It was 40 years ago this week that those last crowded helicopters pulled up from a Saigon roof marking the end of America’s long, bloody involvement involvement there. At the time, people didn’t want to hear any more about Vietnam. And in the four decades since, the full story of those last days haven’t ever been as fully explored as in Rory Kennedy’s gripping “Last Days in Vietnam.”
The full length documentary tells of a time that reflected in many ways America’s previous official obliviousness with what was happening — the ambassador at that time refused to believe the North Vietnamese were on their way. But those on the ground knew something had to be done to help the South Vietnamese who had been helping Americans all along. The crazy panic is given a sober recollection in the film, making its premiere on “American Experience” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
It’s part of a week long series of specials and documentaries on the end of the Vietnam War on public television. The other one tonight chronicles the student shootings by the National Guard at Kent State University in “The Day the ’60s Died” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
The anniversary of another war’s end comes in another two hour special, “Last Days of the Nazis” (History, 9 p.m.).
“Dancing with the Stars: 10th Anniversary Special” (ABC, 8 p.m.) gets a rare second night this week to mark its first decade. A number of past participants drop in and there are performances from Lil’ Kim, Amber Riley and Patti LaBelle — who all danced in the show in the past, with LaBelle being eliminated just last week.
The new series “Sons of Winter” (Discovery, 10 p.m.) follows a couple of brothers from the Canadian north who travel even further north to survive a winter.
Last week’s season premiere of “Inside Amy Schumer” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) could hardly have gone better; half its brilliant skits played all week as social media memes. She’s back tonight dating a rap star, going to a strip club, removing her makeup and introducing a new Amy doll.
In a special “20/20” (ABC, 10 p.m.), Robin Roberts talks to two of the women imprisoned by a Cleveland man for several years, in conjunction with the new book by the women.
The effect of severe weather on aviation is the point of “AirAsia 8501: Anatomy of a Crash” (Science, 10 p.m.) that crashed during a storm from Indonesia to Singapore in late December.
They’re booking ostrich, alligator and wild boar on “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
“Chopped All Stars” (Food, 10 p.m.) returns for anew season with Eric Greenspan, Brian Malarkey, Art Smith and Madison Cowan.
A political scandal occurs on “New Girl” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
“One Big Happy” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.) reaches a season finale. Not to be confused with “Madea’s Big Happy Family” (BET, 8 p.m.).
Somebody is kicked off “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.). Maybe Cee Lo again.
With the impending “Avengers: Age of Ultron” opening in theaters this weekend, we reach Marvel overload on TV as well with the 2008 “Iron Man” (FX, 8 p.m.), the animated “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble” (Disney XD, 8:30 p.m.) and a new episode of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 9 p.m.)
As if to plant the seed of skepticism about this weekend’s big fight, Turner Classic Movies presents a series of films about fixed boxing matches, “The Harder They Fall” (8 p.m.), “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (10 p.m.), “The Set-Up” (11:45 p.m.), “Here Comes Mr. Jordan” (1:15 a.m.), “Kid Galahad” (3 a.m.) and “The Crowd Roars” (5 a.m.).
Other bouts tonight include Machida vs. Rockhold on “UFC Fight Night” (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.) and Garvia vs. Peterson on “Premier Boxing Champions on NBC” (NBC Sports Network, 8:30 p.m.).
NBA playoff games include Dallas at Houston (TNT, 8 p.m.) and San Antonio at Clippers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Baseball includes Tampa Bay at Yankees (MLB, 7 p.m.) and Houston at San Diego (MLB, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Mark Ruffalo, Jonny Lee Miller, Who is Fancy. The View: Nicolle Wallace, Ryan Phillippe, Chita Rivera, Christela Alonzo, Padma Lakshmi. The Talk: Bradley Whitford, Brian Grazer, Thea Andrews, Sunny Anderson. Ellen DeGeneres: Kevin Spacey, Tim McGraw. Wendy Williams: Rosie Perez. Meredith Vieira: Michelle Williams, Mo’Nique. Queen Letifah: Mike Rowe, Janelle Monae (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Michael Keaton, Future Islands. Jimmy Fallon: Jeremy Renner, Edie Falco, Tori Kelly. Jimmy Kimmel: Tim McGraw, Patricia Heaton. Seth Meyers: John Cleese, Linda Cardellini, Barney Frank, Jack Antonoff. James Corden: Anna Faris, Tituss Burgess, David George Gordon. Carson Daly: Paul F. Tomkins, Misterwives, Billy Corben. Tavis Smiley: Eric Bogosian, Geena Davis. Jon Stewart: George Stephanopoulos. Conan O’Brien: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Zach Woods, the Lone Bellow.