The underrated series “The Big C” receives what it will get as far as closure in something they’re calling “The Big C: Hereafter” (Showtime, 10 p.m.). Less a season than a series of specials, the four one-hour episodes begin tonight with a funeral service, for a dog. Cathy is inside and feeling ill about undergoing a new round of chemo. She’s also ending her career in teaching as her son is about to hit his 16th birthday.
Besides having a talented cast, the show is full of guest stars, with Nathy Najimy, Alan Alda joining a cast that already includes Oliver Platt, John Benjamin Hickey and Gabourey Sidibe. And as well acted as it is throughout, nobody comes close to the luminosity of star Laura Linney.
Amid another national debate on immigration, the documentary “The Undocumented” on “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) looks at the deadly crossing points in the Arizona desert where an estimated 2,500 people have died in the last 15 years, largely of heat stroke. Along with the beefed up patrols there are various humane watchdogs who provide water to prevent needless death. But the film finds a lot of grisly discoveries in the sand.
Another documentary making its TV debut is “The Queen of Versailles” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) about the time-share king and his family, building the biggest (and most garish) private home in the country before the recession hits. What’s shocking is what a terrible father David Siegel is. And Jackie Siegel may be an opportunist, but she’s interested in keeping her family together.
Season finales come tonight for “The Following” (Fox, 9 p.m.) and “Bones” (Fox, 8 p.m.), both of which have been renewed for new seasons.
Knockout rounds begin on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.), which are different from the battle rounds in that the two team members pitted against one another get to sing different songs.
Last week’s episode of “Castle” (ABC, 10 p.m.) was pulled at the last minute because its bomb storyline was coming too close after Boston. Now it’s been two weeks so they show it tonight.
A second episode of the strong new series “Rectify” (Sundance, 10 p.m.) comes tonight after yet another replay of the alluring premiere at 9.
Too bad boxer Victor Ortiz didn’t get to last long enough for tonight’s Latin Night on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.). in what they’re calling a new twist, the dancer with the highest judges’ score will earn immunity from elimination, which usually happens anyway. What top rated dancer has ever been voted out by viewers?
On the new “Red White & New” (Travel, 10 p.m.), new inventions and products are celebrated, such as a tricked-out pogo stick.
When Ralph Macchio joins Barney’s bachelor party on “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS, 8 p.m.), it’s not clear whether that’s considered a good thing or a bad thing
Hollywood leading man Richard Carlson is featured tonight on Turner Classic Movies with “It Came from Outer Space” (8 p.m.), “The Magnetic Monster” (9:30 p.m.), “Riders to the Stars” (11 p.m.), “The Power” (12:30 a.m.), “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (2:30 a.m.) and “Tormented” (4 a.m.).
NBA playoff games tonight include Chicago at Brooklyn (TNT, 7 p.m.), Indiana at Atlanta (NBA, 7:30 p.m.) and Oklahoma City at Houston (TNT, 9:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Lauren Graham. The View: Rebel Wilson, Fantasia, Jenny McCarthy. The Talk: Billy Ray Cyrus, Vera Gibbons. Ellen DeGeneres: Vince Vaughn.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Nada Bakos, Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite. Jay Leno: Ben Kingsley, Larry the Cable Guy, the Band Perry. Jimmy Kimmel: Martin Short, Leah Remini, Zac Brown Band. Jimmy Fallon: Rebel Wilson, Anthony Bourdain, Retta. Craig Ferguson: Mary McCormack, Jim O’Heir. Carson Daly: Georges St. Pierre, Awkward Black Girl, Glossary. Tavis Smiley: Steve Clemons, John Wood. Jon Stewart: Jon Hamm. Stephen Colbert: Iggy & the Stooges. Conan O’Brien: Brad Garrett, Amy Schumer, Old Crow Medicine Show. Chelsea Handler: Gwyneth Paltrow, Nico Santos, Sarah Colonna, Julian McCullough.