Sometimes, nature films are so well-done and provide such awe-inspiring loooks at Earth, you wonder why there’s anything else on TV at all. The latest such wow is “Earthflight,” a series that appeared briefly on Discover as a two hour special called “Winged Planet,” now showing in full over six weeks on “Nature” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
The four year project doesn’t just follow migratory patterns of birds, it flies among them with an array of amazing technology that ranges from bird-cams affixed on some of the fliers, to gliding cameramen who pretend to be the mother geese among their flock, to drones sometimes dressed as birds.
Either way, it’s pretty amazing to be in the skies alongside the majestic birds, seeing what they are seeing: Not just the landscape, but corners of the Earth and its creatures not often seen, by dolphins, bison, bears and stingrays. All are included in the “North America” episode that shows how many spectacular natural things are going on right around us. The sixth episode Oct. 9 will share filmmaking techniques for the project.
If any set of comedies can bring viewers over to a new network it’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (FXX, 10 p.m.) and “The League” (FXX, 10:30 p.m.). In the former, Dee tries her hand as self-effacing standup comic in the ninth season start; in the latter, Andre tries to squeeze in a draft during his destination wedding in Beverly Hills in that shows fifth season premiere.
Later, the sharp topical late night show “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell” (FXX, 11 p.m.) begins its new season on the new network, meant for the younger demographic from FX.
It’s all over, once and for all, for “Futurama” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) which had three previous farewell episodes in its on and off schedule over 13 years and seven seasons.
Mary Tyler Moore, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman and Georgia Engel join Betty White for a de facto “Mary Tyler Moore Show” reunion on tonight’s episode of “Hot in Cleveland” (TVLand, 10 p.m.), where they portray former bowling teammates.
Proof they’re running out of topics for 9/11 anniversary documentaries: “The Flag” (CNN, 9 p.m.) wonders what hppened to the flag that flew over the doomed building that day.
Tonight’s “Luther” (BBC America, 9 p.m.) wraps up the grisly murder spree caper that started Tuesday. Back to back with “Broadchurch” (BBC America, 10 p.m.), you’d be hard pressed to find a better one-two punch this season.
Things are hitting pretty close to home on “The Bridge” (FX, 10 p.m.).
The comedies “Melissa & Joey” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.) and “Baby Daddy” (ABC Family, 9 p.m.) reach their season finales.
In the new series “DigFellas” (Travel, 8 p.m.), two pals look for antiques in places where history is rich.
A memorial service for Katherine Chancellor, a longtime character on “The Young and the Restless” (CBS, 12:30 p.m.) played by Jeanne Cooper, draws a half dozen returning cast members including Lauralee Bell, Tricia Cast, Beau Kazer, Michael Damian and Corbin Bernsen.
It’s getting down to the end on “Masterchef” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and “Top Chef Masters” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
McDreamy tries to raise money to keep his car driving hobby going on “Patrick Dempsey: Racing Le Mans” Velocity, 10 p.m.).
An investigation over what Penn State knew about the activities of Jerry Sandusky is included on tonight’s “60 Minutes Sports” (Showtime, 10 p.m.), which follows an opening night eve “Inside the NFL” (Showtime, 9 p.m.).
Fancy movie theaters are the topic on “Kelsey’s Essentials” (Cooking, 8 p.m.).
Six acts are eliminated on “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
If you can’t wait for the impending new season there’s a behind the scenes look that will get you familiar with the adjustments made in “Survivor: Blood vs. Water Preview” (TV Guide Network, Wednesday, 8 p.m.).
Robert Osborne gets the chance to choose films tonight on Turner Classic Movies, for the first time in more than a month. His choices: “Captains of the Clouds” (8 p.m.), “The Black Swan” (10 p.m.), “You’ll Never Get Rich” (11:30 p.m.), “Dance Girl, Dance” (1:15 a.m.) and “Holiday in Mexico” (3 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Zachary Quinto, Mel B., Tamar Braxton. The View: Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Anson Mount, Marysol Castro (rerun). The Talk: The Backstreet Boys, Glynis McCants (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Justin Timberlake (rerun). Wendy Williams: Marilu Henner (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Tim Robbins, Herm Edwards, Passion Pit. Jay Leno: Christina Applegate, Rob Corddry, White Lies. Jimmy Kimmel: Bill Hader, Richard Simmons, Alpine. Jimmy Fallon: Heidi Klum, Cory Booker, the Julie Ruin, Raheem Devaughn. Craig Ferguson: Elijah Wood, Brie Larson. Carson Daly: Tom Brokaw, Kevin Russ, the Coup (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Terry McMillan. Jon Stewart: Mario Livio. Stephen Colbert: Gary England. Conan O’Brien: Mike Tyson, Katie Aselton, Spin Doctors. Chelsea Handler: John Legend, Annie Lederman, Loni Love, Thomas Dale.