Once it was a cultural event, but nowadays, the finale for “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.) has finalists whose names I couldn’t even tell you until I looked it up: Clark Beckham, Nick Fradiani and a girl named Jax. One elimination means the top two will perform their coronation song, a reprise of one of their best songs of the seasons, and something chosen by producer Simon Fuller. Some stars may also show up, but most will hold off until Wednesday’s big last show, when a season 14 winner is named, a last stop before almost assured future obscurity (well, that’s what’s happened to most, which is maybe why it stopped being a phenomenon).
There may be more attention to the show than usual since the announcement Monday that due to the fretful of ratings, next year’s season of “Idol” will also be its last.
Other shows having finales tonight are also set to return next season: “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 9 p.m.), “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS, 9 p.m.), “Chicago Fire” (NBC, 10 p.m.), which will have a new spinoff when it returns, “Chicago Med.”
“Undatable” (NBC, 9 p.m.) will also be back next year, but in a different form, with live episodes every week. That makes tonight the final filmed episode.
The scariest thing you’ll see tonight is David E. Hoffman’s report on the failures to protect consumers from a virulent strain of salmonella in chicken on “Frontline” (PBS, 11 p.m., check local listings). West Coast poultry giant Foster Farms that distributed enough of a salmonella strain with the similar name from “Breaking Bad,” Heidelberg, to sicken more than 600 people in 29 states, but still was reluctant torecall its product, as was a government agency.
A third season starts for Marcus Lemons business-advising series, “The Profit” (CNBC, 10 p.m.).
With four left to sing on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) there still will be time for performances by Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg and Walk the Moon.
Flo Rida performs on the results show of “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Captain Cold is called to help on the penultimate episode this season from “The Flash” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
The final eight make a five course meal on “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Liza considers dating somebody her own age on “Younger” (TV Land, 10 p.m.), threatening the show’s entire premise.
“Inside Amy Schumer” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) can’t get better with each episode, especially after last week’s take on “12 Angry Men.” So this week, she slows down and interviews a gigolo.
Tony Bennett picks the flicks tonight on Turner Classic Movies and as usual, he has impeccable taste: “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (8 p.m.), “Modern Times” (10:30 p.m.), “The Best Years of Our Lives” (12:15 a.m.) and “I’ll Be Seeing You” (3:15 a.m.).
In a Stanley Cup playoff game it’s Montreal at Tampa Bay (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.) in game 6.
In the NBA playoffs, it’s Chicago at Cleveland (TNT, 7 p.m.) and Clippers at Houston (TNT, 9:30 p.m.).
Baseball includes Mets at Cubs (MLB, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Rebel Wilson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kelli O’Hara, cast of “The King and I.” The View: Ernie Hudson, Raven-Symone, Toni Braxton. The Talk: Vanessa Hudgens, Paul Shaffer, Jenny Hutt, Wynonna Judd. Ellen DeGeneres: Anna Kendrick. Wendy Williams: Melissa Rivers. Meredith Vieira: Kellie Pickler, Martin Sheen. Queen Latifah: Kris Jenner, David Tennant (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Bill Clinton, Adam Sandler. Jimmy Fallon: Anna Kendrick, Terry Crews, Nate Ruess, Unlocking the Truth. Jimmy Kimmel: Kevin Spacey, Ioan Gruffudd, Stromae (rerun). Seth Meyers: Jane Fonda, Leslie Jones, Kay Cannon. James Corden: Susan Sarandon, Brooklyn Decker, Tori Kelly. Carson Daly: Flula Borg, Borns, Ori Menashe. Tavis Smiley: Richard Haass. Jon Stewart: Tom Brokaw. Conan O’Brien: Reese Witherspoon, Adam Devine.