The Heck with Mom

"The Middle" may have premiered nearly a decade ago as a vehicle for Patricia Heaton, the Emmy-winning co-star of "Everybody Loves Raymond," but somewhere along the line the show was stolen by the kids, particularly Eden Sher, who has taken sunshine optimism to new heights. The trend seemingly continues in the sitcom's final season, with Sher's Sue Heck trying to cram all of summer into a day.

7 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5

Draining the swamp

"The Mayor," in which a barely motivated rapper becomes a reluctant city leader, seems tailor-made for our times, but the opener is short on laughs, something that could easily be redeemed by giving Lea Michele's ambitious campaign manager more reasons to get her claws out.

8:30 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5

Greatest American hero

Jason Ritter has established himself as a fine, sensitive actor in ''Joan of Arcadia" and "Parenthood," but he's never channeled his late father, John Ritter, as much as he does in "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World." No, he's not cohabiting with two hotties, but his socially awkward, sensitive character — called on by heavenly forces to foster peace and goodwill on Earth — recalls the sweet side of Jack Tripper.

9 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5

Ritter

Neal Justin