Don't run with knives

Gordon Ramsay once again shows off his softer side in "MasterChef Junior," the competition series for youngsters. Each week, the budding cooks take part in kitchen challenges for the chance to receive a $100,000 prize. Let's hope the producers also throw in an Easy-Bake Oven. 7 p.m. KMSP, Ch. 9

I need a hero

For the umpteenth time, ABC wants to remind you that it's in the comic-book business, but hey, isn't everybody these days? That explains the blatant promotional special "Marvel: 75 Years, From Pulp to Pop!" (ABC and Marvel are both owned by Disney.) Please, don't forget to mention the largely forgotten Captain Ultra! 8 p.m. KSTP, Ch. 5

Thunder in the air

The NBA's reigning MVP tells you how he spent his summer vacation in "The Offseason: Kevin Durant," an unscripted special that gives you a first-person account of the Oklahoma City Thunder forward from the end of last season to the start of training camp. Jay Z serves as one of the executive producers. 9 p.m. HBO

Neal Justin