The Canadian series about women in the factory helping the war effort, “Bomb Girls,” which never had much of a high profile in the states, is at least showing the movie that became the finale of the series “Bomb Girls: Facing the Enemy” (Reelz, 9 p.m.). Odd to see Meg Tilly as a matronly type in the factory, but it’s got a pretty strong cast of tough women, one of whom, played by Jodi Balfour, has become a spy as the Battle for the Atlantic rages on in 1943.
More on the big conflicts from the first half of the 20th century are found in “The World Wars” (History, 9 p.m.), the first of a three night event looking at wars through the main characters (using actors to portray them). It at least brings some history back to the History Channel.
Very quietly comes “Pedals in the Wind” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.), the sequel to a movie from earlier this year that still haunts me, “Flowers in the Attic” (Lifetime, 7 p.m.). Heather Graham and Ellen Burstyn are back from their other recent high-profile cable gigs (on “Californication” and “Louie” respectively) to reprise their roles as dysfunctional mother and grandmother. But unfortunately the kids are grown as the action moves a decade later — no more Sally Draper in the middle of all the weirdness.
“American Ninja Warrior” (NBC, 9 p.m.) returns for a sixth season of summer competition. Highlights from previous seasons are presented at 8.
Also back, for its fifth season, is “MasterChef” (Fox, 8 p.m.) as the first of 30 amateur chefs from 14 states present their signature dishes for the picky judges Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich.
Already they’re treating the men on “The Bachelorette” (ABC, 8 p.m.) like meat, making them perform in an exotic male revue.
Outlaw Jack Bauer talks the president to hearing him out on the new episode of “24: Live Another Day” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Jessica Alba meets a climate change group, Chris Hayes looks at life after Superstorm Sandy and Thomas Friedman goes to Egypt on a new episode of “Years of Living Dangerously” (Showtime, 8 p.m.).
On to mark the holiday are “Restrepo: Afghan Outpost” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.) and “Chosin” (American Heroes Channel, 9 p.m.) about a Korean War battle.
The best Memorial Day special may be the repeat of “Death and the Civil War: American Experience” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) which shows how battlefield death led to today’s holiday.
The show in worst taste on Memorial Day? Probably “Best Funeral Ever” (TLC, 10 p.m.).
The Memorial Day marathon on Turner Classic Movies comes to an end with “The Red Badge of Courage” (6 a.m.), “Sergeant York” (7:30 a.m.), “Friendly Persuasion” (10 a.m.), “The White Cliffs of Dover” (12:30 p.m.), “The Young Lions” (3 p.m.), “The Fighting Sullivans” (6 p.m.), “Twelve O’Clock High” (8 p.m.), “The Best Years of Our Lives” (10:30 p.m.), “Pride of the Marines” (1:30 a.m.) and “Above and Beyond” (3:45 a.m.).
Baseball today includes Red Sox at Braves (ESPN, 1 p.m.) and Yankees at Cardinals (ESPN, 4 p.m.).
Early rounds begin in tennis’ French Open (ESPN2, 5 a.m.; NBC, noon).
WNBA action includes Minnesota at Chicago (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Clive Owen, Bella Thorne, Lily Allen. The View: Bette Midler, Kim Goldman, Sunny Hostin (rerun). The Talk: George Lopez, Jeff Probst, Big Boy, Jason Santos (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Jimmy Kimmel, Allison Williams, David Wise (rerun). Wendy Williams: Whoopi Goldberg, Lilliana Vazquez (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Don Rickles, Carmen Lynch, the Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Emma Stone, Robinson Cano, Keith Urban (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Nathan Lane, Adam Carolla, Royal Blood (rerun). Seth Meyers: Anthony Bourdain, Colin Quinn, Paramore (rern). Craig Ferguson: Shailene Woodley, Dan Boulger, Wild Child. Carson Daly: Terence Winter, Albert Hammond Jr., Brent Morin (rerun). Tavis Smiley: David Goodman. Jon Stewart: Katie Couric (rerun). Stephen Colbert: Matt Weiner (rerun). Arsenio Hall: Whoopi Goldberg, Lllana Vazqez (rern). Conan O’Brien: Adam Sandler, Tig Notaro (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Joel McHale, Greg Fitzsimmons, Morgan Murphy, Josh Wolf.