As in “The Big Chill,” it is a death of an old friend that brings the old gang together. In this case, it’s a bunch of roommates in swinging London, circa 1965, when drugs, free love and radical politics were all part of the heady mix.

The mystery of “White Heat” (BBC America, 10 p.m.) is what happened between the characters, and indeed, which one of them is dead. It’s got another strong cast full of familiar faces from other quality British productions, including Claire Foy, Sam Claflin, MyAnna Buring, Reece Ritchie and Lee Ingleby. And mom of the central character is Tasmin Greig of “Episodes.”

Unlike “Mad Men,” which also mines the same time period, this one moves fast through the 70s, 80s and reaching the 90s by the time it reaches its sixth episode.

In an effort to regain some of the “Top Chef” mojo it lost when the show fled to Lifetime, Bravo adds in a little bit of “The Amazing Race” with international settings and “Survivor”-style voting for each week’s elimination in the new “Around the World in 80 Plates” (Bravo, 10 p.m.), in which a dozen American chefs jet around the world and cook in 10 countries in 40 days. England’s the first stop. Curtis Stone and Cat Cora host.

The final four perform on “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.) on a night with the theme of “California Dreamin.’” That is to say: songs by a California band, and songs they wished they had written.

“Nature” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) follows a family of lions whose life in the South Africa’s Kruger National Park is complicated by a pair of white cubs who stand out just a little too much.

On the 12th season finale for “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS, 10 p.m.), there’s a triple murder near a campaign event. Peri Gilpin guest stars.

Hong Kong is the destination for  the remaining contestants on “America’s Next Top Model” (The CW, 9 p.m.).

Tony Hale, who has been so good on the new “Veep” (HBO, 9 p.m.) can also be seen as a suspect on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 10 p.m.).

For the season finale of “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.), they all go to Disneyland.

James Van Der Beek’s self-depricating performance may be the best thing about “Don’t Trust the B— in Apt. 23” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.).

Rosie O’Donnell guest stars on “Happily Divorced” (TV Land, 10:30 p.m.).

In a flashback episode to 2002 on “Revenge” (ABC, 10 p.m.), we’ll see if the wigs have been improved for Emily Van Camp.

In the Stanley Cup Playoff, it’s game six in the series of Rangers at Capitals (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.).

The 42-film, month-long, Wednesday night salute to actor Joel McCrea continues on Turner Classic Movies with “The Most Dangerous Game” (8 p.m.), “Foreign Correspondent” (9:30 p.m.), “Shoot First” (11:45 p.m.), “Espionage Agent” (1;15 am.), “The Lost Squadron” (2:45 a.m.),“Born to Love” (4:15 a.m.) and “Bird of Paradise” (5:45 a.m.).

In the NBA playoffs, it’s Knicks at Heat (TNT, 7 p.m.) and Clippers at Grizzlies (TNT, 9:30 p.m.).

Baseball includes Rays at Yankees (ESPN, 7 p.m.).

Daytime Talk

Kelly Ripa: Chace Crawford, Karmin, Michael Strahan. The View: Christina Ricci, John Stossel. The Talk: Craig Ferguson, Eric Buterbaugh. Ellen DeGeneres: Carrie Underwood, Anna Kendrick.

Late Talk

David Letterman: Eva Longoria, Tom Dreesen, Florence + The Machine, Booker T. Jones. Jay Leno: Garry Shandling, Alison Brie, Jermaine Paul. Jimmy Kimmel: Steve Harvey, Dev Patel, Glenn Frey. Jimmy Fallon: Howard Stern, Brooklyn Decker, Giada De Laurentiis, Mick Taylor. Craig Ferguson: Jenna Fischer, Danny Huston. Tavis Smiley: Michael Sandel. Carson Daly: Chloe Grace Moretz, Yuna, Tennis. Jon Stewart: Dr. John R. Hall. Stephen Colbert: Anna Wintour. Conan O’Brien: Joel McHale, Nina Dobrev, Reggie Watts. Chelsea Handler: Ian Sommerhalder, John Caparulo, Rachel Feinstein, Josh Wolf.