The author and historian Simon Schama has made his mark as one of TV’s most animated and erudite hosts with his past histories of art, England and America. He seems even more spirited in his new series “The Story of the Jews” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) that accompanies the first volume of his new book of the same name, because it is in part his own family history.
His approach is anything but conventional. His history begins not in ancient times, but in Sigmund Freud’s study, and his own look back in Jewish history. That map points to unusual architectural sites and readings that are unexpected and often fascinating. He jumps in time as often as he does in place and often ends each of the five parts tad libbing his own passions, which is pretty effective.
Too bad PBS is jamming all of the BBC-produced episodes together, two-by-two instead of letting them breathe more naturally week by week.
On the new “Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge” (Syfy, 10 p.m.), ten compete to craft creative puppets, trying not to make them all look like Kermit. It looks like a more fun and light-hearted contest than the similar one on “Face Off” (Syfy, 9 p.m.).
“Frontline” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) investigates the come back of tuberculosis in Africa.
The season finale of one of the year’s best offerings so far, “The Kroll Show” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) offers a raft of guest stars that include Katie Perry, Seth Rogan, Amy Poehler and Laura Dern. But as usual the indispensable chararacter is Kroll himself.
“Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan” (BBC America, 10 p.m.) returns for a second season, undaunted by its tasks, such as tracking a giant spitting cobra in Kenya.
One of the best things on TV takes a bit of hunting: Robert Rodriguez’ new series version of “From Dusk Till Dawn” (El Rey Network, 9 p.m.).
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox, 9:30 p.m.) ends its first season, in which it won a Golden Globe and renewal for another season.
I’m thinking the cast of “New Girl” (Fox, 8 p.m.) is getting a little too old to engage in drinking games.
Santana and Rachel try to make up on a new “Glee” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Cast member Misha Collins also directs tonight’s episode of “Supernatural” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
It’s college graduation for Dan Byrd’s character on “Cougar Town” (TBS, 10 p.m.). Which is good timing since he appears on the season premiere of “Mad Men” next month. That’s my spoiler.
There are little shocks at the end of each episode of “The 100” (The CW, 8 p.m.), it would seem.
The final battle round occurs on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
A winer is declared on the “Bad Girls All Star Battle” (Oxygen, 8 p.m.) and then the contestants immediately gather for part one of a reunion at 9.
Fans who miss “Downton Abbey” should check out Robert Altman’s 2001 “Gosford Park” (TMC, 8 p.m.) — it’s got Maggie Smith too.
“Carson on TCM” (TCM, 8 p.m.) includes Johnny Carson interviews with Candice Bergen, Don Adams, Red Shelton, Lucille Ball, Jack Benny and Carol Burnett.
The NCAA women’s basketball tournament includes Saint Joseph’s vs. Connecticut (ESPNU, 7 p.m.) and Maryland vs. Texas (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) as well as wraparound coverage of four other games 9:30 p.m. on ESPNU.
Men’s NIT quarterfinals has Belmont at Clemson (ESPN, 7 p.m.) and Southern Mississippi at Minnesota (ESPN, 9 p.m.).
NBA action includes Oklahoma City at Dallas (TNT, 8 p.m.) and New York at Lakers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.). In hockey, it’s Detroit at Columbus (NBC Sports Network, 7:30 p.m.).
Spring baseball has Atlanta vs. Detroit (ESPN, 1 p.m.), San Francisco vs. Milwaukee (MLB, 4 p.m.) and Philadelphia vs. New York Yankees (MLB, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Zach Braff, Rachel Zoe, Aloe Blacc, Maria Menounos. The View: George Wallace, Tammy Pescatelli, Carlos Oscar, Karen Bergreen, Ted Greenberg, Judy Gold. The Talk: Mary Steenburgen, Michael Yo, Frank Pellegrino Jr. Ellen DeGeneres: Eva Mendes, Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone, Chris Paul, Rosalee Ramer (rerun). Wendy Williams: America Ferrera, Diego Luna, Cirque du Soleil.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Emma Watson, Nick Offerman, the Strypes. Jimmy Fallon: Jude Law, Shakira. Jimmy Kimmel: Nicole Kidman, Alyson Hannigan. Seth Meyers: Kim Kardashian, Taran Killam, Ariana Huffington. Craig Ferguson: Howie Mandel, Ginger Gonzaga, the Belle Brigade. Carson Daly: Veronica Roth, the Preatures, MisterWives. Tavis Smiley: Robert Reich, Benmont Tench. Jon Stewart: Amy Yates Wuelfing, Gibby Haynes. Stephen Colbert: Jimmy Carter. Arsenio Hall: Dule Hill, Danny Brown, Miki Sudo, DJ Spider. Conan O’Brien: Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Rachael Harris, Lucius. Chelsea Handler: Jayma Mays, John Caparulo, Sarah Colonna, Ron G. Pete Holmes: Erin Hamlin & Kate Hansen.