Empire
Wednesday, 9 p.m., Fox
The Lyons are still split into warring factions, but they all decide to shoot a music video that will capitalize on Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) and Jamal’s (Jussie Smollett) duet from Hakeem’s leaked album, a collaboration that will benefit both companies. Meanwhile, Lucious (Terrence Howard) trades his real handcuffs for virtual ones. However, knowing he can’t fully control his company with a federal murder case hanging over his head, he sets out to find Vernon and make him permanently disappear.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Monday, 8 p.m., The CW
Series premiere. Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom) is a successful, driven young woman who gives up everything — her partnership at a prestigious law firm and her upscale apartment in Manhattan — when she runs into a guy she briefly dated 10 years ago and decides to follow him to West Covina, Calif. Call it comedic stalking.
Fargo
Monday, 10 p.m., FX
A bizarre triple murder kicks off the new season of “Fargo,” whose impressive cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Patrick Wilson and one big surprise — elegant Jean Smart (“24”) in the role of Floyd Gerhardt, a mother of four who unexpectedly finds herself running a crime syndicate. Smart, speaking to The Post from her hometown of Seattle, says that Floyd is more than up to the job. — RR
The running of the family “business” falls into Floyd’s lap, but Floyd has adversaries, including a Missouri mobster (Brad Garrett) and her own son, Dodd (Jeffrey Donovan). Is she in over her head?
No. She’s still a mother. Her firstborn was lost in the Korean War. She doesn’t want to lose anymore. She’s in that place where family and business are at odds. It’s a mother’s instinct that you will do anything to protect your offspring so she basically tells Brad’s character, ‘Don’t look at me and think I’m just a woman. There’s nothing you can do that will faze me.’
What was your reaction when you saw the character was named Floyd?
It was interesting, but I decided I’m not going to ask [executive producer] Noah [Hawley]. I’m going to come up with her own back story. Then, I got an e-mail from him asking, ‘What would you think if Floyd smoked a pipe?’ I said, ‘Sure.’ Next morning, I said, ‘Why did I say that?’
Were you prepared for her unadorned look?
I had an idea of what I wanted to do with the character, but when [the hairdresser] cut and dyed my hair, I started to cry. And then she started curling it. She was very helpful, though, and when she was done, you say, ‘Oh my God, there [Floyd] is.’
I don’t want to have to be worrying about how I can’t run my hands through my hair.
You didn’t want to wear a wig?
The Knick
Friday, 10 p.m., Cinemax
Season premiere. As Barrow (Jeremy Bobb) and The Knick prepare to move uptown, Dr. Algernon Edwards (André Holland) lobbies the hospital board to be appointed permanent chief of surgery in Dr. Thackery’s (Clive Owen) absence but receives shocking news that may permanently kill that dream. Though his suspension has been lifted, Dr. Gallinger (Eric Johnson) refuses to return as Edwards’ subordinate, so he heads to Cromartie Hospital in hopes of getting Thackery to return to work. Gallinger takes Thackery’s recovery into his own hands. Meanwhile in San Francisco, Cornelia (Juliet Rylance) nourishes a quarantined neighborhood.
Quantico
Sunday, 10 p.m., ABC
At Quantico, Alex (Priyanka Chopra) finally receives information about her father and his FBI past. But her mother, Sita, plays a key role when Liam (Josh Hopkins) convinces her to participate in a press conference on national television begging Alex to turn herself in.
Jane the Virgin
Monday, 9 p.m., The CW
Season premiere. After Jane (Gina Rodriguez) discovers Mateo’s abduction, chaos ensues, especially when they all learn Sin Rostro is involved and demanding a ransom. Trying to help, Rogelio (Jaime Camil) tweets about Mateo’s kidnapping making the Villanueva family paparazzi targets. Despite everything that has happened, Jane must also focus on motherhood and turns to Xo (Andrea Navedo, below left, with Ivonne Coll) and Alba (Coll) for help. Meanwhile, Petra (Yael Grobglas) is conflicted with what to do with Rafael’s remaining sperm sample.
American Horror Story: Hotel
Wednesday, 10 p.m., FX
Fashion mogul Will Drake (Cheyenne Jackson) brings couture to the Hotel Cortez. A model catches the eye of the Countess (Lady Gaga). John Lowe (Wes Bentley) learns about the hotel’s sadistic first owner. Co-starring Kathy Bates, Denis O’Hare and Sarah Paulson.
The Walking Dead
Sunday, 9 p.m., AMC
Season premiere. Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the group continue to have trouble assimilating into Alexandria; and a new threat could bring them closer together or drive them further apart. Co-starring Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride.