1) “Nature: Woodpeckers: The Hole Story,” 8 p.m., PBS. We could all learn from woodpeckers’ drive and diligence. They dot a tree with holes, fill each with a nut, then keep checking to make sure they have the right fit; they also assign a sentry to oust intruders. Eggs are hatched in a group home, with everyone – related to the chicks or not – helping the feeding. This fascinating hour has humor, warmth and some remarkable, in-the-nest photography.
2) “Nova,” 9 p.m., PBS. A vast stretch of the Peruvian desert has little rain (about an inch a year), few people … and grand land etchings. Showing a monkey, a spider, or simply lines that go on for more than a mile, they were re-discovered by air in the 1920s — perhaps 1,400 years after natives left the area. Now researchers are finding interesting details; in a strong night for PBS, that’s followed by a “Secrets of the Dead” look at hieroglyphics.
3) World Series, 8 p.m. ET, Fox, with preview at 7. The fourth game of the best-of-seven series is in Philadelphia, with the Phillies leading two games to one. This stays in Philly on Thursday (a day longer than expected, because of Monday’s rain-out), then goes to Houston for the sixth and seventh games (if needed) on Saturday and Sunday. “The Masked Singer” has been moved to Sunday … and could be delayed yet again.
4) “The Conners,” 9 p.m., ABC. There are job complications everywhere. Darlene gets a promotion that’s not as good as it sounds; her step-mother Louise loses her job … and could end up working with Aunt Jackie. Later, “Abbott Elementary” (9 p.m.) finds the teachers angry, when a charter school has a commercial criticizing Abbott.
5) “The Lion in Winter” (1968), 8-10:30 p.m. ET, Turner Classic Movies. It’s a royal blend of gifted actors and potent dialog. Katharine Hepburn won an Oscar and Peter O’Toole was nominated. There were Oscars for the script and music, plus three more nominations, including best picture. At 7 p.m., Freeform has “The Peanuts Movie” (2015) and Showtime has “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), with great work from Brad Pitt and Taraji Henson.