Penny for your thoughts
One reason why "The Big Bang Theory" remains inviting is the way producers keep expanding the family, giving viewers new characters to invest in. But somewhere along the line, the show put Kaley Cuoco on the sideline. In the first two episodes of Season 11, Penny spends most of her screen time swilling wine and rolling her eyes, the same duties she performed last season. Cuoco is too talented to be a well-dressed extra. Let's hope future episodes give her more to do than get buzzed. Promising spinoff "Young Sheldon" follows the premiere.
7 p.m. Mon., WCCO, Ch. 4
Higher learning
Segregation still persists in "American High School," an emotionally draining four-part documentary that takes us through the hallways of a nearly all-black school in South Carolina. Jamie Foxx narrates, but the real superstar here is principal Stephen Peters, who gives hope to anyone feeling skeptical about our educational system.
8 p.m. Tue., National Geographic Channel
Making a case
Dick Wolf stretches his brand with "Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders," a season-long docudrama on the trial of the Beverly Hills brothers who killed their parents in 1989. Edie Falco adds weight (and frizzy hair) to the proceedings as attorney Leslie Abramson. Part of the draw to the "L&O" franchise is the whodunit element, which is missing from the new series, but the stoic acting, fast-paced clip and even the "ba-bum" sound effects remain.
9 p.m. Tue., KARE, Ch. 11
Neal Justin
