Around the remote ‘House of Cards’ returns with Claire in charge
Also, ‘Ray Donovan’ begins a new season, and a two-night ‘Frontline’ investigation looks into Facebook
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“House of Cards”
— Is there life after Frank Underwood? The vile politician played by Kevin Spacey is apparently dead and now the political drama begins its sixth and final season with the equally ruthless Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) in the Oval Office.
When season 5 ended, Francis had resigned, ceding the the presidency to Claire with the idea that she would pardon him. She didn’t. Off camera, Spacey was fired amid a rash of sexual misconduct allegations. Now, we’ll see if the writers can achieve closure in a way that makes sense. (Friday, Netflix)
Other bets
TODAY >> As season 6 of “Ray Donovan” begins, Ray is pulled from the East River by a police officer after a suicide attempt. He now has a chance to rebuild his life, but soon he’s right back to his old ways. (9 p.m., Showtime)
TODAY >> “Busy Tonight” is a new talk show hosted by Busy Philipps (“Freaks and Geeks,” “Cougar Town”). She promises plenty of unfiltered “comedic commentary,” interviews, and segments pegged to her Instagram stories. (10 p.m., E!)
MONDAY >> It has been an extraordinarily rough year for Facebook. Now comes a two-night “Frontline” investigation — “The Facebook Dilemma” — that delves into the “truth and consequences” of the social-networking titan’s rise as a global power. Concludes Tuesday. (9 p.m., PBS)
MONDAY >> “A Very Wicked Halloween: Celebrating 15 Years on Broadway” is a special that pays tribute to the blockbuster musical hit. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth — the original Elphaba and Glinda — perform and serve as hosts. Guests include Ariana Grande and Pentatonix. (10 p.m., NBC)
TUESDAY >> “Black-ish” has a tradition of hilarious Halloween-themed episodes. In this one, Dre and Bow go overboard trying to impress Jack and Diane’s seventhgrade classmates by hosting an elaborate haunted house. (9 p.m., ABC)
WEDNESDAY >> The science series “Nova” turns creepy on Halloween with an installment From left, “House of Cards” cast members Diane Lane, Constance Zimmer, Robin Wright, Patricia Clarkson and Nini Le Huynh pose at a premiere event Monday in Los Angeles. called “Ghosts of Murdered Kings.” It follows archaeologists as they investigate Europe’s “bog bodies” — corpses flung into the marshes many, many years ago. (9 p.m., PBS)
WEDNESDAY >> When season 3 of the horror comedy “Stan Against Evil” begins, Stan (John C. McGinley) is dealing with the consequences of his decision to travel through time to save his dead wife. In doing so, he opened a portal that brought of flood of demons into town. (10 p.m., IFC)
THURSDAY >> Uh-oh. This could be a soggy-eyed episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Meredith has a patient whose family is celebrating Day of the Dead, making the doctors remember loved ones they have lost. (8 p.m., ABC)
FRIDAY >> Julia Roberts makes her series television debut in “Homecoming.” It’s a gripping and eerie psychological thriller from Sam Esmail (“Mr. Robot”) in which she plays a caseworker who helps soldiers transition back to civilian life. Of course, not everything is as it seems. (Amazon Prime)
SATURDAY >> Brace yourself. The blizzard of touchyfeely holiday TV movies has begun. Tonight brings “Christmas Joy,” about a big-city market researcher (Danielle Panabaker) who enters her hometown baking contest, much to the amusement of her former crush (Matt Long), who offers to help. Naturally, sparks fly. (8 p.m., Hallmark)