A new summer series has an uphill challenge: Trying to convince people to turn off their TV to read. But as a way to get people get excited about what they’re calling “The Great American Read” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) is by having a big countdown, where the public will be voting on their favorite novel, with the ultimate choice deemed “America’s Best-Loved Novel” (which sounds a little bit too much like “You You Think You Can Dance” title of “America’s Favorite Dancer.”
Voters already chose the Top 100 from which it will be chosen – the list includes expected lit class stars like “Moby Dick,” “War and Peace” and “The Grapes of Wrath,” but also things like “Twilight,” “The Hunger Games” and even “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
As voting continues over 15 weeks, many celebs will weigh in, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Margaret Atwood, Gabrielle Union, Morgan Freeman, George R.R. Martin. Meredith Vieira hosts.
Among the many finales tonight, “The Middle” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) ends its nine season run with a one hour episode that has the family taking a road trip to Denver, where Axl will start a new job.
“The Flash” (The CW, 8 p.m.) ends its fourth season with the battle against DeVoe.
The 15th season of “NCIS” (CBS, 8 p.m.) ends with Sloane insisting that a man who held her hostage is Afghanistan alive and in D.C.
“Roseanne” (ABC, 8 p.m.) ends its successful first rebooted season with Darlene going back tottery a career in writing.
“The Voice” (NBC, 9 p.m.) names a 14th season winner between Kayla Jade, Spensha Baker, britton Buchanan and Brynn Cartelli. A recap of Monday’s performances are on at 8 p.m.
“Splitting Up Together” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.) ends its first season with Lena and Martin sharing the house while the kids are at camp. the show will be back for another season.
“For the People” (ABC, 10 p.m.) ends its first season with a number of cases, as usual. A second season is coming.
The path forward is revealed on “Legion” (FX, 10 p.m.).
Another group of demanding charter guests come aboard on “Below Deck Mediterranean” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
“The Zimmern List” (Travel, 9 p.m.) goes to Baltimore.
Charlie and Venessa try a stop-and-frisk case on “In Contempt” (BET, 10 p.m.).
On “Deadliest Catch” (Discovery, 9 p.m.), Jake makes a devil’s bargain.
Female detectives take over on Turner Classic Movies with “Nancy Drew…Detective” (8 p.m.), “Nancy, Reporter” (9:15 p.m.), “Nancy Drew…Trouble Shooter” (10:45 p.m.) and “Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase” (12:15 a.m.). Then Miss Marple takes over in “Murder, She Said” (1:30 a.m.), “Murder at the Gallop” (3:15 a.m.) and “Murder Most Foul” (4:45 a.m.).
It’s Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs Western conference finals with Houston at Golden State (TNT, 9 p.m.).
Baseball includes Cleveland at Cubs (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and Colorado at Dodgers (ESPN, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Patricia Heaton, Maddie Poppe, Adam Rippon. The View: James Clapper. The Talk: Josh Holloway, Nancy O’Dell. Harry Connick: Daymond John, Chef Donatella Arpaia. Steve Harvey: Roma Downey, Diann Valentine, Krystal Bee, Ta’Rhonda Jones. Ellen DeGeneres: David Spade, Maren Morris and Zedd. Wendy Williams: Ashlee Glazer, Tanya Acker.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Andrew Garfield, the Kills. Jimmy Kimmel: Johnny Knoxville, Jenna Dewan, Franz Ferdinand. Jimmy Fallon: Sarah Paulson, Chris Hardwick, Danica Patrick, Foster the People. Seth Meyers: Emilia Clarke, Phoebe Robinson, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Steven Wolf. James Corden: Thomas Middleditch, Dan Stevens, Ziggy Marley. Carson Daly: Cristin Militia, Matoma, Natasha Rothwell. Jordan Klepper: Jay Chandrasekhar, Steve Lemme (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Cedric the Entertainer, Julian Dennison, Tuxedo and Zapp.