It used to be the biggest night of the TV season, let alone May sweeps (and the regular results show moves from Thursday to Wednesday to fit into it). But “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.) has turned into just another singing competition, and you can’t count all of the network titles on one hand any more. They’re hidden amid a crush of other reality talent competitions.

Still, there may be some interest in whether Phillip Phillips or Jessica Sanchez wins the 11th season crown. And they usually pull together an entertaining finale show, featuring a number of surprise recording artists, old contestants and even early rejects all in the name of entertainment. It will also likely be the last night for some of the judges on the panel who will not be returning.

“Revenge” (ABC, 10 p.m.) is over-promising on its first season finale,. But a lot of stuff is supposed to happen.

It’s not quite the end yet for “America’s Next Top Model” (The CW, 9 p.m.), so they have a clip-show with highlights of the season so far.

Dean Winters returns for the season finale of “Law & Order: SVU” (NBC, 10 p.m.).

Next stop for “Around the World in 80 Plates” (Bravo, 10 p.m.) is Barcelona.

An end comes for the first season of “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” (NBC, 8 p.m.). It’ll be back, though.

Norm MacDonald returns on the season finale of “The Middle” (ABC, 8 p.m.).

I keep forgetting Joel McHale’s “The Soup” (E!, 10 p.m.) is on Wednesdays now.

Get ready for flashbacks: The fourth roommate arrives on “White Heat” (BBC America, 10 p.m.).

There are two “River Monsters” (Animal Planet, 9 and 10 p.m.) specials on tonight, but I’m more interested in something called “Man-Eating Super Croc” (Animal Planet, 8 p.m.).

Catch the mullet while you can. It has been reported that “Dog the Bounty Hunter” (A&E, 9 p.m.) has been canceled.

The month-long Wednesday night showcase of films starring Joel McCrea on Turner Classic Movies continues with “The Virginian” (8 p.m.), “Union Pacific” (10 p.m.), “Cattle Drive” (12:30 a.m.) “The Silver Horde” (2 a.m.), “The Outriders” (3:30 a.m.) and “Primrose Path” (5:15 a.m.).

In the game 6 of the NBA playoff series, it’s Celtics at 76ers (ESPN, 8 pm.). It’s game 5 in the Stanley Cup playoff series of Devils at Rangers (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).

In baseball, it’s Nationals at Phillies (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) gets a national audience.

Daytime Talk

Kelly Ripa: Josh Brolin, Seth Meyers. The View: Dan Rather. The Talk: Kathy Griffin, Marcela Valladolid. Ellen DeGeneres: Will Smith, Justin Bieber.

Late Talk

David Letterman: Piedmont Bird Callers, Bill O’Reilly, Pitbull. Jay Leno: Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Juanes. Jimmy Kimmel: Josh Brolin, Bethenny Frankel, Kimbra. Jimmy Fallon: Edie Falco, Jim Gaffigan, Penn & Teller. Craig Ferguson: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Keke Palmer. Tavis Smiley: Gregg Allman. Carson Daly: Matt Walsh, Flying Lotus, Band of Skulls. Conan O’Brien: Howie Mandel, Alice Eve, John Ramsey. Chelsea Handler: Donald Schultz, Ben Gleib, Jen Kirkman, Ross Mathews.

One thought on “Wednesday TV: Last Night of Sweeps, ‘Idol’ Finale”
  1. This happens to be a great list of PrimeTime shows I’ve enjoyed watching since I upgraded to my Hopper. The Hopper will automatically record all the PrimeTime anytime shows. Now, Dish has stepped up another level by offering the option of Auto Hop during play back. The day after my PrimeTime shows air I’ll have the option to watch or to skip commercials with the touch of a button. I work for Dish and I’m glad a coworker showed me this great new feature, now my family and I can save time without commercials and killing remote batteries.

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