Networks are getting better about tackling serious issues. The latest, “Shots Fired” (Fox, 8 p.m.), touches on racial issues that arise from a police shooting. The unnecessary twist is that it’s a white teen shot by a black cop. But it broadens from there.
The marquee stars, Richard Dreyfus, Dennis Haysbert and Helen Hunt appear fleetingly. It largely involves the work of a special investigator from the Justice Department well played by Stephan James. But his colleague, Sanaa Lathan is written so there can be a sexual subplot that is probably an effort to reach the territory of “The Wire,” but stumbles.
Still, like “American Crime” or “We Rise Up,” it’s still compelling viewing worth some attention.
“Empire” (Fox, 9 p.m.) returns from its hiatus, with Lucious announcing a new musical project and Rumor Willis popping up.
Two of the three tribes will be sending people home on tonight’s “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
“Are You the One” has been so successful, it causes a spin-off, “Are You the One; Second Chances” (MTV, 9 p.m.), in which matches made on each season return for competitions testing their bond.
An investigative reporter gets classified information on “Designated Survivor” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
And “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) tries to save journalism as well, one small paper at a time.
A fourth season starts on “Cooks vs. Cons” (Food, 9 p.m.).
A third season stars on “The Last Alaskans” (Discovery, 9 p.m.), preparing for winter.
No musical crossover tonight on “Arrow” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
“Black Ink Crew” (VH1, 8 p.m.) goes on a party boat on Puerto Rico.
“Expedition Unknown” (Travel, 9 p.m.) goes on the Nazi treasure of Rommel in North Africa.
A kidnap victim is kept in a shipping container on “Chicago P.D.” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
David is looking for a way out of his jam on “Legion” (FX, 10 p.m.).
And speaking of jam, on the new “The Comedy Jam” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.), comics riff about a favorite song and then sing it before a backing band. First up: Bobby Lee, Tiffany Haddish and the ubiquitous Chris Hardwick.
“Little Women: Atlanta” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) celebrates Juicy’s birthday.
Sharon’s son pays a surprise visit on “Major Crimes” (TNT, 9 p.m.).
bobbie becomes a pawn between earth and Mars on “The Expanse” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
A class experiment is taken too far on “The Quad” (BET, 10 p.m.).
An office romance threatens a professional reputation on “So Cosmo” (E!, 9 p.m.).
The March Malice pairings on Turner Classic Movies continues with killer kids: “The Bad Seed” (7 a.m.) and “Mildred Pierce” (9:30 a.m.); mind games with the topical “Gaslight” (11:30 a.m.) and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1:45 p.m.); evil nature: “Little Shop of Horrors” (4:15 p.m.) and “The Birds” (5:45 p.m.); Western outlaws: “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (8 p.m.) and “Hombre” (10:15 p.m.); rogue cops: “Touch of Evil” (12:15 a.m.) and “Kansas City Confidential” (2:15 a.m.) and true crime with “The Honeymoon Killers” (4:15 a.m.) and “Bonnie and Clyde” (6:30 a.m. Thursday).
NBA action includes Atlanta at Washington (ESPN, 8 p.m.), and New York at Utah (ESPN2, 10:30 p.m.).
Hockey has Islanders at Rangers (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
In spring baseball it’s Yankees at Philadelphia (MLB, 1 p.m.).
In the world baseball Classic championship it’s U.S. vs. Puerto Rico (MLB, 9 p.m.).
In the quarterfinals of the men’s college basketball NIT, it’s Illinois at Central Florida (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) and CSU Bakersfield at UT Arlington (ESPNU, 9 p.m.).
In women’s college basketball, it’s it’s Cal Baptist vs. Virginia Union (CBS Sports, 6 p.m.) and Harding vs. Ashland in the NCAA Division II semifinals.
But the University of Connecticut’s play last week in the NCAA tournament is covered on the latest episode of “UConn: The March to Madness” (HBO, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Brendan Fraser, Lisa Rinna, Holly Holm, Mark Consuls. The View: Rachel Maddow, Bruce Feller. The Talk: Don Diamond, Pierson Fode, Katherine Kelly Lang, John McCook, Karla Mosley, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood. Harry Connick: Keith Urban, Dalen Spratt, Juwan Mass, Marcus Harvey, Margaret Anne Florence. Ellen DeGeneres: Lena Dunham, Nick Viall. Wendy Williams: Rick Ross.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Glenn Close, Michael McKean, H. Jon Benjamin. Jimmy Kimmel: Bill Hader, America Ferrera, Imagine Dragons. Jimmy Fallon: Woody Harrelson, John Cena, Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa. Seth Meyers: Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy, Aquilo, Charlie Benante. James Corden: Josh Gad, Judy Greer, Maggie Rogers. Carson Daly: Jason Silva, the Buttertones, Ghost Brothers. Trevor Noah: Michael Pena. Conan O’Brien: Erin Andrews, Big Show.