What Not to Miss on TV (and in Theaters!) This Week

Fall is in full swing, we're keeping track of our favorite shows on a night-by-night basis—so you don't have to! From funny girl Mindy Kaling's self-titled show to Zooey Deschanel’s new episode of The New Girl, scroll down to see what to watch tonight (and Thursday!). Better yet: Make Friday a date night, because we've rounded up our favorite films that hit theaters. You're welcome.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars (8/7c on ABC)What did you think of the all stars' second performance last night? Tune in to find out who scored high in the ballroom—and who's being sent home!

Ben & Kate (8:30/7:30c on ABC)Dakota Johnson plays Kate, a tightly wound single mom whose free-spirited brother Ben (Nat Faxon) moves in to help raise her 5-year-old daughter, Maddie. Tonight, Kate is caught lying after faking an address so that Maddie can go to a school in a better district—which turned in to a lesson from Ben in the importance of facing her fears.

New Girl (9/8c on FOX)Tune in to see Zooey Deschanel’s character, Jess, in all her quirky glory once again—retro frocks and geek chic glasses included—as she and Nick (Jake Johnson) address their relationship.

The New Normal (9:30/8:30c on NBC)On tonight's all-new episode, Bryan (Andrew Rannells) tries to cope with David's overbearing mother. Meanwhile, Nana gets involved with a much older man.

The Mindy Project (9:30/8:30c on FOX)When Mindy is asked to hire a new nurse at the hospital, she offers the job to Morgan (guest star Ike Barinholtz), a reformed ex-convict. We can't wait to see Kaling flaunt her killer comedy chips once again.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

30 Rock (8/7c on NBC)Tina Fey and her comic crew return for (tear, sniffle) theirfinal season at 30 Rock. We expect quite a few familiar faces to reprise their roles before the show’s close—fingers crossed for a Jon Hamm cameo!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 OPENERS

ButterEnter the weird and wonderful world of butter-carving champion Bob (Ty Burrell) and his wife Laura (Jen Garner) in this hilarious flick, also starring, Olivia Wilde, Ashley Greene, and Hugh Jackman.

The PaperboyNicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, Zach Efron, and John Cusack all give award-worthy performances but, be warned: the serious subject matter, revolving around a death-row inmate, is very disturbing.

FrankenweenieTim Burton does it again with this Halloween-tastic animated adventure about a boy and his dog, voiced by Winona Ryder and Martin Short, among others.

Plus, what are the steamiest on-screen moments? Click through the gallery to find out!

MORE:All Entertainment NewsMindy Kaling’s Favorite Sparkly ThingsSee the Downton Abbey Wedding PhotosDancing With the Stars is Back!

— Leah Abrahams and Angela Salazar

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