Anthony Edwards returns to series TV for the first time since “ER” with a a quasi “DaVinci Code” saga about ancient secrets, suppressed histories and murderous kidnappers in the new network series “Zero Hour” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
It has the ambitious feel of a Hollywood B-movie and spares no expense on international-looking set design (or CGI). The story itself is a little preposterous, but at least won’t stick to the same overarching plot the whole time. Because Edwards takes his job seriously, it lends some weight to what could have easily become a light mystery.
Even as it is, it has more substance than other ABC Thursday dramas “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 9 p.m.) and “Scandal” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
But things are tough for new shows. “Do No Harm” for example was cancelled after just two showings. In its slot tonight is a rerun of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
If you think cable reality shows have turned into one big freakshow its literally true on “Freakshow” (AMC, 9:30 p.m.), chronicling the Venice Beach sideshow entertainers who swallow swords, eat fire, or are physical anomalies enough to qualify them as entertainers.
Also new tonight, another show that tries to get a reality show out of taxidermy, “Immortalized” (AMC, 10 p.m.). This from the network that also gives you “Mad Men.”
The two new shows follow a new time slot for “Comic Book Men” (AMC, 9 and 10:30 p.m.).
A one hour episode of “The Office” (NBC, 9 p.m.) has Pam going to Philadelphia for a job interview with a “strangely familiar” manager. Is this the sly way of getting a Michael Scott return before the series ends?
The biggest Valentine’s Day event is likely Will and Emma’s wedding on “Glee” (Fox, 9 p.m.). But there are also Valentine’s themes on “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.) and “Two and a Half Men” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.).
On the oddly retooled “Community” (NBC, 8 p.m.), however, it’s Halloween.
After the remaining girls sing their final solos in Hollywood, the top 20 male and female finalists will be named on “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
“Swamp People” (History, 9 p.m.) return for a new season of gator-hunting, but Hurricane Isaac is not cooperating.
“Archer” (FX, 10 p.m.) must save his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend even though he is an evil cyborg.
The latest web-based comedy show “Failosophy” (MTV, 10:30 p.m.), hosted by Hasan Minhaj, looks at the frailties of home made videos.
When it comes to political TV drama, I’ve heard great things about the Danish “Borgen” (DirecTV, 7:30 p.m.) which begins rerunning the first season tonight on satellite.
Let’s mix the truck-hauling with the bounty hunting on the new “Big Rig Bounty Hunters” (History, 10 p.m.) which concerns looking for lost cargo before it’s uh, history.
Selznick International Pictures is mainly known for one big epic: “Gone with the Wind” (TCM, 8 p.m.). But it also was part of Oscar nominees or winners “Rebecca” (TCM, midnight), “Spellbound” (TCM, 2:30 a.m.) and “Portrait of Jennie” (TCM, 4:30 a.m.).
Blizzard-wary Northeasterners will probably not be tuning in to “Finding Nemo” (Starz, 8 p.m.).
Romantic films tonight include “The Five Year Engagement” (HBO, 7:45 p.m.) or “Be My Valentine” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.).
NBA action includes Heat at Thunder (TNT, 8 o.m.) and Clippers at Lakers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Men’s college hoops games include George Mason at Drexel (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.), Wisconsin at Minnesota (ESPN, 7 p.m.), LSU at South Carolina (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Belmont at Tennessee State (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), St. John’s at Louisville (ESPN, 9 p.m.), UCLA at California (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Iowa at Penn State (ESPNU, 9 p.m.), Massachusetts at Virginia Commonwealth (CBS Sports, 9 p.m.), Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s, Calif. (ESPN2, 11 p.m.) and Southern California at Stanford (ESPNU, 11 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Bruce Willis, Molly Shannon, Andrew Zimmern. The View: Helen Hunt, Melissa Rauch, Nene Leakes. The Talk: Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross, Nigella Lawson. Ellen DeGeneres: Sofia Vergara, Josh Groban.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Grohl & the Sound City Players with Stevie Nicks. Jay Leno: Jarod, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw. Jimmy Kimmel: Rachel Weisz, Josh Groban. Jimmy Fallon: Bruce Willis, Molly Shannon, Trinidad James. Craig Ferguson: George Lopez, Sutton Foster. Carson Daly: Anthony Anderson, Sam Sheridan, Local Natives. Tavis Smiley: Eric Burdon. Stephen Colbert: Gavin Newsom. Conan O’Brien: Dr. Phil McGraw, Julianne Hough, the Vaccines. Chelsea Handler: Julianne Hough, Jeff Wild, Heather McDonald, Nico Santos.