It seemed at first that “The Americans” was silly; rechilling a Cold War story that seemed more “Boris & Natasha” than something contemporary. But as that Reagan-era series got better, here comes something uncomfortably close: “Allegience” (NBC, 10 p.m.) is not just a husband and wife spy saga, it’s one that involves an order from Moscow to try and turn their offspring to the cause as well.
Unfortnuately, the son, played by Gavin Stenhouse, happens to be a CIA agent — a super smart one, so smart it’s kind of strange he never suspects that his parents have been spies for the other side all along. Still, the series has Hope Davis as the mother, who is very good in everything, so it might be good to try an episode or two.
Mike Connolly’s documentary “Killing Me Softly: The Roberta Flack Story” (Showtime, 8 p.m.) makes the case that the singer might have been more political than she is given credit for.
The former ‘N Sync member sells his big moment for reality TV on the special “Lance Loves Michael: The Lance Bass Marriage” (E!, 8 p.m.) from the event Dec. 20. One thing to look forward to: Joey Fatone was ring bearer.
Hollywood Week begins on “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and so does the drama.
It’s not likely that the second of a two part “The Blacklist” (NBC, 9 p.m.) will draw as much as the first part did on Sunday with a whopping 24 million viewers. But that’s because it was on after the Super Bowl (and it’s repeated again tonight at 8). Still, that might be the kind of boost to really solidify the James
The first season comedy “The McCarthys” was yanked this week by CBS. They fill its slot with a rerun of “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 and 9:30 p.m.) which also has a new episode at 8.
On the new “Broke Ass Game Show” (MTV, 11 p.m.) a couple of slackers walk around New York offering $50 for people to do stunts or answer questions. They’re pretty annoying but people need money.
They’re still looking for Olivia on “Scandal” (ABC, 9 p.m.). I stopped long ago.
Also still missing: Annalise’s husband on “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC, 10 p.m.). A new “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 8 p.m.) completes the ShondaLand sweep.
It’s not too late to pick up on the fine new drama “Fortitude” (Pivot, 10 p.m.). It’s at the third episode. The first two repeat at 11.
“Backstrom” (Fox, 9 p.m.) investigates the murder of a youth pastor.
It’s all about Marilyn Monroe and the red carpet for the “Project Runway All Stars” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
The Oscar winners and nominees from 1938 are featured on Turner Classic Movies with “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (8 p.m.), “You Can’t Take It With You” (midnight), “Four Daughters” (2:15 a.m.), “Boys Town” (4 a.m.) as well as the documentary “And the Oscar Goes To…” (10 p.m.).
Men’s hoops tonight include Richmond at LaSalle (NBC Sports, 6:30 p.m.), Auburn at LSU (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Iowa at Michigan (ESPN, 7 p.m.), Tulsa at Houston (ESPNews, 7 p.m.), Colgate at Holy Cross (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.), UCLA at Stanford (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Cincinnati at SMU (ESPN, 9 p.m.), Louisiana Tech at Alabama-Birmingham (CBS Sports, 9 p.m.), Belmont at Eastern Kentucky (ESPNU, 9 p.m.) and Southern California at California (Fox Sports 1, 11 p.m.).
NBA action includes Clippers at Cleveland (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Phoenix at Portland (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
In hockey, it’s Detroit at Colorado (NBC Sports, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Ryan Reynolds, Bob Odenkirk. The View: Geena Davis, Eve Ensler, Christela Alonzo. The Talk: Fifth Harmony, Ellen K, John Besh. Ellen DeGeneres: Scott Foley. Wendy Williams: Johnny Wright. Meredith Vieira: Lance Bass, Michael Turchin, Jason Lee, Tamron Hall. Queen Latifah: Alyssa Milano, the Golden Sisters, Shoshana Bean.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Martin Short, Bettye LaVette. Jimmy Fallon: Will Smith, Rosamund Pike, Jack White. Jimmy Kimmel: Magic Johnson, Scott Foley, Magic! Seth Meyers: David Duchovny, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, Brooks Wheelan. Late Late Show: Bob Saget, Bob Weir, John Mayer. Carson Daly: Iliza Shlesinger, King Tuff, Jonny Weston. Tavis Smiley: Sean Bean, Ziggy Marley. Jon Stewart: Bob Odenkirk. Conan O’Brien: Jeff Bridges, Lily Collins, Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.