One of the great influential cable series of this century was “Monk,” which blended a caper with a kind of light-heartedness not often seen since screwball films. From that same network came “Psych” (USA, 9 p.m.) which created the template for the comedy ‘n’ caper formula that’s been part of shows there ever since.
It comes to an end tonight after eight seasons of James Roday and Dule Hill as friends who aided police investigations by pretending to be psychic but actually being observant. The two could have the same affect on audiences as they did to officials at the station, pushing the cuteness to levels of true annoyance. But it was mostly a fun ride which, also like “Monk,” managed to create a nifty ensemble as well.
Guest stars in the finale include Mia Sorvino and Billy Zane.
The send off tonight is followed by its own tribute, whose name we will forgive just this once because of the occasion: “Psych After Pshow” (USA, 10 p.m.).
Best new comedy of the year “Broad City” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) has a season finale with Abbi throwing herself a big birthday dinner. Amy Poehler, an executive producer on the show, pops up as a cook.
NBC’s royal obsession cannot be quelled. Tonight Matt Lauer reports on “Prince Harry’s South Pole Heroes” (NBC, 8 p.m.) in which the prince takes an expedition with wounded soldiers (and celebrities!) to the South Pole. At this point, you probably won’t be interested in watching another hour of snow.
The Top 9 sing on “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
For the season premieres of “Hot in Cleveland” (TV Land, 10 p.m.) and “Soul Man” (TV Land, 10:30 p.m.), both shows go live — including for the first time in decades, live commercials as well.
Reforming the three tribes into two last week on “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.) went surprisingly well. Tonight, one team gets to raid the others’ camp.
It’s a Vegas trip on a new “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
I’m thinking modern day talk of the return of the Cold War is just messing up viewer allegiances watching “The Americans” (FX, 10 p.m.).
The failed CW series “Birds of Prey” (which I kind of liked) flies its wings again as part of “Arrow” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Dibs on a massage chair is an important goal on “Workaholics” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.).
One of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final great roles came in “The Master” (Showtime, 11:15 p.m.).
This month’s Wednesday night salute to Mary Astor on Turner Classic Movies continues with “Little Women” (8 p.m.), “Meet Me in St. Louis” (10:15 p.m.), “Red Dust” (12:30 a.m.), “Men of Chance” (2 a.m.), “The Royal Bed” (3:15 a.m.) and “The Runaway Bride” (4:45 a.m.).
NBA action includes Miami at Indiana (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Memphis at Utah (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.). In hockey, it’s Philadelphia at Rangers (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
Men’s NIT quarterfinals has Louisiana Tech at Florida State (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) and California at SMU (ESPN2, 9 p.m.).
Spring baseball includes Washington vs. St. Louis (ESPN, 1 p.m.), Cincinnati vs. White Sox (MLB, 4 p.m.) and Baltimore vs. Tampa Bay (MLB, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Jude Law, Christopher Meloni, Chrissy Teigen. The View: Sunny Hostin. The Talk: Howie Mandel, Alejandra Schrader. Ellen DeGeneres: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Tamar Braxton, Loni Love (rerun). Wendy Williams: Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Peter Dinklage, Hari Kondabolu, Sage the Gemini. Jimmy Fallon: Bill Cosby, Joby Ogwyn, Nathan West. Jimmy Kimmel: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Pena. Seth Meyers: Tim Olyphant, Cristin Milioti, Bleachers. Craig Ferguson: Scarlett Johansson, Maz Jobrani. Carson Daly: Gareth Evans, Arthur Beatrice. Tavis Smiley: Errol Morris, Ledisi. Jon Stewart: Jude Law. Stephen Colbert: Errol Morris. Arsenio Hall: Russell Simmons, Monique, Black Ice, DJ Hollywood. Conan O’Brien: Rosario Dawson, Hannibal Buress. Chelsea Handler: Theo James, Margaret Cho, Jen Kirkman, Ross Mathews (rerun). Pete Holmes: Lauren Cohan, Eliza Skinner.