1) “Nature,” 8 p.m., PBS. At 98, David Attenborough (shown here) keeps trying new ideas; here’s one of his best hours ever: He pretends to visit London’s Natural History Museum overnight; then special effects bring extinct creatures back to life. The result is honest — he tells which parts are definite and which are speculation – and immensely entertaining. Read more…
1) “Doc,” 9 p.m., Fox. Struggling to remain a doctor, despite losing eight years of memories, Amy has been opposed by Richard (now her boss) and Sonja (shown here). Now we see the human side of both. Richard (Scott Wolf) faces a rough problem at home; Sonja encounters a man from her past. This hour (the seventh of 10) packs potent emotion. Read more…
1) “Thomas Jefferson” opener, 8-10 p.m., History. Jefferson (shown here, in a painting) was filled with contrasts: He was shy (his inaugural address was barely audible), but his writing roared … He sold all his books (creating the Library of Congress) to avoid bankruptcy – then bought more … And he wrote of freedom, but failed to free his slaves. It’s an intriguing story, told over three nights. Read more…
1) “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” 8-11 p.m. ET, NBC. This live event (with red-carpet at 7) will be busy. It includes four of the first-year stars plus many that followed – Eddie Murphy (shown here), Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Kristen Wiig, Chris Rock and more. Also, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and other hosts. Read more…
1) “Saturday Night Live,” 11:30 p.m., NBC. On the eve of its 50-year celebration, “SNL” reruns it first episode. It’s not like the current version, with a huge cast doing sketches; instead, it’s a ragtag variety show, blending sketches from a small with music from Billy Preston and Janice Ian, comedy from Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson and mini-monologs from George Carlin. Read more…
1) “Saturday Night Live” concert, 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT), Peacock. As “SNL” launches its 50-year celebration, it has this live mega-concert. It includes Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt (shown here), Eddie Vedder, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Brittany Howard, Jelly Roll, Chris Martin, Brenda Carlile The Roots, the Backstreet Boys, Arcade Fire and more. Read more…
1) “Elsbeth,” 10 p.m., CBS. Ever since “Rear Window,” mysteries have offered the idea of a silent, distant witness. Now the distance is thousands of miles: Through an art installation, a Scottish singer (Ioann Gruffudd, who’s played Lancelot and Horatio Hornblower) sees a crime that Elsbeth (shown here) sees in Manhattan. It’s a fun story that has twists appropriate for Valentine eve. Read more…
1) “Wild Cards,” 8 p.m., CW. We’re far from the glittery settings where Max (shown here) works her best scams. This is a ranch, engulfed family feuds. It’s a so-so story, but does allow for some horseback scenes. Read more…
1) “Great Migrations” finale, 9 p.m., PBS. The first two hours saw millions of Blacks moving north (shown here) for jobs and freedom. Now that flips: Amid disputes about police, real estate bias and more, there were 150 urban uprisings in 1967. As the South mellowed; Ebony Magazine proclaimed: “You Can Go Home Again.” A strong hour shows a reverse migration. Read more…
1) “Rescue HI-Surf,” 9 p.m. today, Fox. A post-Super-Bowl makeover begins for Fox. At 8 p.m. is the debut of “Extracted,” a survival reality show. Then “HI-Surf” has what it calls its most dangerous rescue yet. There are, indeed, some high-stakes moments, after torpedoes are found. There are also blue-sky moments (shown here) and others — especially with the one-note mayor — that are merely so-so. Read more…
