At a time when Apple is fighting the government for access to its information, the timely special “The Human Face of Big Data” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) makes a point about just how much data is recorded on every single person every day — from credit card activity, Google searches, toll payments, map tracking — more in one day than a 15th century ancestors were exposed to in their entire lives.
There are a lot of facts like that in this fast-moving, quick-cutting report. Like this one: By 2020, the volume of data collected will be 40 zettabytes, which is every single grain of sand on earth times 75.
That the data is being processed and can be seen on graphs is what makes part of this special alluring. Take a look at how the number of a day’s flights over the U.S. unfolds; or the rate of text messages from Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. It can be helpful information: Google searches for the flu can predict future flu outbreaks as much as two weeks in advance. But there are also those privacy questions, in which we were currently enmeshed.
It’s accompanied by a report on “The Rise of the Robot” on “Nova” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
And to start the night out, the fascination with emperor penguins will not quit. Hence an egg to adult look at one in Antarctica on “Nature” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings). Kate Winslet is narrator.
The death of larger than life character Angela “Big Ang” Raiola at 55 last Thursday of cancer leads to the night-long marathon of the full season of “Big Ang” (VH1, 9 p.m.) following a new episode of “Mob Wives” (VH1, 8 p.m.). A full tribute special on her is being prepared for March.
Abby and Ilana are close friends on “Broad City” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) but can one pretend to be the other to fill a shift at the food co-op?
Things are ratcheting up on “American Crime” (ABC, 10 p.m.), where reality and fiction converge and teachers from Columbine and bullying victims are interviewed.
One doesn’t expect a sitcom to handle serious issues, but “Black-ish” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.) looks at police brutality.
The teams of “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.) became very well delineated very quickly in last week’s premiere.
Everybody on “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.) is affected by power outages caused by thunderstorms.
Brick goes to a Bar Mitzvah on “The Middle” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
It’s hard to believe that people fall for these kinds of thing, but there are apparently enough to fill a fifth season of “Catfish: The TV Show” (MTV, 10 p.m.), which starts tonight.
Eight of the Top 10 are named on the wildcard night of “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Four of the remaining Republican candidates, sans Trump, talk to Megyn Kelly on a two hour “Face to Face with Candidates” (Fox News, 9 p.m.), from Houston. Trump, who would like to become friends with Vladimir Putin, is still very afraid of Megyn Kelly
A wrestler dies on “Supernatural” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
Louis may not mind flipping on his colleagues on “Suits” (USA, 10 p.m.) for immunity.
Perhaps you are not aware of Snooki’s latest TV endeavor? “Nicole & Jionni’s House Flip” (FYI, 9 p.m.) in which they try to squeeze a little more money out of the Jersey Shore.
Oliver needs Vixen’s help to battle Darhk on “Arrow” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Laura’s sister is a murder suspect on “The Mysteries of Laura” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Liza bows out when a magazine decides to profile Josh on “Younger” (TV Land, 10 p.m.).
The 11 remaining chefs on “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 9 p.m.) have to cater Andi Van Willigan’s wedding.
Ms. Snap gets in trouble for a tweet on “Teachers” (TVLand, 10:30 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies’ 31 Days of Oscar tonight is largely from the 1970s with “A Little Romance” (8 p.m.), “MASH” (10 p.m.), “Network” (12:15 a.m.), “Bonnie and Clyde” (2:30 a.m.) and “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” (4:30 a.m.).
NBA action includes Washington at Chicago (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and San Antonio at Sacramento (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.).
Men’s college hoops tonight include Mississippi State at Texas A&M (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Houston at UCF (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Villanova at Xavier (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), East Carolina at Tulane (ESPNews, 8 p.m.), Marquette at Creighton (CBS Sports, 8 p.m.), Arizona at Colorado (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (ESPNU, 9 p.m.), San Diego State at Wyoming (CBS Sports, 10 p.m.) and Washington at Oregon State (ESPNU, 11 p.m.).
Hockey has Pittsburgh at Boston (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.) and San Jose at Colorado (NBC Sports, 10 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Taraji P. Henson, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. The View: Tom Selleck. The Talk: Anna Faris, Lindsay Miller. Ellen DeGeneres: Kate McKinnon. Wendy Williams: Action Bronson, Ellie Lee. The Real: Yo Gotti. Meredith Vieira: Stephan James, Carice van Houten.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Adrien Brody, Danal Gurira, Brian Greene. Jimmy Kimmel: Gordon Ramsay, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Wolfmother. Jimmy Fallon: Taraji P. Henson, Mike Birbiglia, FKA Twigs. Seth Meyers: Casey Affleck, Zachary Levi, Dr. David Agus. James Corden: Norman Reeds, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Miguel with Kacey Musgraves. Carson Daly: Grace Helbig, Luna, City Lutz. Tavis Smiley: Sam Quinones, Brian McKnight. Trevor Noah: Brian Chesky. Larry Wilmore: Eddie George. Conan O’Brien: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, Melissa Rauch.