There would scarcely be a need for an overview of Latin pop culture and its effect on America. It’s plain to see all around us for one thing. And it’s something that’s been specifically been addressed on PBS, for another. And yet, with a roster of Republican presidential candidates who seem unaware of the obvious benefits of this particular cross cultural influence, here is the conga-heavy, not entirely necessary “The Latin Explosion: A New America” (HBO, 9 p.m.), a phrase that seems outdated every time it has occurred over a half century or so, from the mambo craze to Santana, Gloria Estefan to Ricky Martin, Selena and J-Lo to Pitbull.
The one hour overview from producer Tommy Mottolla begins with Desi Arnaz doing “Babalu” and skips quickly over Latin inspired pop and rock and roll (and somehow makes Cheech and Chong a bigger cultural crossover than it may have ever intended to be). Just when you think they’re missing Ritchie Valens altogether, they bring him up through the 80s movie “La Bamba.”
The Paris attacks have already altered regular TV, with special announcements on “SNL” and “Homeland” over the weekend. Tonight at least three shows change their schedules. A storyline about a girl being recruited by a terrorist group on “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS, 10 p.m.) means that episode is being bumped for another one. Likewise, even “Supergirl” (CBS, 8 p.m.) episode about bombings has been yanked. Instead, they’re putting one in planned for next week about Thanksgiving. On cable, an episode of “Legends” (TNT, 10 p.m.) has been pulled for a week. One day, they all assume, things will calm down enough so we can watch shows about bombings for entertainment once again.
But even tonight’s tense “Fargo” (FX, 10 p.m.) has a chilling scene of lines of men with guns firing that may be a chilling reminder. It does have Nick Offerman’s best performance in the series so far, though.
A 23 year old medical student whose 2012 brutal gang rape and murder in India sparked outrage and protest about ongoing violence against women in that country is the subject of Leslee Edwin’s “India’s Daughter.” The film was banned in India, but is making its U.S TV premiere on “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings).
Rachel is invited to Josh’s family’s Thanksgiving on “Crazy Ex Girlfriend” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Who ever got two perfect scores and then was eliminated on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.)? Actress Alexa PenaVega, that’s who. her ouster would have meant five “stars” remain, but then Tamar Braxton withdrew because of pulmonary embolisms in her lungs, so there’s only four and talk of Alexa returning.
“The Day Hitler Died” (Smithsonian, 8 p.m.) does not examine the possibility of his death as a baby at the hands of Jeb Bush.
Can cakes be inspired by ugly holiday sweaters? It is contemplated on “Cake Wars: Christmas” (Food, 9 p.m.).
The case of headmistress Jean Harris, who killed her lover, a celebrity diet doctor, is reviewed on “Barbara Walters Presents American Scandals” (Investigation Discovery, 10 p.m.).
It’s Victor Mature night on Turner Classic Movies with “My Darling Clementine” (8 p.m.), “The Kiss of Death” (10 p.m.), “The Egyptian” (midnight), “Million Dollar Mermaid” (2:30 a.m.) and “Easy Living” (4:30 a.m.).
Monday Night Football has Houston at Cincinnati (ESPN, 8:15 p.m.).
Men’s college hoops includes UMBC at St. John’s (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), Tennessee at Georgia Tech (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Virginia at George Washington (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Kennesaw State at LSU (ESPNU, 9 p.m.), San Diego State at Utah (ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.) and Baylor at Oregon (ESPN2, 11:30 p.m.).
In women’s games, it’s Connecticut at Ohio State (ESPN2, 5:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Blake Shelton, Kyle Chandler. The View: Susie Essman, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer, Amy Robach, Ginger Zee, Stacy London. The Talk: Diane Keaton, Jaymes Vaughan. Ellen DeGeneres: Khloe Kardashian, Justin Bieber. Wendy Williams: Michael Yo. The Real: Rafael De La Fuente, Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Bill Maher, Capt. Florent Globerg, Shepard Fairey, the Acro-Cats. Jimmy Kimmel: Liam Hemsworth, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jewel and the Gang. Jimmy Fallon: Cate Blanchett, Anthony Mackie, Tinashe, John Pizzarelli. Seth Meyers: Seth Rogen, Leslie Odom Jr., Travis Scott, Emily Armstrong. James Corden: Natalie Dormer, Ty Burrell, Jeezy. Carson Daly: Judah Friedlander, Heartless Bastards, John Florence. Tavis Smiley: Melina Abdullah, David Talbot. Trevor Noah: David Holbrooke. Conan O’Brien: Aziz Ansari, Lizzy Caplan, Billy Gibbons.