Between streaming and cable, viewers have a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that are airing or streaming this week, Oct. 19-25. Details and times are subject to change.
Witchy secrets and an interfaith relationship.
What would you do if you woke up after being in a car accident and had a sneaking suspicion that your mom was not actually your mom but was instead an impostor? That is the premise of the new dark comedy series “Phony.” The show’s creator, Nick Paley, said that his inspiration for the show was his childhood fear of the rare psychological condition Capgras syndrome, in which people believe that a loved one has been replaced by an impersonator. The show stars Connie Britton and Sam Nivola, and the first two episodes release together, with subsequent ones coming weekly. Begins streaming Tuesday on Hulu.
The eccentric and charming couple Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) are back on small screens this week for the third season of “Nobody Wants This.” In it, the two move in together, and Joanne begins the process of converting to Judaism. Sarah Silverman and Andrew Rannells join the cast while fan-favorite characters, including Sasha (Timothy Simons) and Morgan (Justine Lupe), return. All 10 episodes will be released at once. Begins streaming Thursday on Netflix.
After his turn on the wildly successful “Heated Rivalry,” Hudson Williams is back in the new series “Yaga.” The story takes place in a small coastal town in Canada and follows Rapp (Noah Reid of “Schitt’s Creek” fame), a private detective looking into the death of Henry Park (Williams), the heir to a commercial fishery. Rapp teams up with Carson (Clark Backo), a local detective, and Katherine (Carrie-Anne Moss), a university professor, but their investigation takes them someplace witchy and rooted in ancient magic. Begins streaming Friday on AMC+.
Checking in with the housewives.
If Lisa Vanderpump’s quick appearances at SUR Restaurant on “Vanderpump Rules” are not enough for you, catch up with her on the three-part series “Vanderpump Rules: Lisa Las Vegas,” which follows her as she opens her namesake property, the Vanderpump Hotel, in Las Vegas. Tuesday at 9 p.m. on Bravo.
Meanwhile, over on another network, the “Real Housewives of New York City” alums Kelly Bensimon, Countess Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan and Ramona Singer give viewers a look into the golden years of their lives in Palm Beach, Fla., on the new series “The Golden Life.” Tuesday at 10 p.m. on E!
And that’s not the only place you’ll see Medley and Morgan this week; they will also compete on “Battle of the Streaming Stars,” a new show inspired by another from the ’70s and ’80s: “Battle of the Network Stars.” Medley and Morgan will be face Rachel Lindsay, Skylar Astin, Tituss Burgess and others in various challenges. Terry Crews is an executive producer and host. Begins streaming Friday on the Roku Channel.
Social experiments and the danger of dating apps.
In 1971, Philip Zimbardo conducted what would end up being a highly controversial social experiment: the Stanford prison experiment. In it, students from the university were assigned either the role of a prisoner or a guard to see how societal roles affected human behavior. The test was scheduled for 14 days, but called off after six when participants started experiencing emotional and psychological distress. Now Netflix is trying its hand at a version of the experiment in the reality show “The New Stanford Prison Experiment.” This time, there are male and female participants, and it takes place in an actual prison. The behavioral psychologist Alison Wood Brooks, the journalist Trymaine Lee and Michael Cantrell, a retired corrections professional, oversee the process. Begins streaming Wednesday on Netflix.
In 2017, the 24-year-old Sydney Loofe went missing in Nebraska after going on a Tinder date. About a month later, her remains were found. The new true crime documentary series “Swipe Right on the Devil” follows the investigation into her murder and her killers’ trial, which ends up touching on witch covens and dark magic. Begins streaming Thursday on Hulu.
Remembering Dolly Parton.
Many in the country music scene found themselves in mourning in August when Dolly Parton died at 80. Now the Country Music Association has organized an evening dedicated to the star. “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” is set to feature performances from Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce and Carrie Underwood. Streaming Wednesday at 9 p.m. on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu.
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