Monday, July 13, 2026, is shaping up to be a TV extravaganza, with a diverse lineup of shows and events across various platforms. Here's a breakdown of what's worth tuning into, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
The Highlights
MLB Home Run Derby (7:00 PM ET, Netflix):
What makes this particularly fascinating is the opportunity to witness baseball's hardest hitters go head-to-head in a battle of the sluggers. The event, live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, promises thrilling moments as these athletes swing for the fences. Personally, I think it's a great way to warm up for the All-Star Game the next day. The participants include Bryce Harper, Jordan Walker, Willson Contreras, Jac Caglianone, Ben Rice, Kyle Schwarber, Munetaka Murakami, and Junior Caminero. I'm particularly interested in seeing how the Japanese star, Murakami, performs in a US-based event.
All American (8:00 PM ET, The CW):
In the final season premiere, the intense rivalry between Cassius and KJ intensifies, leaving loved ones worried. The show's exploration of their joint future is intriguing, especially with KJ's intensity taking a turn. What many people don't realize is that this season will likely delve into the psychological aspects of their relationship, adding depth to the narrative.
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro (8:00 PM ET, ABC):
This series premiere introduces a fresh batch of dancers competing for a spot as a pro dancer in Season 35. The audition process is sure to be intense, with Robert Irwin hosting the proceedings. From my perspective, this show is a great way to discover new talent and witness the evolution of dance in the US. It's a refreshing take on the traditional talent show format.
The Rest of the Lineup
Harry Wild (3:00 AM ET, Acorn TV):
A murder mystery with a twist, as Harry investigates the theatre's history after a near-fatal incident involving Fergus. The show's exploration of ancient loyalties and modern grievances adds an intriguing layer to the mystery. I'm curious to see how the theatre's past influences the present case.
Inspector Ellis (3:00 AM ET, Acorn TV):
Another Acorn TV offering, this show follows Ellis and Harper as they unravel a web of mysteries, including the disappearance of a local boy. The ancient loyalties and modern grievances angle is a compelling one, and I'm eager to see how the story unfolds.
Murder 101 (3:00 AM ET, Prime Video):
Based on the podcast, this docuseries takes a unique approach to crime investigation, with a high school sociology class and their teacher delving into cold cases. The educational aspect of the show is intriguing, and I'm curious to see how the students' perspectives shape the investigation.
Rabbit Hole (7:00 PM ET, Disney+ and Hulu):
A teen variety show with a 36-member cast, including Topper Guild, Zhong, Mackenzie Turner, Matthew Beem, and Jesser. The show's premise is intriguing, and I'm eager to see how the content creators interact and perform. The large cast suggests a diverse range of talents and personalities, which could make for some interesting dynamics.
The 1% Club (8:00 PM ET, Fox):
Singles night brings fiery flirtations, bizarre dating stories, and a runway-walk demonstration. The show's mix of romance and entertainment is a unique blend, and I'm curious to see how the contestants interact and compete. The prize at stake is also a significant draw, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Below Deck Mediterranean (8:00 PM ET, Bravo):
The show continues with Luke's plea to Joy and Gen's confrontation with Luke about his behavior. Nathan's struggle to balance work and family is a relatable issue, and Cooper's shocking secret adds an element of surprise. The dynamics between the crew members are always intriguing, and I'm eager to see how the season unfolds.
American Ninja Warrior (9:00 PM ET, NBC):
The Regional Finals begin, with ninjas from the Eastern Region competing for a spot in the National Finals. The Tripleheader, a supersized racecourse, adds an extra layer of challenge. The show's combination of physical prowess and mental fortitude is always captivating, and I'm curious to see who emerges as the top contenders.
Battle on the Beach (9:00 PM ET, HGTV):
The season 5 finale sees teams taking on exterior challenges in the final week of the competition. The show's focus on outdoor challenges is a refreshing change, and I'm eager to see how the teams adapt to the new environment.
The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys (9:00 PM ET, Bravo):
The show explores the dynamics between Steven, Kacie, and Jesse, with Steven trying to give his girlfriend a cut of Kacie's business. The exploration of family dynamics and business ventures is intriguing, and I'm curious to see how the relationships evolve.
Pitmasters (9:00 PM ET, Food Network):
Pitmaster teams test their skills in a series of barbecue challenges, with judges Moe Cason, Jess Pryles, Ernest Servantes, and Andrew Zimmern. The show's focus on barbecue is a classic American theme, and I'm eager to see how the teams stack up against each other.
The Quiz With Balls (9:00 PM ET, Fox):
The Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals face off in a quiz battle for a chance to win $100,000. The show's blend of sports and trivia is a unique concept, and I'm curious to see how the teams perform.
Hot Ones: Extra Heat (10:00 PM ET, Netflix):
The signature 10-wing challenge is brought to unique on-location settings, inspired by major Netflix moments. The show's combination of food and entertainment is a fun concept, and I'm eager to see how the challenges unfold in different settings.
Final Thoughts
Monday, July 13, 2026, offers a diverse range of TV options, from sports and reality TV to mystery and variety shows. The lineup showcases the breadth of content available across various platforms, providing something for every viewer. One thing that immediately stands out is the mix of familiar and innovative concepts, which could make for some interesting viewing.
If you take a step back and think about it, this lineup represents a snapshot of the current TV landscape, with a focus on diverse storytelling and engaging formats. The shows and events on offer cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring that viewers have plenty of options to choose from.
In my opinion, this Monday's TV schedule is a testament to the creativity and innovation in the industry. The variety of genres and formats on display is a refreshing change, and I'm eager to see what other surprises the week has in store.
