Neil Patrick Harris returns to host The 66th Annual Tony Awards (CBS, 8 p.m.) from the Beacon Theatre in New York. The adaptation of “Once” leads all shows with 11 nominations, followed by “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” which each have 10 awards. Win or lose, it’s a good annual sampling of what’s on Broadway.
After an abnormal wait, the fifth season of “Mad Men” (AMC, 10 p.m.) certainly delivered with lots of plot complications and turns, not the least of which occurred last week, the ramifications of which should be dealt with in tonight’s season finale.
Of course it overshadows the same night first part of a finale for “The Killing” (AMC, 9 p.m.), but the smartly-done remake of the Danish hit has been pretty strong all season anyway. Many childishly refused to watch after the killer of Rosie Larsen was not revealed during last season’s finale – as if solutions must happen like clockwork. But the producers were nonetheless chastened – promising that the killer will be revealed in the finale no matter what. (But probably in part two next week).
Speaking of killing, “True Blood” (HBO, 9 p.m.) returns for its fifth season with the usual rivers of red. Like all episodes, the season begins seconds after the last season ended, when Tara dove in front of a bullet intended for Sookie. Sookie had basically rejected both her men, Eric and Bill, who are forced to work together to fight a bigger vampire power, an Authority led by Christopher Meloni, who doesn’t show his face (or fangs) until next week.
“True Blood” is often taken for granted, but it’s got a great cast of colorful characters, funny writing, some wicked directing that make it effective action as well.
In the latest entry into the sweeping HD nature sweepstakes, “Untamed Americas” (National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.) looks at the wild life unfolding in North, Central and South America. The four hour, two night miniseries, narrated by Josh Brolin, is divided into four different climates – mountains, desert, the ocean and the forests, and begins with a wolf trying his best to catch up to a caribou. It concludes Monday.
Its fist season ends too soon, but “Veep” (HBO, 10 p.m.) ends its first season with a great one, concerning a tear shed that makes everything sunny.
“Girls” (HBO, 10:30 p.m.) is not quite over; it ends next week. But there is a rift between the roommates Marnie and Hannah in an episode where Jennie Slate and Michael Imperioli both guest star.
It seems a natural setting, but come on, who can be excited about “Mob Wives Chicago” (VH1, 8 p.m.).
Ms. Winfrey interviews Paris Jackson and 50 Cent on “Oprah’s Next Chapter” (OWN, 9 p.m.). It’s followed by a new season of “Our America with Lisa Ling” (OWN, 10 p.m.), which squanders her skills looking at child beauty pageants.
A winner is crowned on “Cupcake Champions” (Food Network, 8 p.m.). TV specials are taped by the remaining contestants on “The Next Food Network Star” (Food, 9 p.m.).
Among other birthdays today, Judy Garland would have turned 90. Turner Classic Movies marks the date with some of her most memorable roles: “The Wizard of Oz” (8 p.m.), “Meet Me in St. Louis” (10 p.m.), “Easter Parade” (midnight) “Summer Stock” (2 a.m.) and “I Could Go On Singing” (4 a.m..).
You may not be able to follow “Madagascar 3” in the theaters if you don’t take in “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (FX, 8 p.m.) first. It’s sandwiched by two showings of the infinitely more annoying “Alvin & the Chipmunks 2: Chipwrecked” (FX, 6 and 10 p.m.).
The Men’s Finals of the French Open (NBC, 9 a.m.) are this morning, between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Baseball today includes Mets at Yankees (TBS, 1 p.m.) and Tigers at Reds (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
A couple of big games in the European Soccer Championship includes Spain vs. Italy (ESPN, noon) and Ireland vs. Croatia (ESPN, 2:45 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Former Govs. Ed Rendell and Mike Huckabee, Ann Coulter, Van Jones. CBS: Govs. Scott Walker and Martin O’Malley, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Mike Rogers, Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein. CNN: David Axelrod, Sen. John McCain, Reps. Peter King and Lynn Woolsey. Fox News: Gov. Mitch Daniels, National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel.