There's almost too much great programming on TV to keep up with. Each Sunday, we suggest whether to watch some of the week's best bets live or let the DVR do its job so you can enjoy shows at your leisure.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
'The Lottery'
When to watch: It's late. Save it for Monday night.
No, it's not another show about winning a big financial jackpot. (The short-lived "Lucky 7" probably put an end to that for a while.) Lifetime's new drama is set in 2025, when the world faces extinction because women have suddenly stopped getting pregnant. The lottery in question here? To see which lucky ladies will get to carry the 100 embryos that a doctor has miraculously been able to create. (Premieres 10 p.m. on Lifetime.)
TUESDAY, JULY 22
'Food Fighters'
When to watch: DVR and reheat at your leisure.
Have a craving for something a dash like "Chopped" and a pinch like "Iron Chef"? You got it! NBC's new cooking competition pits home cooks against culinary greats, with the amateurs armed with their favorite recipes and the pros their skills. The challenge? To see if the seasoned chefs can make an even better version of the home cooks' dishes. The show is hosted by "Man vs. Food's" Adam Richman, and features TV chefs including Duff Goldman, Cat Cora, Marcel Vigneron and others. (Premieres at 8 p.m. on NBC.)
'Face Off'
When to watch: Live
Syfy's special-effects make-up competition kicks off its seventh season, themed "Life and Death," with some eliminations right off the bat. Fortunately for the "Face Off" bunch, there will be only two cuts to start with. Robert Englund, who played Freddy Krueger, will be on hand to offer the hopefuls some advice during the Sudden Death challenge. (Airs 9 p.m. on Syfy.)
THURSDAY, JULY 24
'Hell's Kitchen'
When to watch: Enjoy this fresh.
Chef Gordon Ramsay is about to hire a new head chef for his restaurant at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. But first, season 12 finalists Scott and Jason will have to duke it out. The first challenge in the finale will have the men preparing five dishes in an hour, which will be judged by culinary masters including "Top Chef" champ Michael Voltaggio. Then the finalists will have to prepare menus for their final dinner service to see whose chef's coat will meet the hook. (Airs 8 p.m. on Fox.)
'Project Runway'
When to watch: Live. Make it work!
Get ready for some workroom tantrums! When season 13 kicks off, the new batch of designers will learn that not everyone has a spot in the competition. Turns out there's a final audition (Surprise! Except not really — it's been done before on "Runway"), and three will be auf'ed. Guest judges this season include Elisabeth Moss, Christian Siriano, Julie Bowen and more. (Airs 9 p.m. on Lifetime.)
SATURDAY, JULY 26
'Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars'
When to watch: Save it for after you've watched "Star Wars" with the little ones!
The Force is with the duo this weekend! A special episode of Disney Channel's animated children's offering has the gang meeting Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewie and other iconic characters from "Star Wars." The episode is set in a galaxy far, far away (of course!), during "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." Phineas and Ferb are neighbors of Luke on Tatooine, and plans for the Death Star just happen to land in their laps. Can they get the plans to the Rebel Alliance? Tune in and see! (Airs at 9 p.m. on Disney Channel.)