1) Gershwin Prize, 8-10 p.m., PBS. Elton John (shown here n a previos concert) and his lyricist, Bernie Taupin, get the annual award for popular song. They’re in the front row, hearing their songs — from gorgeous ballads (Garth Brooks, Maren Morris) to gospel-style zest (Billy Porter and a sensational Jacob Lusk). There are big moments from Annie Lennox, Charlie Puth, Metallica, Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell … and from John. Read more…
1) “Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office” debut, 9 p.m., PBS. In tiny postal sub-stations across England, managers were told the same things: They owed money … they might lose their jobs and go bankrupt … and no one else had this trouble. Then they linked and found that LOTS of people had the trouble, tied to an iffy computer system. Over three weeks, Toby jones (shown here)leads a stirring, real-life story. Read more…
1) Basketball, 6:09 p.m. ET, TBS, TNT and TruTV. The college tournament has its final four teams now. Two were expected — Purdue and Connecticut, each seeded No. 1 in its quadrant. The others provide underdogs: North Carolina State (shown here), No. 11 in its quadrant, faces Purdue; then Alabama, No. 4, faces Connecticut. The winners collide Monday. Read more…
1) “Fire Country” return, 9 p.m., CBS. The term “fire tornado” sounds like horror fiction, sort of like “Sharknado.” But lt’s is a real thing, when fire creates a deadly whirlwind. Alternately called a “fire whirl” or a “fire devil,” it was seen in California in 2018 and 2020; in tonight’s episode (shown here) it approaches the fictional town of Edgewater. Read more…
1) “Elsbeth” return, 9 and 10 p.m., CBS. This is Elsbeth (shown here in red) at her best – all bright colors and bright smiles, clashing with dark-hued New Yorkers. That peaks in the first hour, with Linda Lavin, 86, as a despotic co-op head. Soon, Elsbeth is probing board members and a realtor (Jane Krakowski). It’s a clever hour, followed by one with the star of the “Lavish Ladies” reality show found dead. Read more…
1) “Nova,” 9 p.m., PBS. A solar eclipse (shown here) requires lots of coincidences, we’re told. That starts with the fact that the sun is 400 times the moon’s size and 400 times as far away. The April 8 eclipse will cut a swath from Dallas to Montreal, with 4-plus minutes of blackout. The start of this interesting hour has warnings – even with special glasses, don’t look through a telescope or camera – and details. Read more…
1) Game shows, 9 and 10 p.m., NBC. Facing strong dramas on three networks, NBC really needs to find fun. But “The Voice” has trimmed to Mondays-only, leaving a void. “Weakest Link” takes the 9 p.m. slot, starting with “Days of Our Lives” actors. At 10, “Password” includes an alpaca-lover, an opera singer and a vogue dancer. As usual, Jimmy Fallon and host Keke Palmer manage to find some fun, despite format flaws. Read more…
1) “iHeartRadio Music Awards,” 8-10 p.m., Fox. The networks like awards shows, which viewers tend to watch live. CBS has one Sunday (with country music) and Fox arrives today Performers include Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll (both will also perform Sunday), plus Justin Timberlake (shown here), Green Day and TLC, along with an award for Cher. Read more…
1) “Parish” debut, 10:15 p.m., AMC. Gray Parish (Giancarlo Esposito, shown here) tried to shed his life as a getaway driver. He has a family, a business and a New Orleans home. But his son was killed, his business is crumbling and now his friend (Skeet Ulrich) from the old days needs a favor. What follows is 83 percent of a gem. Before going off-course in the last of six episodes, it’s a great blend of action and drama. Read more…
1) “The Ten Commandments” (1956), 7-11:43 p.m., ABC. Each year, on the eve of Easter, ABC reruns this epic, with Charlton Heston (shown here) as Moses. It’s impressive and ambitious, landing seven Oscar nominations (including best picture) and winning for special effects. By modern standards, however, it’s slow and stiff; several more films will arrive today and Sunday, Read more…
