In December, TLC initially shelved its special “Best Funeral Ever” (Discovery Fit & Health, 9 p.m.) because its outrageous themed ceremonies at a Dallas funeral home seemed at odds with the actual somber funerals that were occurring after the shooting massacre in Connecticut.
Now that special is back, on an alternate channel, if only to help introduce a slightly more toned down series on a family funeral business that also caters to the African-American community. “Funeral Boss” (Discovery Fit & Health, 10 and 10:30 p.m.) features Bill Harris of the William C. Harris Funeral Home in north St. Louis County, Mo.
He likes to wear “food-colored clothing,” admits to having too big of a closet and is hardly ever seen without his bluetooth in his ear. He’s helped by his four kids, William III, Windall, Westley and Tiara, who are competing to take over the business. But it’s so toned down that it plays like an infomercial.
A new season starts for “Braxton Family Values” (WE, 9 p.m.) in which most of the sisters travel to Italy, save for Tamar, who stays home to promote her own solo show.
Leslie and Ron argue over saving a Pawnee video sore run by Jason Schwartzman on a new “Parks and Recreation” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.).
A second chapter of “Battleground: Rhino Wars” (Animal Planet, 9 p.m.) follows a replay of last week’s premiere at 8.
Every cheerleading squad needs a vampire, so Elena becomes one on a new “Vampire Diaries” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
The first of the Top 10 is eliminated on “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.), on a show that also features performances by Bon Jovi and Phillip Phillips, the winner from last year.
Linda Ramone, the widow of Johnny Ramone seeks a vintage dress to wear at the Grammys on a new “L.A. Frock Stars” (Smithsonian, 8 p.m.).
Ken Jeong’s Chang has a bout of amnesia on “Community” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Dwight goes back to the farm to give a glimpse at the spin-off series that would have been on “The Office” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
Skip prepares for a date on a new “1600 Penn” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.).
Lucy Liu’s character takes on her first solo case on “Sherlock” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
New ownership isn’t working out on “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
I like the edgy stuff they’re doing on “The Ben Show with Ben Hoffman” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) and “Nathan for You” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.). And “Archer” (FX, 10 p.m.) is always strong.
Tonight you can choose between the 2009 “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.) and the 2011 “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” (HBO, 8 p.m.).
There’s a whole lot of double agents tonight on Turner Classic Movies, with “13 Rue Madeleine” (8 p.m.), “The House on 92nd Street” (9:45 p.m.), “Ice Station Zebra” (11:30 p.m.), “Triple Cross” (2:15 a.m.) and “Dark Journey” (4:30 a.m.).
NBA action includes Mavericks at Spurs (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Knicks at Trail Blazers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Big East men’s college basketball tournament play today includes Georgetown vs. Cincinnati (ESPN, noon), Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse (ESPN, 2:30 p.m.), Louisville vs. Villanova (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and Marquette vs. Notre Dame (ESPN, 9 p.m.).
In the Atlantic 10 it’s Richmond vs. Charlotte (NBC Sports, noon), Butler vs. Dayton (NBC Sports, 2:30 p.m.), Xavier vs. Saint Joseph’s (NBC Sports, 6:30 p.m.) and George Washington vs. Massachusetts (NBC Spots, 9 p.m.).
Also: Oklahoma vs. Iowa State (ESPN2, 12:30 p.m.), Southern Mississippi vs. UAB (CBS Sports, 1 p.m.), Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina State (ESPNU, 2:30 p.m.), Kansas vs. Texas Tech (ESPN2, 3 p.m.), UTEP vs. Houston (CBS Sports, 3:30 p.m.), Purdue vs. Nebraska (ESPN2, 6:30 p.m.), Memphis vs. Tulane (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.), Iowa vs. Northwestern (ESPN2, 8:30 p.m.), East Carolina vs. Tulsa (CBS Sports, 9:30 p.m.) and Oregon vs. Washington (ESPNU, 11:30 p.m.).
In second round World Baseball Classic play, it’s Dominican Republic vs. United States (MLB, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Josh Henderson, Jeff Probst. The View: Lucy Liu, Louie Anderson. The Talk: Rita Moreno, Gesine Bullock-Prado. Ellen DeGeneres: Jennifer Love Hewitt, D.L. Hughley, Cheryl Burke.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Gerard Butler, Elizabeth Cook. Jay Leno: James Franco, Jay Mohr, Owl City with Yuna. Jimmy Kimmel: Jim Parsons, Gavin Newsom, Ziggy Marley (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Katie Couric, Freddie Highmore, Justin Timberlake. Craig Ferguson: Monica Potter, Jim Rome. Carson Daly: Anthony Anderson, Travis Knight, Local Natives (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Elisabeth Moss. Jon Stewart: Alison Brie (rerun).Stephen Colbert: David Goldhill (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Steve Carell, Camilla Luddington, Luke Bryan. Chelsea Handler: Olivia Wilde, Brad Wollack, Annie Lederman, Ryan Stout.