Spike Lee is guest programmer on Turner Classic Movies tonight and his choices are widespread – Kirk Douglas in Billy Wilder’s “Ace in the Hole” (8 p.m.), Robert Mitchum in “The Night of the Hunter” (10 p.m.), Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront” (11:45 p.m.) and with some prescience, the greatest dramatic role from Andy Griffith, who died Tuesday at 86 – in Elia Kazan’s “A Face in the Crowd” (1:45 a.m.). It’s capped by Sally Field in “Norma Rae” (4 a.m.).
Of course, you could also catch two episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” (TV Land, noon, 12:30 p.m.) for the more familiar side of the actor.
When most reality shows chronicle the lowest behavior, on shows like “The Real World” (MTV, 8 p.m.), “Snooki & J Woww” (MTV, 10 p.m.) and “The Real Housewives of New York City” (Bravo, 9 p.m.), it’s time to shine light on the summer series that followed something a little high minded – a ballet company in Salt Lake City. “Breaking Pointe” (The CW, 8 p.m.) ends its season tonight with some more opening performance drama, particularly the fall of Rex, which we will give the producers credit for not forshadowing a million times, as they do on most reality shows.
It’s the first season finale too for “Kathy” (Bravo, 10 p.m.), so she includes as guest a talk show host who may show her a thing or two, Jimmy Kimmel.
Charlie Sheen’s premiere of “Anger Management” (FX, 9:30 p.m.) was huge last week – the biggest cable comedy premiere this year, with 5.5 million viewers. Tonight he sees how sleep deprivation does for his patients. Doing not as well were “Wilfred” (FX, 10 p.m.), drawing 2.5 million, and least of all (1.4 million) for the best comedy on TV, “Louie” (FX, 10:30 p.m.) which has a remarkable episode tonight featuring guest star Melissa Leo, with whom he’s set up on a date that takes a very unexpected turn (though I suppose you’ll expect it now).
One of the cops has a surprise run in with his estranged mother on a new “Rookie Blue” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
Members of the military are invited to compete on “Wipeout” (ABC, 9 p.m.), which I’m sure is a big deal to them.
The death of a local celebrity in Louisville is investigated on “The First 48” (A&E, 9 p.m.). Good thing the officers from “Cajun Justice” (A&E, 10 p.m.) aren’t on the case.
With duds like Rob Kardashians giving them the once over, my hope for the poor girls who volunteered to be on “The Choice” (Fox, 9 p.m.) would be to turn and run. Already I respect Cat Deeley a little less for being part of it.
A dude missing his flight makes for the drama on the reality show “On the Fly” (TLC, 9 p.m.).
The golden age of music (whenvever that was) is tarnished just a bit when it becomes the theme to tonight’s “Duets” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
A week of classic James Bond continues with “Dr. No” (Encore, 8 p.m.).
There are a couple of great films from the 70s, “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoise” (Flix, 6 p.m.) and “A Woman Under the Influence” (Flix, 8 p.m.). And one from the 80s, “Blue Velvet” (Sundance, 9 p.m.).
What’s Chelsea Clinton doing at a correctional facility in Laurel, Md.? Reporting on it for “Rock Center with Brian Williams” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
It’s women’s semifinals at Wimbledon (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Stage 5 of the Tour de France (NBC Sports, 8 a.m.) from Rouen Saint-Quentin.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Salma Hayek, Rhys Ifans, Carrie Ann Inaba. The View: Troy Dunn. The Talk: Mary McCormack, Paul Bartolotta (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Katy Perry, Alanis Morissette (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Adam Sandler, Jerry Douglas (rerun). Jay Leno: Tom Cruise, Felix Bumgartner & Joe Kittinger, Kool & the Gang (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Louis C.K., Zoe Kazan, Katy Perry (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Ben Stiller, Anthony Bourdain, Japandroids (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Billy Bob Thornton (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Eddie Levert. Carson Daly: Jenny McCarthy, Jessie Baylin (rerun). Jon Stewart: Andrew Garfield (rerun). Stephen Colbert: Melinda Gates (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Steven Ho, Megan Mullally, Mona (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Oliver Stone, Ben Gleib, jen Kirkman, Josh Wolf (rerun).