Watch it

“Chuck” (8 p.m., NBC). Linda Hamilton (“Terminator”) guest-stars as Chuck’s mom as Chuck tries to figure out if she’s a good guy or bad guy. Meanwhile, the gang battles an evil scientist, played by Robert Englund (“Nightmare on Elm Street”), who’s trying to release a bioweapon that induces nightmares. This sounds reminiscent of the best episodes of last season, with real stakes and a hint of darkness.

“Dead Set” (9 p.m., IFC). Series premiere. Part 1 of a British horror miniseries following a fictional cast of “Big Brother” after a zombie apocalypse breaks out. Looks pretty grisly. But come on, who doesn’t want to see reality TV stars get eaten alive? This can whet your appetite, not for human flesh, but for the upcoming “Walking Dead” on AMC.

Record it

“How I Met Your Mother” (8 p.m., CBS). Marshall and Lily try to find out if they can choose the gender of their not-even-conceived-yet baby, and Robin gets fed up with her new co-anchor.

“Gossip Girl” (9 p.m., The CW). Jenny’s back. Wow, this season has been so lame that I’m actually kind of looking forward to her. Tim Gunn guest-stars, which should be interesting, since he recently called Taylor Momsen a “sad” and “pathetic” brat. (Too bad that was after this episode filmed.)

“In Treatment” (9 and 9:30 p.m., HBO). Season premiere. Gabriel Byrne is back for the third season of this well-done but incredibly bleak and depressing psychotherapy drama.

Catch a score

NY Giants vs. Cowboys (5:30 p.m., ESPN). Dallas needs to win or else their season is pretty much over. But never bet against a Manning on Monday night, even if it is only Eli.

Skip it

“American Chopper: Junior vs. Senior” (9 and 10 p.m., Discovery). Series premiere. Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. had a real-life falling out, so now there’s this spinoff series pitting the two competing motorcycle shops against each other. But does anyone care anymore? I don’t.