Normally I’m not a fan of the kind of nature movie that anthropomorphizes species in the wild, giving them names, imagining family tales, squabbles and epic struggles. But the photography is so striking in the Japanese Alps and the subjects — snow monkeys, with their expressive and too-familiar faces — so compelling it makes for an especially engaging episode of “Nature” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
It follows the tale of one troop of snow monkeys surviving the beautiful snows of winter, and settling into a local hot springs like a bunch of satisfied old men at the sauna. It particularly follows the super cute newborns, who look to their mothers for direction and free rides, though one youngster, Hiro, ups his status by hitching a ride with the grouchy leader Kuro-san. It keeps up interest as winter turns to spring and fall. Liam Neeson’s narration brings a touch of detached bemusement, as if this is a tale we don’t have to take too seriously.
Primates also pop up in the final installment of “Your Inner Fish” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings), the fascinating four-part science series, as Neil Shubin traces human traits to early species in the episode titled “Your Inner Monkey.”
As remaining players get the usual sentimental messages from home on “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.), a new season starts for Joseph Teti and Cody Lundin, teaming up on another rough season finding civilization from remote locations on “Dual Survival” (Discovery, 9 p.m.). I always wonder about those shows where people are dropped into remote areas with nothing — except camera crews. But on the new “Marooned” (Discovery, 10 p.m.), Ed Stafford is dropped into harsh environments, has to find a way to survive and a way out — and has to operate his own camera as well.
Instead of a new episode, there is something different from the singers and actors, adapting their webcast show “Nashville: On the Record” (ABC, 10 pm.) for network play, in which they perform songs and talk about the writing process.
Road trip: Tonight’s “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.) occurs in Australia, where it gives them a chance to use Rhys Darby of “Flight of the Conchords” and Netflix’ “Short Poppies” as a guest star.
Matthew Rhys character Philip has a near melt-down on “The Americans” (FX, 10 p.m.).
“R&B Divas: Atlanta” (TV One, 9 pm.) returns for a third season two new cast members. Original Destiny’s Child member Latavia Roberson and 702 lead singer Meelah Williams, back from breaks for having children, join the generally older and crankier returning divas Angie Stone, Monifah Carter, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt.
The weeklong John Wayne festival on Turner Classic Movies continues with his war movies, “They Were Expendable” (8 p.m.), “Operation Pacific” (10:45 p.m.), “The Fighting Seabees” (1 a.m.), “Back to Bataan” (3 a.m.) and “The Green Berets” (4:45 a.m.).
NBA playoff action includes Charlotte at Miami (TNT, 7 p.m.), Dallas at San Antonio (NBA, 8 p.m.) and Portland at Houston (TNT, 9:30 p.m.). In the Stanley Cup playoffs, it’s Pittsburgh at Columbus (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.), Anaheim at Dallas (CNBC, 8 p.m.) and St. Louis at Chicago (NBC Sports, 9:30 p.m.).
Today’s lone national baseball game is Yankees at Red Sox (ESPN, 7:10 p.m.), a rivalry long past having anything but regional import.
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Kate Upton, Paul Wesley, Meb Keflezighi, Neon Trees. The View: Sarah Hyland, Jonathan & Drew Scott, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Chris Harrison. The Talk: Wilmer Valderrama, Damon Williams, Enzo Febbraro. Ellen DeGeneres: Annette Bening. Wendy Williams: Susan Lucci, Ken Paves.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Sally Field, Timothy Simons, Needtobreathe. Jimmy Fallon: Cameron Diaz, Jim Gaffigan, Future featuring Pusha T. Jimmy Kimmel: Tim Allen, Ginnifer Goodwin, Foster the People. Seth Meyers: Colin Quinn, Paramore. Craig Ferguson: Eddie Izzard, Lyle Lovett. Carson Daly: Brett Gelman, Sir Sly, Skaters. Tavis Smiley: Nas. Jon Stewart: Robin Roberts. Stephen Colbert: John Calipari. Arsenio Hall: Pat & Gina Neely, Earthquake, Samantha Ronson. Conan O’Brien: Martin Scorsese, Vanessa Bayer, Rock Candy Funk Party (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Mekhi Phifer, Chris Franjola, Sarah Colonna, Loni Love. Pete Holmes: Harrison Barnes (rerun).