…
ABC, 8:00 p.m. ET
“How are these two related?” is the question asked tonight, as the S.H.I.E.L.D. squad tries to piece together two connected mysteries. One is why the renegade world-destroyer Sarge looks and sounds exactly like their former leader Coulson – and the other mystery is why one of their squad members shot and killed Sarge in cold blood at the end of last week’s episode, yet has no memory of doing so.
TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET
The best movies of 1939 continue to be collected and shown on Fridays this month by TCM – but let’s focus on this particular one, which should be seen tonight by everyone, regardless of political leanings. When I show this film, starring James Stewart and an equally fabulous Jean Arthur, to my Rowan University film students, they’re astounded by so much in this now 80-year-old movie: the cynicism of the media, the corruption of politicians, and both the liberated and disapproving views of different types of women. But most of all, they’re won over by this Frank Capra movie’s heart, patriotism and optimism. So watch it. We all need a taste of what Mr. Smith is having.
BBC America, 10:00 p.m. ET
Moon TV specials are everywhere this week, but here’s one that takes moon travel literally. It’s about how and why the moon travels in its orbit, and how that affects things here on Earth. If you’re looking for pure escapism tonight, look elsewhere – because if there’s one thing this new special is loaded with, it’s gravity.
Cinemax, 10:00 p.m. ET
Things get worse for Carla Gugino’s Jett tonight. But hey – I could have written that every week so far…