Fans of fake news should not miss the pitch-perfect parody “Onion News Network” (9 p.m., IFC). A send-up of the loud, vacant and self-absorbed content of most cable news and much local news, ONN “stars” Suzanne Sena as the vain, aggressive and brittle host Brooke Alvarez, a woman who inserts herself into every story. I really can’t say enough about her performance. Everything from her hair and makeup, outfits and body language is spot on. She deserves some kind of award. And believe me, Brooke Alvarez is out to win it!

One of the reason’s Sena’s “Brooke” seems so natural is that Sena has appeared on both Fox News, E!, a Dallas CBS affiliate and on “Extra” as a weekend anchor. She knows the world she lampoons.

Other “Onion” features include clips from their sister morning show “Today Now!” the celebrity-obsessed “Star Fix” and “Cross Examination with Shelby Cross” a Nancy Grace-like former prosecutor who seems certain that the accused are always guilty.

If, like many viewers, you’ve long since determined that cable news is one sad joke, the at least “Onion News Network” may provide some laughs.

• Frequently more stained and strange than laugh-out-loud funny, “Portlandia” (9:30 p.m., IFC) is essentially as small as its subject. Comedian Fred Armisen (“Saturday Night Live”) and musician Carrie Brownstein play a wide range of characters of both genders who live out slightly delusional lives of political correctness in and around the city of Portland, Ore. They include the owners of a militantly feminist bookstore, an angry bike messenger, chirpy crafts people and others.

Executive produced by Armisen’s “SNL” boss Lorne Michaels, “Portlandia” will feature a parade of special guest stars including Selma Blair, Aimee Mann, Sarah McLachlan and Gus Van Sant. Kyle MacLachlan will portray the mayor of Portland. And Sam Adams, the real mayor of Portland, will also guest star.

• “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” (9 p.m., Starz) is not so much a second season of the blood-and-sex costume soap opera, but a prequel that takes us to the gladiator training of the House of Batiatus in the years before the arrival of Spartacus.

Andy Whitfield who played the title role in the first season was forced to leave the series for health reasons. Australian actor Liam McIntyre will replace him when production of “Spartacus” resumes.

• “Fringe” (8 p.m., Fox) takes its most daunting trip of all, the voyage to Friday nights, a place where few Fox series have survived. Look for Christopher Lloyd (“Back To The Future”) to guest star in this midseason premiere.

Tonight’s other highlights

• Career changes separate Allison and Joe on the series finale of “Medium” (7 p.m., CBS).

• A family restaurant founders on “Kitchen Nightmares” (7 p.m., Fox).

• Prospecting under deadline on “Gold Rush: Alaska” (9 p.m., Discovery).