Today, people might ride with blow-up dolls to get into HOV lanes.
A similar ploy, times 8,000, was the plan of Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of a united China, who ordered his body be protected by a squadron of soldiers, even if they were made of terra cotta. “Nova” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) figures out how exactly he had it done in an episode titled “Emperor’s Ghost Army.”
TV listings show it clearly: People like food. The special “Restaurant Revolution” (Esquire, 8 p.m.) looks at innovations in eateries over the last 30 years talking to chefs from Wolfgang Puck and Tom Colicchio to John Tesar and Alexander Smalls. It’s part of a night with at least a couple of other culinary shows.
In addition to “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.), where rockers Steven Tyler and Stewart Copeland are served, Jamie Bissonenette is guest judge on a new “Top Chef” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
It’s crossover season! First “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 9 p.m.) shares a story with cast members from both “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” (NBC, 10 p.m.) regarding a child trafficking ring.
The NBA center is the focus of the new sports documentary “Dwight Howard: In the Moment” (Epix, 8 p.m.), which tracks his move from the Lakers to the Rockets last season.
The new series “Down East Dickering” (History, 10 p.m.) is not what it sounds like; it’s about down-home people in Maine, bartering goods and services.
On “American Horror Story: Freak Show” (FX, 10 p.m.), Elsa presents a new, dangerous act to the show. Because the other acts were frankly getting a little dull.
Robert Osborne does the choosing tonight on Turner Classic Movies. His choices: “In This Our Life” (8 p.m.), “Tortilla Flat” (10 p.m.), “H.M. Pulham, Esq.” (midnight) and “Vacation from Marriage” (2:15 a.m.).
It’s the third episode of “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) in as many days, with a results show in which two advance.
In a “Blood vs. Water” season for “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.), parents defending children becomes a tense issue.
The kitchen sink caves in on “The Middle” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Dre wants his kids to get jobs on “Black-ish” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.).
Gloria wants Manny to learn Spanish instead of French on “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
It’s not just “The Comeback” that has an HBO plot line; so does “Hot in Cleveland” (TV Land, 10 p.m.).
Basketball tonight includes Indiana at Miami (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.) and Houston vs. Minnesota (ESPN, 10 p.m.) from Mexico City.
In hockey, it’s Boston at Toronto (NBC Sports Network, 8 p.m.) and Los Angeles at Anaheim (NBC Sports Network, 10:30 p.m.).
College football has Kent State at Bowling Green (ESPN2, 8 p.m.) and Ball State at Massachusetts (ESPNU, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Josh Hutcherson, Anjelica Huston, Aretha Franklin. The View: Andrew Dice Clay, Wendi McClendon-Covey, Ashanti. The Talk: Nikki Yanofsky, Valentine, Marjorie Johnson. Ellen DeGeneres: Sofia Vergara, Nick Jonas. Wendy Williams: Alexandra Shipp, Alicia Keys. Meredith Vieira: Barbra Streisand. Queen Latifah: Octavia Spencer, Trey Songz.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Jennifer Lawrence, Boris Johnson. Jimmy Fallon: Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Logic. Jimmy Kimmel: Mike Myers, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tears for Fears. Seth Meyers: Jack McBrayer, Gael Garcia Bernal, Ex Hex. Craig Ferguson: Steven Wright, Michaela Conlin. Carson Daly: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the Front Bottoms, Alex Essoe. Tavis Smiley: Reince Priebus, Ron Brownstein. Jon Stewart: Steve Carell. Stephen Colbert: Terence Tao. Conan O’Brien: Jessica Chastain.