YouTube, 6:00 p.m. ET
SPECIAL PREMIERE: I’m not sure about this live event, which, in addition to YouTube, also can be found on Facebook, Twitch – and, for all I know, Stutter. No, wait, that’s Shudder, and probably won’t be simulcasting this interactive event sponsored by the current reunion touring company of MST3K, including founding host Joel Hodgson. I’m mentioning this because I love these guys, and this long-running show poking fun at bad old movies. But I’m wary because it’s interactive – and because people chiming in at home, typing snarky comments, are nowhere near as clever or amusing as they might, and do, think. You know what that Live Riff-Along exercise sounds like to me? Torture. Or the Internet. But I repeat myself. Shudder…
NBC, 9:00 p.m. ET
SEASON FINALE: This NBC show may be the most nakedly and effectively emotional family show since Parenthood and Friday Night Lights (and, to some, This Is Us) – and tonight, in an episode focusing on Peter Gallagher as the slowly dying father, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist presents its season finale. Bring tissues. And, for the fun of it, try to anticipate which father-daughter songs this episode of Zoey’s might bring to the table. I haven’t previewed this finale, but I have some ideas. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon. “Real Emotional Girl” by Randy Newman. “Lullaby” by Billy Joel. Or the roster of imminent death songs, which ought to consider such tearjerkers as “Old Man” by Randy Newman, and, especially, “Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon. Jane Levy stars, and has been amazing.
PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET
This is episode 7 of 9 of this new WWII drama presented on PBS, and this one is of particular interest to those with particular interest in the pivotal battles in the European theater. It’s about Dunkirk -- and what's happening there, and back on the home front. Check local listings.
BBC America, 9:00 p.m. ET
This season, it’s clear, the new show runner is embracing Jodie Comer’s character and performance as paid assassin Villanelle, and letting her freak flag fly. The murders may be no more over-the-top than usual, but the costumes are – and so are some of Villanelle’s sociopathic reactions. What fun! Really. And tonight, though it’s Eve (Sandra Oh, pictured) who’s having a birthday, it’s Villanelle who’s having the most fun celebrating it.
ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET
This 10-part documentary, on Michael Jordan’s 1997-98 final championship run with the Chicago Bulls, is being rolled out, two episodes per Sunday night, for five weeks during this pandemic stay-at-home advisory. The first week notched the highest ratings for any documentary in the history of ESPN, and last week’s follow-up was another ratings bonanza. (The hour on Dennis Rodman was a particular eye-opening delight.) Tonight, we get Hours 5 and 6, beginning with the team’s run at a championship three-peat in 1993.
HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET
SEASON FINALE: In last week’s episode, Dolores and Maeve squared off in an epic physical battle. By the end, Maeve appeared to have the upper hand – but only because Dolores had lost her lower arm. Both these characters, though, have died and been rebooted many times on this show already, so the fact that both of them slumped to the ground, seemingly lifeless, may not be all that consequential in the long run.
Showtime, 9:00 p.m. ET
SEASON PREMIERE: Season 5 takes much of the opening episode to find its footing and get moving – but from then on, Billions delivers with a powerful punch, as always. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti, trying to secure their respective power bases, pursue new goals and face new adversaries. Corey Stoll shows up early, and stands eye to eye with Lewis’ Axe, just as formidably and ruthlessly. Other players in the first two episodes include Polly Draper from thirtysomething and Rob Morrow from Northern Exposure – two veteran players doing terrific turns with small but juicy roles.
Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET
In this second episode, we get to see even more of Natalie Dormer, whose character is demonically shape-shifting her way to a probable Emmy nomination. She’s not only playing the evil demon whose bet with her more pious “sister” sets the whole plot in motion, but Dormer also plays three other, strikingly dissimilar roles. Note them all, and have fun. She certainly is.
HBO, 10:45 p.m. ET
Last week, Archie Panjabi was injected into the story, as an executive left behind by Domhnall Gleeson’s on-the-run lifestyle guru – and finding not only him, but his impulsive runaway companion from the past, played by Merritt Wever. They don’t know yet that Panjabi’s character knows them both… but tonight, back on the train and still on the run, they find out.
HBO, 11:15 p.m. ET
Last week, Last Week was in repeats, if that particular sentence parses okay for you. So this week on Last Week, John Oliver gets his first chance, if he so chooses, to address President Trump’s bleach remarks. Personally, I hope Oliver so chooses… There’s old news, and there’s fake news, but funny news is welcome at any time. Especially at this time.