What was once the brightest new show in broadcast, “Glee” (Fox, 9 p.m.), as it begins its fourth season, mostly seems to exist to be a huge annoyance. By now, Rachel is in New York City at her performing arts school meeting her tough dance teacher Kate Hudson who makes inappropriate comments.
She misses Finn, who has joined the military and gone overseas and is never seen in the episode. Though she meets a hunky fellow student played by Dean Geyer.
Back at school, Mercedes, Puck and Kurt have all graduated, though only the latter hangs around. They need new members for New Directions. And because they took nationals, they’re suddenly a popular club.
But the new recruits are awash in cliché. One is an angry young man. Another a sweet 16 year old who is embarrassed that her overweight mother is the lunch lady. There’s a new mean girl who heads the Cheerios, and the long unfunny Sue Sylvester character is seen less and less.
“America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 8 p.m.) ends its season with a typically overblown two hour finale in which they pick an act who will win $1 million, get a gig in Vegas and never be heard from again. I’d say the dog act would be fitting. It’s also the last show for Sharon Osbourne, who has announced she’s quitting the show.
The third part of Richard Wagner’s “Ring” cycle, “Siegfried” is performed on “Great Performances at the Met” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
The first auditions from “X Factor” (Fox, 8 p.m.) on Wednesday were more entertaining than expected; the good feelings may continue for its second episode (and third hour) tonight. It may be better than “The Voice” (which rests tonight after three nights) and certainly beats “The Next” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
Jenn got voted off Wednesday and another live eviction from the final four is scheduled tonight on “Big Brother” (CBS, 9 p.m.). It’s the final Thursday episode of the season, which has its finale next Wednesday. Danielle, who is head of household, must first nominate two. Will nobody ever nominate Dan?
The last of a fascinating three-part “Louie” (FX, 10:30 p.m.) may determine whether he decides to take over a major talk show franchise.
An offer to study abroad threatens Jenna’s recently declared relationship with Matty on the second season finale of “Awkward” (MTV, 10:30 p.m.).
Should we be excited about the season premiere of “The Real Housewives of Miami” (Bravo, 9 p.m.)? I can see no reason why. Still, the episode runs an odd 75 minutes instead of 60.
Family visits come on the same week the contestants on “Project Runway” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) design their own fabric. So it’s logical that Mondo Guerra, who did such a stunning job on his own fabric, appears as guest judge alongside another former contestant Anya Ayoung-Chee.
Nashville’s the stop for the final “Trip Flip” (Travel, 9 p.m.) of the season.
It’s also the season finale for “Extreme Chef” (Food Network, 10 p.m.) cook a vegetarian meal in a river in Thailand.
And it’s the last “Snooki & Jwoww” (MTV, 10 p.m.) of the season. The “Jersey Shore” spin-off has been renewed despite low ratings.
Not a lot of hard news on “Rock Center with Brian Williams” (NBC, 10 p.m.), as Ryan Seacrest interviews Justin Bieber and his mother.
The month-long Thursday night salute to Mack Sennett continues with more than 20 silent shorts from more than 90 years ago featuring stars such as Harold Lloyd, Charley Chase and Fatty Arbuckle, but also some names lost to time, such as Chester Conklin, Slim Summerville and Syd Chaplin. It starts with “Gussie’s Day of Rest” (TCM, 8 p.m.) from 1915 and goes from there.
College football tonight includes Rutgers at South Florida (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.). In the NFL, it’s Bears at Packers (NFL, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Emma Watson, Jimmie Johnson. Katie Couric: Brene Brown, Jenny Lawson. The View: Susan Sarandon, Dan Abrams, Kelly Rutherford, Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke. The Talk: Dr. Phil McGraw, Tim Gunn, Brooke Shields. Ellen DeGeneres: Katy Perry, Little Big Town.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Jake Gyllenhaal, Sharon Osbourne, Neon Trees (rerun). Jay Leno: Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Douglas, Norah Jones (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Terry Bradshaw, Dave Matthews. Jimmy Fallon: Emma Watson, Tony Danza, Michael Symon. Craig Ferguson: Katey Sagal, Mike Massimino. Tavis Smiley: Jonathan Demme. Carson Daly: Michael Ian Black, Father John Misty, Yamagata (rerun). Jon Stewart: Republican Convention wrap-up (rerun). Stephen Colbert: James Carville (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Steven Ho, James Van Der Beek, the Walkman. Chelsea Handler: Milla Jovovich, Nico Santos, Loni Love, Greg Fitzsimmons.