Series peddling fear
Paranoia looms large in two returning series. “Dark Net” (10 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA) returns for a second season, spotlighting the spookier corners of hidden cyberspace, places where money, sex and secrets are traded in an unregulated and unsupervised environment. It also looks at ways that shadowy organizations monetize the banal activities of ordinary internet activity and how private companies and secret agencies easily gather information on our browsing and spending habits. The second-season premiere looks at stories concerning efforts to build a “sex robot” using artificial intelligence, a woman who “uploads” her mind and a family that uses virtual reality to heal from the traumas of war.
On a more immediate level, “Fear Thy Neighbor” (9 p.m., ID, TV-14), entering its fourth season, focuses on nightmares next door. The first installment follows a widow haunted by the advances of an overly friendly neighbor. Her decision to invite her protective brother to move in leads to conflict that ends in bloodshed.
RENOVATION GAMBLES
Those not cringing in fear of their neighbors or digital devices might see dabbling in real estate as a leap of faith. Or is it folly? “Flip or Flop Vegas” (9 p.m., HGTV, TV-G) follows real-estate speculators in the city best known for gambling. And not long ago, it was also known for its housing market meltdown.
All such worries are dispelled here as contractor and MMA fighter Bristol Marunde and wife Aubrey show off their talent for renovating and showcasing real estate, which has enabled them to buy and flip more than 140 homes. The series and location puts emphasis on dilapidated homes distressed by climate conditions of a blistering desert oasis.
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
› Scheduled coverage (5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., C-SPAN2) of U.S. Senate deliberation of the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to be an associate justice to the Supreme Court.
› Scouts’ honor on “MasterChef: Junior” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).
› Maggie does not inspire confidence on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14).