1) “America’s Culinary Cup” debut (shown here), 9:30-11 p.m., CBS. After 18 seasons on “Top Chef,” Padma Lakshmi knows a lot about food. Now she aims high — sleek kitchen, million-dollar prize and acclaimed chefs. One won the top international prize, another was his coach, five others have Michelin stars. The result is slick and entertaining.
2) “Nature: Parenthood” finale, 8 p.m., PBS. Here’s a terrific, globe-spanning finish to a five-week series. We see lions care for orphans … a crab carry her 1,000 eggs … an owl protect his burrow from a roadrunner … a gorilla cling to his patriarchy … and a changing world help lynxes, but endanger hippos.
3) “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” “Chicago P.D.,” 8-11 p.m., NBC. After a three week-break, the shows (switching time slots) return with a combined story. Troubles aboard a jet plan bring the firefighters and then spur a medical mystery. After that, cops pursue the culprit.
4) “The Beauty” season-finale, 9-11 p.m., FX. So many things have happened — some smart and compelling, others just gory or repetitive — that we weren’t sure how this could end. Alas, it doesn’t. After more jolts, it leaves things hanging until next season. For now, the two FBI agents (one transformed into a child) link with the former hit men.
5) World Baseball Classic opener, 10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports1. Chinese Tapei faces Australia, in Tokyo. The round-robin schedule reaches full-speed this weekend, including the U.S. at 8 p.m. Friday (Brazil) and Saturday (Great Britain) on Fox. It continues (mostly on FS1) until the March 17 title game.