Months after the capsizing of the Costa Concordia and a full century after the Titanic, a new “Nova” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) attempts to explain why ships sink.
“Revenge” (ABC, 10 p.m.) returns for new episodes for the first time in six weeks. James Purefoy guest stars as a former flame of Victoria.
A couple who want to spend their honeymoon in the remote Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho return with a lot of footage of the wildlife and landscape on a new“Nature” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
They try to fit in 14 performances tonight from the top 7 tonight on “American idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.), more singing than they’ve tried to fit into a two hour episode. The theme is “Now & Then,” which means an oldie and a more current song; among the singers will be Jessica Sanchez, eliminated by viewer votes but saved by judges last week.
Bullying doesn’t have a chance since the remaining contestants on “America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
On a new “Rock Center with Brian Williams” (NBC, 9 p.m.), Harry Smith interviews Madonna, Lester Holt talks with track star Usain Bolt and Ted Koppel reports on the French elections.
For a more direct look at the French elections, a political debate in the presidential election, “France 2012” (TV5Monde) may provide a refreshing contrast with the endless U.S. political presidential battle.
The visually arresting “America Revealed” (PBS. 10 p.m., check local listings) continues with a dizzying look at the country’s transportation. It’s hosted by Yul Kwon, who managed to win “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.), which has the emotionally wringing message-from-home episode.
Barry Corbin guest stars as Cameron’s dad on a new “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.). Chloe Sevigny is on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
And Alicia Silverstone guest stars on the kind of show for which she would have been perfect in her day, “Suburgatory” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.).
James Van Der Beek’s portrayal of himself is one of the most amusing things abouts about “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.).
When the band Devo wants a team to direct special effects in its latest music video, they get a hold of “Monster Man” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
It could be the shortest show on TV tonight: “VH1’s 40 Greatest ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ Moments” (VH1, 7 p.m.).
A new rash of deaths along the Thames makes investigators think of historical crimes on “Whitechapel” (BBC America, 10 p.m.).
The weeklong, 22-film Spring Break at Turner Classic Movies continues with “The Girls on the Beach” (8 p.m.), “Beach Ball” (9:30 p.m.), “The Endless Summer” (11 p.m.), “Barefoot Adventure” (12:45 a.m.), “Spring Break” (2:15 a.m.) and “The Happening” (4:15 a.m.).
Baseball today includes Texas at Boston (ESPN2, 7 p.m.).
Stanley Cup playoffs include Rangers at Senators (CNBC, 7:30 p.m.), Penguins at Flyers (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.) and Canucks at Kings (NBC Sports, 10 p.m.).
NBA action includes Heat at Celtics (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Lakers at Warriors (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Olivia Wilde, Kevin Hart, Science Bob Pflugfelder, Mike Greenberg. The View: Jaleel White. The Talk: “The Sound of Music” cast, Theresa Caputo, Chi-Lan Lieu. Ellen DeGeneres: Mariska hargitay, Squeeze, Megan Hilty.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Jennifer Lawrence, Gail Collins, the Shins (rerun). Jay Leno: Jimmy Fallon, Toby Keith (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Gorgia Pellegrini, Jason Mraz. Jimmy Fallon: Joel McHale, James Cameron, the Ting Tings (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Michael Sheen, Michael Ian Black. Tavis Smiley: Noam Scheiber. Carson Daly: J.B. Smoove, Annie Mumolo, Bombay Bicycle Club (rerun). Jon Stewart: Robert Reich. Stephen Colbert: Arianna Huffington. Conan O’Brien: Sean Hayes, Paul F. Tompkins, Girls. Chelsea Handler: Lena Dunham, Gen Gleib, April Richardson, Josh Wolf.