1) ESPYs, 8-11 p.m. ABC, The sports awards show is hosted byr Serena Williams (shown here), who has twice been female athlete of the year. Special awards are for Dawn Staley (coach of the undefeated South Carolina basketball champs), Steve Gleason (ex-football pro, helping others who have ALS) and Prince Harry (creator of Invictus Games for disabled veterans).
2) “Elsbeth,” 9 p.m., CBS. Elizabeth Lail is a gifted actress who has done several series – “Dead of Summer” (central character), “You” (the villain’s obsession), “Ordinary Joe” (a lawyer and Joe’s college girlfriend) and more. In this rerun, she has a great role as a slick-talking beauty, capitalizing on her status as an attack-survivor.
3) More CBS reruns. On “Young Sheldon” (8 p.m.), Missy throws a party with her neighbor Billy; also, her mom looks for a new church. On “Ghosts,” (8:30), the “perfect assistant” brings problems. And on “Fire Country” (10), local sentiment is leaning toward closing the convict-manned fire station.)
4) “Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” 8 and 9 p.m., Fox. Thursdays have been a trouble spot for Fox, ever since “I Can See Your Voice” (rushed into action after the strikes) ended its season June 6. Fox has filled the hole with sports and, tonight, by doubling up on this Niecy Nash game show.
5) Movies. A week ago, Eva Marie Saint became one of the few movie stars to reach 100. Now Turner Classic Movies has her “All Fall Down,” “Raintree County” and “Sandpiper,” at and10 p.m. and 1 a,m. ET. Also, BBC America has the superb “Stand by Me” at 7 p.m.; Freeform has animated fun: “Wreck-It Ralph” and its sequel, at 6:30 and 8:30.