1) “Nova: Can Dogs Talk?” 9 p.m., PBS. They can, sort of. Given an array of buttons, they can step on the one that says a specific noun (a toy) or a request (a walk, a meal) or even a concept. Scientists have been skeptical, setting up careful tests. The results are fun to watch; so are the dogs — delighted by their new skill — and their people.
2) “Nature” and “Secrets of the Dead,” 8 and 10 p.m., PBS. It’s a terrific night for PBS. First is the start of a five-week look at parenthood in the animal world. This opener gets violent at times, but it’s beautifully filmed, with wise narration from David Attenborough, 99. Then is an intriguing search for old kingdoms similar to the fictional Camelot.
3) “The Muppet Show,” 9 p.m., ABC. Fifty years ago, this became a global hit, rippling with odd wit. It disappeared after five years, but returns (hosted by Sabrina Carpenter) as a special, with hopes of a revival. It’s preceded by romance-oriented episodes of “Shifting Gears” and “Abbott Elementary.”
4) “Chicago Fire,” 9 p.m., NBC. After tonight, NBC’s regular shows will vanish for 18 days of Olympics/Super Bowl previews and coverage. First, here are the Chicago shows, including this one: As the new acting lieutenant, Cruz faces a massive blaze.
5) “The Beauty,” 9 p.m., FX, rerunning at 10:04. Most billionaires are probably quite happy, what with their money and things and such. But this hour plays to our wish that they’re miserable; Isabella Rossellini, no stranger to great beauty, takes that to an extReme. Often, this show is brilliantly crafted; tonight, it has sledge-hammer subtlety.