1) “Dispatches From Elsewhere” debut, 10 p.m., AMC. Peter leads an unchallenging (and unfulfilling) life, with no significant human contact. He visits a therapist weekly because it’s free and he should talk to someone; still, he has nothing to tell her. Then he’s lured into a bizarre adventure. This is an odd tale, compelling and confounding. Jason Segel (shown here), who skillfully directed and co-wrote the opener, stars alongside Oscar-winner Sally Field, rapper/actor Andre Benjamin and trans actress Eve Lindley.
2) “Little Big Shots” season-opener, 8 p.m., NBC. After three strong seasons with Steve Harvey, this vanished for 20 months. Now Melissa McCarthy hosts; there’s more film footage, but none of the droll humor Harvey brought. McCarthy meets a vibrant hula dancer, toddler sisters who biked (with parents in front) the length of England, and more, with OK results. The highlight is on film: Octavia Spencer visits Martin Luther King’s childhood home with his granddaughter Yolanda, 11, a public speaker.
3) “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” 9 p.m., NBC. Pairing this bright-spirited show with “Little Big Shots” gives NBC an entertaining night. Zoey doesn’t know why she can hear people’s thoughts via song, but now she examines her own faith, while trying to help her gender-fluid neighbor Mo. Also, her brother plans a big moment for their dad, who’s been virtually paralyzed.
4) “American Idol,” 8-10 p.m., ABC. Maybe this is a sign that Lionel Richie, 70, isn’t as hip as the young “Idol” crowd: A contestant’s great-grandmother fulfills her longtime dream of meeting him. Also, ABC says, there’s an “Idol” first … and a “fan favorite” from the first season (in 2002) visits
5) “Homeland,” 9 p.m., Showtime. Risking his life, Saul molded a long-awaited agreement to bring peace in Vietnam. Now the president cheers (thanking Carrie and Saul) and his vice-president, from the opposite party, sulks. Carrie can’t celebrate, because there’s an individual crisis. Stick around; this is a strong and pivotal episode … followed by two strange ones (10 and 10:30 p.m.) for Jim Carrey’s “Kidding.” The first – the vibrating Jeff Pickles toy finds adult mis-use – will upset some viewers.