New from Bill Lawrence of “Cougar Town” and “Scrubs” fame is “Undateable” (NBC, 9 and 9:30 p.m.), about guys who don’t have a clue to act around women. True to form the word “penis” is a punchline before the opening credits.
The scraggly Chris D’Elia, familiar from other sitcoms (most recently “Whitney”) stars as a guy who supposedly knows his way around women, so he can impart his wisdom to a cast that includes other standups, particuarly Brent Morin, David Fynn and Ron Funches. That makes it uncomfortably like “The Pickup Artist,” but it seems to be finding its footing in early episodes.
It’s not particularly funny but not quite as hateful as such recent broadcast stabs like “Mixology.” And the Detroit setting is mostly so characters can wear an array of Tigers logos.
Tom Hanks’ production group has been putting together a series of stylish specials on 50th anniversaries, from the assassination of JFK to the arrival of The Beatles. Both are part of the documentary series “The Sixties” (CNN, 9 p.m.) that includes a number of other topics, including tonight, the rise of television that decade. It’s a pretty well balanced hour, with well-chosen clips and among the expected topics (sitcoms, news, Ed Sullivan, Jack Parr, TV debates, Johnny Carson, Carol Burnett, Smothers Brothers), there are also unexpected angles, such as the advent of color TV. There are some smart talking heads, from “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan to a lot of my friends in the TV critic business, from David Bianculli to Alan Sepinwall. And Hanks, too, of course.
The 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee (ESPN2, 10 a.m.; ESPN, 8 p.m.) originates from National Harbor, Md., with the semifinals this morning and championships tonight. For the first time viewers can play along at home (they won’t show the correct spelling until there’s a reply frm cnesans.
“Our America with Lisa Ling” (OWN, 10 p.m.) opens its fourth season with a report on a church that conducts neo-exorcisms.
Tony Hale, Arsenio Hall, Nate Berkus, Adam Devine, Malin Ackerman and Bradley Whitford all play “Hollywood Game Night” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Still trying to figure out why “Last Comic Standing” (NBC,10 p.m.) was on last night instead of the “World Music Awards.” Now “Comic” is on a third time. There’s also a same week repeat of Monday’s “Bachelorette” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Navigating a path between his police job and his gang connections is tougher than Ryan thinks on “Gang Related” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
The only other new scripted broadcast shows are “Bad Teacher” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.) and “Black Box” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
Think of the team on “The Savage Line” (National Geographic, 10 p.m.)
“True Hollywood Story: Reality Ex Wives” (E!, 8 p.m.) features Jennifer Williams, Courtney Stodden, Linda Hogan, Adrianne Curry and Countess Luanne De Lesseps.
Turner Classic Movies salutes Orson Wells with “Citizen Kane” (8 p.m.), “F for Fake” (10:15 p.m.) and “Someone to Love” (midnight). It’s hosted by director Harry Jablom, who had lunch with Wells over 20 years and is making a movie about that, a la “My Dinner with Andre” (TCM, 4 a.m.). Jaglom’s 1990 film “Eating” (TCM, 2 a.m.) is also part of the evening.
It’s Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Finals of Oklahoma City at San Antonio (TNT, 9 p.m.) and Game 6 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals of Montreal at Rangers (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
Baseball includes Texas at Minnesota (MLB, 1:10 p.m.) and Atlanta at Boston (MLB, 7 10 p.m.).
Early round action continues for the French Open (ESPN2, 5 a.m.; Tennis Channel, 10 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: John Malkovich, Alex Preston. The View: Diane Keaton, NeNe Leakes, Tony Dovolani, Porsha Williams, John Leguizamo (rerun). The Talk: Sharon Stone, Amber Tamblyn, Lisa Ingrassia, Debi Mazar, Gabrele Corcos (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Jeff Bridges. Wendy Williams: Jenna Elfman, Julie Morgenstern, Tank (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Jon Cryer, Elizabeth Olsen, Foster the People (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Billy Joel, Chelsea Clinton (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Sandra Oh, “Science bob” Pflugfelder, Boy George (rerun). Seth Meyers: Chris O’Dowd, Emma Roberts, M.I.A. (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Hugh Laurie. Carson Daly: Andi Osho, Lucius, La Luz (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Ariana Huffington, Bran Culbertson. Jon Stewart: James McAvoy (rerun). Stephen Colbert: Patrick Stewart (rerun). Arsenio Hall: Jenna Elfman, Julie Morgenstern, Tank (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Charles Barkley, Lyle Lovett (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Lea Michele, Ben Gleib, Jen Kirkman, Sarah Colonna. Pete Holmes: Lauren Cohan, Eliza Skinner (rerun).