An unexpectedly fresh and funny new comedy that generally stays off the stereotypes while its central issue is cultural assimilation, “Fresh Off the Boat” (ABC, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.) works because its story of making it in America — for a tough kid in middle school at least — is based in the reality of chef Eddie Huang, who wrote the text on which this funny sitcom is made. Like “blackish,” it works because it touches on some simple truths told by the people at the center of the story. And it’s got a great cast.
Conservation scientist M. Sanjayan has a whole new approach to the nature programming in his series “Earth: A New Wild” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
In his reports, man is very much also part of nature of the world. In fact, the intersection of humans and the wild around them, the reliance they have on one another and the importance of maintaining the wild are his point as he witnesses the first captive born panda released into the wild in China, hangs out with Jane Goodall and chimps in Tanzania and considers how vultures help in India. The series begins with back to back reports.
There may never be an African-American distributing flowers on “The Bachelor,” but here’s one on another dating show, In the new “Match Made in Heaven” (WE, 8 p.m.) in which a chaplain and spiritual advisor guides former college football player and real estate developer Shawn Bullard in his quest to find a match from 24 women. Bullard’s mother is in on the decision-making too.
With the end of “Parenthood” just about the only network family saga left is the returning “Nashville” (ABC, 10 p.m.) except there are an awful lot of problems, chief of which is Rayna canceling her wedding.
Stan welcomes a new defector on “The Americans” (FX, 10 p.m.) as a plan is botched by Elizabeth and Philip. You’ll never look at suitcases the same way again.
Cookie gets a gift she thinks is a threat on “Empire” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Abby finally hooks up with the guy from her apartment on “Broad City” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.).
Chefs take a surprise trip to an organic farm on “Top Chef” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
Oscar contenders in 1936 and 1937 are featured on Turner Classic Movies with “Swing Time” (8 p.m.), “The Awful Truth” (10 p.m.), “Grand Illusion” (midnight), “The Life of Emile Zola” (2 a.m.) and “The Last of the Mohicans” (4:15 a.m.).
And here’s the Oscar winner from last year: “12 Years a Slave” (HBO, 8:45 p.m.). Other movies tonight include “Pulp Fiction” (IFC, 8 p.m.) and “The Graduate” (Sundance, 10 p.m.)
Men’s college hoops tonight include Temple at South Florida (ESPNews, 6:30 p.m.) Georgia Tech at Duke (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Marquette at Villanova (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), Virginia Commonwealth at George Mason (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.), East Carolina at Connecticut (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), TCU at Baylor (ESPNews, 8:30 p.m.), Washington at Oregon (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Providence at Georgetown (CBS Sports, 9 p.m.), Kansas State at Texas Tech (ESPNU, 9 p.m.) and Creighton at Xavier (Fox Sports 1).
NBA action includes Chicago at Houston (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Dallas at Golden State (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.). Hockey has Bruins at Rangers (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
Seems odd to make a TV show about it, but the spectacle of high school football stars declaring their intention of college is the basis of hours of coverage on National Signing Day (ESPNU, 8 a.m.; CBS Sports, 11 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: David Duchovny, Leeza Gibbons, Lance Ulanoff. The View: Jeff Perry, Zosia Mamet, Christela Alonzo. The Talk: Wayne Brady, Jessica Radioff, Susan Feniger. Ellen DeGeneres: Wanda Sykes. Wendy Williams: J.B. Smoove, Ian Drew. Meredith Vieira: J.B. Smoove. Queen Latifah: Wendie Malick, Jane Leeves.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Ryan Reynolds, J.B. Smoove, Dierks Bentley. Jimmy Fallon: Vin Diesel, Carl Reiner, Kobe Bryant, Iggy Azalea & Jennifer Hudson. Jimmy Kimmel: Jeff Bridges, Lauren Cohan. Seth Meyers: Glenn Close, Gabrielle Union, J. Mascis. Late Late Show: Andy Cohen, John Mayer. Carson Daly: Ben Barnes, Hannah New. Tavis Smiley: Joyce Carol Oates. Jon Stewart: Wes Moore. Conan O’Brien: Mila Kunis, Josh Hopkins, Cage the Elephant.