1) “Perfect Harmony” and “The Good Place,” 8:30 and 9 p.m., NBC. By Ivy League standards, it’s a rough one-two punch. First, a former Princeton prof manages to make a whole town mad at him; then a Princeton grad turns out to be a total jerk who figures he’s too good for regular-folks Heaven. Both episodes are clever and and one manages to get an esteemed Emmy winner caked in mud (shown here). But don’t get them confused: In one, “fork” is a substitute for a nasty word; the other celebrates a Fork Festival.
2) “iHeartRadio Music Festival,” 8-10 p.m., CW. Here’s the second half of a concert stuffed with stars. Subject to change, tonight’s line-up ranges from country (the Zac Brown Band) to rap (Chance the Rapper), with lots more in-between (Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus, Mumford & Sons, more).
3) “The Unicorn,” 8:30 p.m., CBS. Friends have identified Wade’s flaw: “He’s too nice for this world.” Especially for being widowed and dating; he can’t even ignore a Facebook friend request; he has no skill at ending a brief relationship. It’s a funny epsode that adds a moving moment with his daughter.
4) “Mom” and “Carol’s Second Act,” 9 and 9:30 p.m., CBS. Last week’s funny “Mom” season-opener saw Bonnie’s honeymoon get wobbly. Now, of course, she lies about it to friends. It’s a promising episode … unfortunately, followed by a “Carol’s Second Act” misfire. Patricia Heaton has done some terrific shows, but this one is forced and jokey … with few of the jokes being funny.
5) And more: There’s football on Fox (Rams at Seahawks), drama on ABC … and another excellent “Doc Martin” on www.acorn.tv. Last week’s season-opener included a charming moment, when the pub-owner accidentally proposed marriage. Now he’s engaged and a bit unsettled’; also, we find out if the doctor will lose his license and we see Louisa fret that their son is like his dad.