FRIDAY, OCT. 14ShantaramCharlie Hunnam stars this 12-episode series as a fugitive looking to get lost in the vibrant chaos of Bombay in the 1980s, only to find his plans are complicated by love. Based on the best-selling 2003 novel by Gregory David Roberts (Apple TV+). Clip: LINK TO CLIP PW: $h@nT@rAmV3r!z0n SATURDAY, Oct. 15Let’s Get PhysicalBased on actual events, this new TV movie stars Jenna Dewan (from The Rookie) as a fitness instructor who taught dance to soccer moms by day, but ran a sophisticated prostitution ring on the side, with a client list that included many prominent men in her community (8 p.m., Lifetime). Autumn in the CityA newcomer to New York City (Aimee Teegarten) discovers a lot to love about the city as she gets to know her jaded neighbor (Evan Roderick) in this original network movie (8 p.m., Hallmark). SUNDAY, Oct. 16Magpie Murders on MasterpieceLesley Manville (from The Crown and Phantom Thread) stars in this true-crime series as the editor of a mystery author who dies under mysterious circumstances, leaving his final novel unfinished—and perhaps seeded with clues about what might have happened (9 p.m., PBS). Mystery Science Theater 3000 Halloween Festival The cult-classic TV series (making good fun of bad movies) presents its first-ever Halloween special as Jonah and the bots unleash (and unload on) the ultra-cheesy 1961 horror flick The Mask 3D. Bring your own 3D glasses to join in the multi-dimensional fun (8 p.m., Gizmoplex) MONDAY, Oct. 17Kids Baking Championship: Trick or EatHosts Duff Goldman and Maneet Chauhan challenge teams of young bakers to create fanciful Halloween-themed edibles, for the chance to win $10,000 (8 p.m., Food Network and Discovery+). The VowDoc airing over two nights about the shocking sex cult NXVM, its founders…and its victims (9 p.m., HBO). TUESDAY, Oct. 18Mama’s BoyDocumentary about the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Milk, Dustin Lance Black, exploring his childhood roots, gay identity and close relationship with his mom, who became an emotional rock and the inspiration of his activism (9 p.m., HBO). Unsolved MysteriesThe rebooted series kicks off anew with a three-night plunge into unexplained disappearances, tragic events and bizarre occurrences, with commentary from investigators, family members and journalists (Netflix). WEDNESDAY, Oct. 19Documentary NowThe acclaimed mockumentary series (which offers elaborate, spot-on satires of real-life documentaries) returns from creators Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers and Rjhys Thomas (IFC and AMC+). Secrets of the DeadWhat really happened at the apocalyptic volcano eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried the city of Pompeii some 2,000 years ago? Find out what life was like in this ancient city just before it was obliterated (10 p.m., PBS). THURSDAY, Oct. 20The Hunting of the Essex Lorry KillersTrue-crime documentary explores one of the United Kingdom’s most shocking stories that brought into the light the dark world of organized crime’s trade in people smuggling (Topic). One of Us is LyingHow far will the Bayview Four go to protect their deadly secret? Find out as the second season unfolds, starring Marianly Tejada, Annalisa Cochrane and Cooper van Grootel (Peacock). NEW ON DVD Gen Z’ers have a night of terror in Bodies Bodies Bodies (Lionsgate Home Entertainment), a horror-tinged dark comedy about the chills of living in a social media age when party fun and games take a terrifying turn. With Pete Davidson, Amandla Stenberg and Maria Bakalova.
