The trouble with shows that people get misty about at their end, is that they really felt this way about the series, they should have been watching earlier and more often.
Too many viewers faded from “Fringe” (Fox, 8 p.m.) to warrant it continuing. At least the network had the forethought to reward the viewers they did have with a short season that tied up the storylines and with any luck the pulled the series together.
Fans have been skeptical of this season, though, as it has taken such a different tone than before. Nonetheless, early word on the two hour finale that is also its 100th episode has high praise about how they handle the farewell and the final battle against the Observers.
“Real Time with Bill Maher” (HBO 10 p.m.) returns after an extended hiatus, with lots to talk about, chief among them guns and the inauguration. Scheduled guests include former Sen. Bob Kerrey, Martin Short, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, former Rep. Steve LaTourette and Rula Jebreal.
“Mumford & Sons: The Road to Red Rocks” (Showtime, 8 p.m.) is a concert film of the British band that’s taken up Americana.
I’d say the drug he’s on now is caffeine or some other upper. He’s will have talked 2 1/2 hours nonstop with Oprah Winfrey when “Oprah and Lance Armstrong: The Worldwide Exclusive” (OWN, 9 p.m.) comes in with its concluding half.
“Best Week Ever” (VH1, 10 p.m.) returns from the dead, with a new slate of comedians working for free in commenting on the week’s follies.
“Nikita” (The CW, 8 p.m.) returns with a new mission as she discovers the identity of Amanda’s mole.
Jeff Greenfield reports on how to end bureaucratic gridlock on “Need to Know” (PBS, 8:30 p.m., check local listings).
“The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents” (History, 9 p.m.), which has been showing all week, concludes with the most recent examples, just in time for net week’s inaugural.
The Coen Brothers are around on “O Brother Where Art Thou?” (IFC, 8 p.m.) to “Barton Fink” (Sundance, 10 p.m.).
One of film’s greatest duos, Laurel & Hardy, have some of their classic shorts showing tonight including “Chickens Come Home” (TCM, 8 p.m.), “Politquerias” (TCM, 8:45 p.m.), “Blotto” (TCM, 9:45 p.m.), “La Vida Nocturna” (TCM, 10:15 p.m.), “Be Big!” (TCM, 11:30 p.m.) and finally “Laughing Gravy” TCM, midnight) and “Les Carottiers” (TCM, 12:45 a.m.) — which is the French version of the two previous titles.
NBA action includes Bulls at Celtics (ESPN, 1 p.m.) and Thunder at Mavericks (ESPN, 9:30 p.m.). In men’s college hoops, it’s Stony Brook at Vermont (ESPNU, 7 p.m.) and Fairfield at Iona (ESPNU, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Kevin Bacon, Allison Williams. The View: Tom Arnold, Bill O’Reilly. The Talk: Michele Lee, Joan Van Ark, Donna Mills, Dolvett Quince. Ellen DeGeneres: Chris Kluwe, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Kevin Bacon, Brian Kiley, the Amazing. Jay Leno: Chris Tucker, Bob Costas, Big Boi. Jimmy Kimmel: highlights from the past week. Jimmy Fallon: Jessica Chastain, Josh Gad, Alan Zweibel, the Joy Formidibles. Craig Ferguson: Carrie Fisher, Steven Yeun. Carson Daly: Chris Elliott, the Jezabels (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Coretta Scott King (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Cyndi Lauper, Gary Valentine, Fortune Feimster, Ryan Stout (rerun).