Black history month isn’t quite over until it’s time to salute “Legend of Lead Belly” (Smithsonian, 8 p.m.), the bluesman Huddie Ledbetter, whose songs continued to inspire performers ever since, including Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Nirvana, and in this documentary, Judy Collins, Robby Krieger of the Doors, Roger McGuinn (who was inspired to pick up the 12-string guitar because of him), and Van Morrison, who isn’t snared too often for interviews of any time. Most eye-opening are some newly found footage of Lead Belly, in prison garb re-enacting his “discovery” and in color, singing forcefully in a cotton field. Here’s a longer story about the new boxed set of Lead Belly recordings that I wrote for Smithsonian.
A day after its Best Documentary win at the Academy Awards, Laura Poitris’ remarkable “Citizenfour” (HBO, 9 p.m.) makes its timely premiere on premium cable. More than the story of Edward Showden’s courageous release of documents proving illegal spying on all American citizens and some foreign powers, the filmmaker was there when it all happened, at every step of his final decision making process. With the tension of a thriller, it all meant more because of the stakes — and its grim, vivid reality. Those who question Snowden’s motives will have a change of heart. Crazily, the movie about Julian Assange of WikiLeaks, “The Fifth Estate” (Showtime, 9 p.m.) is also on tonight.
A 1944 study of Jim Crow by a Swedish sociologist hired by the Carnegie Commission wondering how freedom loving people could allow such a system, is juxtaposed with modern-day racial injustices in Llewellyn Smith’s “American Denial,” making its debut on “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m.). Another special has the same focus, wondering what creates suchB(Investigation Discovery, 8 p.m.). Tony Harris is correspondent.
Fresh on the heels of that other awards show, here’s “The 2015 BET Honors” (BET, 9 p.m.) honoring Phylicia Rashad, Kanye West and Usher, among others. Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Patti Labelle, Ne-Yo and Charlie Wilson perform in the event hosted by Wayne Brady, taped last month at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C.
A new season of “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) starts, with Christina Aguilera rejoining Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams and his hat on the revolving judges chairs. Maybe the eighth season will result in a star for once.
Tonight’s the ickiest episode of the season on “The Bachelor” (ABC, 8 p.m.) — the night of the fantasy suites. At least they’ve managed to get out of the Midwest and make it to Bali. One of the three remaining women is still worried about not having told Chris she’s a virgin, but what kind of person would he be if he reacts negatively.
“Sleepy Hollow” (Fox, 9 p.m.) hopes to prove it’s back on track by ending its second season by likely doing something big.
The generally forgettable hospital drama “The Night Shift” (NBC, 10 p.m.) returns for its second season pumping up the romantic angles.
As you await the finale for “MasterChef Junior,” the finale comes for cable’s “Kids Baking Championship” (Food Network, 8 p.m.) in which four remaining young chefs each create a cake commemorating their possible win of the $10,000 grand prize.
The new Porsche Cayman GTS is tested opposite the latest Chevrolet Corvette on a new “Top Gear” (BBC America, 8:30 p.m.).
“McMorris & McMorris” (Fusion, 9:30 p.m.) is a Canadian import about professional snowboarder Craig McMorris and his medalist brother Mark.
A cache of vintage comic books may help a Jersey ice cream shop rebuild after Hurricane Sandy on “Strange Inheritance” (Fox Business, 9 p.m.).
“Fashion Police” (E!, 9 p.m.) take on the Oscars. First order of business: The In Memorium snub of show originator Joan Rivers.
The 31 Days of Oscar aren’t over yet on Turner Classic Movies. In fact, they’re only up to the 1970s, with “Annie Hall” (8 p.m.), “The Goodbye Girl” (10 p.m.), “All the President’s Men” (midnight) and “Barry Lyndon” (2:30 a.m.).
Men’s college hoops tonight include Louisville at Georgia Tech (ESPN, 7 p.m.), Delaware State at Norfolk State (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Xavier at St. John’s (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.), Kansas at Kansas State (ESPN, 9 p.m.) and Alabama State at Southern (ESPNU, 9 p.m.). Women’s games include Louisville at Notre Dame (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) and Tennessee at South Carolina (ESPN2, 9 p.m.).
Hockey has Detroit at Anaheim (NHL, 10 p.m.); in basketball, Toronto at New Orleans (NBA, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Neil Patrick harris, Flo Rida, Maria Menounos, Carson Kressley, Lawrence Zarian. The View: Trai Byers, Tai Beauchamp, Stacy London, Samantha Ponder. The Talk: Tim Daly, Marcel Vigneron. Ellen DeGeneres: Ed O’Neill, Chris Soules. Wendy Williams: Mary Alice Stephenson, Robert Verdi, Bevy Smith. Meredith Vieira: Chris Harrison, Wanda Sykes. Queen Latifah: LL Cool J, David Walton.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Helen Mirren, Joey Logano, Steve Earle. Jimmy Fallon: Christina Aguilera, Jeff Probst, Kid Rock. Jimmy Kimmel: Kobe Bryant, Kenny G & Warren G. Seth Meyers: Mary J. Blige, Stephen Amell, Misterwives. Late Late Show: Sharon Osbourne, Steve Byrne, L.A. Rocks, Billy Gardell. Carson Daly: Morgan Spurlock, Above & Beyond, Jamie Lee. Tavis Smiley: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Geraldo Rivera. Jon Stewart: Christine Legarde. Conan O’Brien: Cast of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” In the Valley Below.