Sunday
Matt LeBlanc's parody of himself gets darker and more disturbing in a new season of "Episodes" (9:30 p.m., Showtime), a series that all too successfully exposes what's wrong with the TV business. Special props to Kathleen Rose Perkins, an actress who goes the extra mile to mine laughs. She's one to keep an eye on.
Monday
Minneapolis native Nick Swardson joins Hannibal Buress, Method Man and Bobby Moynihan as voices for the new animated series "Chozen" (9:30 p.m., FX), which revolves around the ambitions of a gay white rapper. The show comes from the warped brains of Danny McBride and Jody Hill, the duo behind "Eastbound & Down."
Tuesday
Monica Geller may have traded coffee for wine, but she still has a soft spot for Chandler Bing. Yes, it's time for the inevitable guest appearance by Matthew Perry on Courteney Cox's series "Cougar Town" (9 p.m., TBS). He plays a smitten stranger who falls for Jules after a minor car accident.
Wednesday
Another year, another cast. "American Idol" (7 p.m., KMSP, Ch. 9) marks the return of Jennifer Lopez and the debut of Harry Connick Jr., whose genuine musical chops and likable nature make him a perfect fit. Early episodes feature auditions in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit and Salt Lake City.
Thursday
Lock the doors, turn off the lights and close the shades. That way none of your neighbors will know that you're watching the season premiere of "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" (8 p.m., TLC). As a rule, I don't think you should ever be ashamed of liking a show, but in this case, I'm willing to make an exception.
Neal Justin
