Louie 10:30 p.m., FX

The secret to Louis C.K.’s success with his acclaimed comedy series, returning for a third season, is his willingness to walk away from it, he told critics at the Television Critics Association press tour earlier this year. “If you’re concerned with the success too much, then you make all kinds of decisions and compromises that hurt the actual stories that you’re telling. If you say, ‘No matter what, this has to be this one way’ — and the reason I got away with it is because I’m good enough at it after years of trying and failing, so I’m able to tell a good story — and if they don’t let me do it the way that it should be done, I just won’t do it.” The other secret of course, is that the Newton-bred comic (pictured, with Gaby Hoffmann) writes, produces, stars, and edits a show that has as much drama and heart as it does humor.

Wilfred 10 p.m., FX

Leading into “Louie” is the second season of this enjoyable, literal shaggy dog tale. Stars Jason Gann (pictured) and Elijah Wood and producer David Zuckerman wouldn’t divulge much about the first season finale revelations at the TCA press tour, but Zuckerman did say that they hope to have Mary Steenburgen return because they have a story line for her. “We explore her relationship with [Wood’s character] and their unique shared traits and in sort of a fun arena.”

Duets 8 p.m., Channel 5

Two for the 2000s.

The Choice 9 p.m., Channel 25

Ladies night.

Men at Work 10 p.m., TBS

Isn’t it fauxmantic?