John Malkovich Savors the Power of the Papacy in HBO's The New Pope

When pondering possible replacements for Jude Law, John Malkovich is likely the last person most viewers would think of, which makes the premise of HBO's The New Pope all the more intriguing. Picking up where 2016's The Young Pope left off — specifically, with Law's Pius XIII in a coma — The New Pope sees Malkovich's John Brannox slipping into the papal vestments as the world awaits news of the last pope's fate. 

SERIES PREMIERE: As our Emma Fraser writes, sublime decadence and tongue-in-cheek undertones are still on the menu as Sir John Brannox (John Malkovich) assumes the role of The New Pope. Just as Brannox begins flexing his papal muscles, Jude Law's Lenny Belardo wakes up. Watch the preview. 9:00 PM ET on HBO

NEW EPISODE: Ten more returning favorites perform for judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Alesha Dixon, and Howie Mandel as America's Got Talent: The Champions continues its second season. 8:00 PM ET on NBC

NEW EPISODE: Peter and Hannah deal with their unresolved feelings while weighing how they'll affect the other women competing for his affections as The Bachelor ramps up the drama. Watch the preview. 8:00 PM ET on ABC

NEW EPISODE: Tonight's episode of Manifest finds Saanvi (Parveen Kaur) delving deeper in the the secrets of the Death Gate. Meanwhile, Ben (Josh Dallas) connects with a passenger from Flight 828. Ellen Tamake (Charmed) and Garrett Wareing (Pretty Little Liars) guest star. 10:00 PM ET on NBC

SERIES PREMIERE: The Kardashians they're not, but psychic medium Matt Fraser and his pageant queen girlfriend Alexa Papigiotis are local celebrities in their hometown of Cranston, Rhode Island. Meet the Frasers follows the duo they navigate Matt's burgeoning career and life in the public eye with an overly involved extended family. Watch the preview. 10:00 PM ET on E!

ALSO TONIGHT

• The Good Doctor sees Shaun (Freddie Highmore) confessing his true feelings for Lea (Paige Spara). 10:00 PM ET on ABC
• Kids Baking Championship challenges its young bakers with a Neapolitan dessert theme. 9:00 PM ET on Food Network

Mike Attebery is Senior Editor at Primetimer and the author of seven mystery thrillers. Follow him on Twitter at @mikeattebery.