Filmmaker Niko von Glasow, himself born with severely shortened arms, covers some determined competitors for the paralympics who make a great case for the term “differently abled,”in his engaging film “My Way to Olympia” tonight on “POV” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings). Among them is an archer who uses his feet, a paraplegic boccia player and a one armed table tennis player.
His approach is disarming, and at first dismissive, declaring that sports such and paralympics are stupid.” But his subjects clearly are not, and he’s uniquely qualified to banter with them, providing an approach different than usual paralympic coverage and finding a way to really get to know these subjects, as well as the filmmaker.
In another documentary tonight, “Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus” (HBO, 9 p.m.) chronicles the brave acts of theater committed by a troupe that infuses social and political issues in its plays in Minsk, where there are repercussions from the country.
It’s time for hometown visits on “The Bachelorette” (ABC, 8 p.m.) which means this — I will not say “journey”! — is almost over. The final four introducing their hometowns are Nick, Chris, Josh and Marcus. One gets cut.
Hey is this clock running fast? “24: Live Another Day” (Fox, 9 p.m.) is on its second to last episode and it’s only hour 11. They decided to do only half as many episodes in this reprised season set in London and it seems to be working well. Except for imminent threats of World War III from both Russia and China. It’s enough to make Jack Bauer say “Dammit!”
On the season two finale of “Beauty and the Beast” (The CW, 9 p.m.), maybe the Beast will look and the mirror and finally say, “Hey, this is just a scar. I don’t look so bad.”
Just as summer heats up, it may be a good time to start the eighth (!) season premiere of “Ice Road Truckers” (History, 10 p.m.) getting frostbite in Manitoba.
The final 15 cook surf and turf on “MasterChef” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
The question “The ’90s: The Last Great Decade?” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.) will continue to be posed, night after night, covering, tonight, the siege at Waco and the Nancy Kerrigan vs. Tonya Harding saga.
Featured in the fifth season premiere of “Monster Fish” (Nat Geo Wild, 9 p.m.) is a nearly 400-pound stingray in Thailand. And host Zeb Hogan goes in search of the rare river spear-toothed shark.
Toby returns from Iceland on “Switched at Birth” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.).
The town’s food supply is a concern on “Under the Dome” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
A missing man turns up dead on “Longmire” (A&E, 10 p.m.).
The work of librettist Oscar Hammerstein is celebrated on Turner Classic Movies, with “Show Boat” (8 p.m.), “Carousel” (10 p.m.), “Rose Marie” (12:15 a.m.), “The Desert Song” (2:15 a.m.) and “Lady Be Good” (4:15 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Nicole Richie, Bernadette Peters. The View: Ethan Hawke, Patrick Adams, Ana Ortiz. The Talk: Jason Biggs, Damien Fahey, Maria Menounos. Ellen DeGeneres: Rebel Wilson, Adam Lambert (rerun). Wendy Williams: Jennifer Lopez (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Halle Berry, Steve Young, War on Drugs. Jimmy Fallon: Kiefer Sutherland, Nicole Richie, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Jimmy Kimmel: Gerard Butler, Megan Good, Matisyahu (rerun). Seth Meyers: Brian Williams, Chrissy Teigen, Charli XCX. Craig Ferguson: Kathy Griffin, Ingrid Michaelson. Carson Daly: Rhys Darby, band of Skulls (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Melissa Murray, Jason Biggs. Arsenio Hall: Tyler Perry, Jonathan Kite, Sommore (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Martin Short, Jessica Pare, Kelis (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Jeff Wild, Loni Love, Ian Karmel (rerun).