The end of “The Good Wife” (CBS, 9 p.m.) tonight after seven seasons not only means the end of a well written tale filled with a number of interesting recurring characters. It also means just about the last of the worthy broadcast network dramas.
For years, the drama with Julianna Marguiles and Chris Noth was the only network entry among Emmy drama candidates, as it gave up narrative primacy and striving for quality to cable. It was almost a matter of pride for its prevailing network, as it should have been. Now, realizing they could make a lot of money presenting a whole lot less, the motivation to make shows this well crafted has waned. We won’t see one this strong again on the networks for a while.
To much less fanfare, it is also the final season of “Wallander,” the great adaptation of the Swedish detective, played by Kenneth Branagh, begins to night on “Masterpiece” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings). The first of three final chapters tonight concerns a trip to South Africa, ostensibly for a conference, in which he can’t help but get involved with a local case.
It’s the season finale for two other CBS Sunday night dramas, “Madam Secretary” (CBS, 8 p.m.) and “Elementary” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Resurrection means flimsy story-telling, me thinks, on “Game of Thrones” (HBO, 9 p.m.). Why not have everybody come back from the dead?
“The Girlfriend Experience” (Starz, 8 p.m.) has become one of my favorite Sunday night shows, in part because it has little competition in its time slot.
Martin Mull’s character has a meltdown on “Veep” (HBO, 10:30 p.m.) and an international situation is threatened by a missent tweet.
“60 Minutes” (CBS, 7 p.m.) travels to the earthquake capital of the U.S., Oklahoma where the sudden rise may be because of fracking.
“Sister Wives” (TLC, 8 p.m.) returns for a new season.
Homer promises to take Marge to Paris on a new episode of “The Simpsons” (Fox, 8 p.m.), but there’s a catch.
A woman decides not to report a rape on a new “Call the Midwife” (PBS, 8 p.m.).
Election results are about to be announced on “The Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
“The Carmichael Show” (NBC, 9 p.m.) examines gender exceptions.
“Little Big Shots” (NBC, 8 p.m.) counts down its 10 best performers so far.
Alicia tries to find her family on “Fear the Walking Dead” (AMC, 9 p.m.).
GG’s health is still an issue on “Shahs of Sunset” (Bravo, 8 p.m.).
Vanessa’s relationship with Dr. Sweet grows on “Penny Dreadful” (Showtime, 10 p.m.).
Gilfoyle is open for recruiters’ appeals on a new “Silicon Valley” (HBO, 10 p.m.) while Richard tries to undermine Jack’s plan.
The Greek island of Naxos is the destination of a new “Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown” (CNN, 9 p.m.).
Former finalists return to compete again on the new “Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen” (Food, 8 p.m.).
Kanye invites the family to his New York fashion show on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” (E!, 9 p.m.).
Cassie realizes the end of her magic on “Good Witch” (HBO, 9 p.m.).
“The Story of God with Morgan Freeman” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.) looks into miracles.
“Dice” (Showtime, 9:30 p.m.) is fired as manager of his son’s heavy metal band.
“Sports Detectives” (Smithsonian, 9 p.m.) try to find out what happened for the saddlecloth worn by Secretariat at the 1973 Kentucky Derby and Dale Earnhardt’s first race car.
On the new made for TV movie “Where’s My Baby?” (Lifetime Movie Network, 8 p.m.), a woman wakes from a six-year coma to find she’s given birth and someone stole her baby. It’s their idea of a perfect Mother’s Day movie.
On the special “Dear Mama” (VH1, 9 p.m.) celebrities throw out tributes to their mothers.
There’s a Mother’s day challenge on “Spring Baking Championship” (Food, 9 p.m.).
The oddest celebration of the day, though, is a campy 24-hours of “Mommie Dearest” (IFC, 6 p.m.), playing continuously until 6 a.m. Monday.
It’s Mother’s Day movies all day on Turner Classic Movies with “Nancy Goes to Rio” (6 a.m.), “Three Daring Daughters” (8 a.m.), “Bunny Lake is Missing” (10 p.m.), “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” (noon), “Imitation of Life” (2 p.m.), “Mildred Pierce” (4 p.m.), “Light in the Piazza” (6 p.m.), “Sounder” (8 p.m.) and “I Remember Mama” (10 p.m.).
Later comes an Antonioni double feature, “L’Aventura” (2 a.m.) and “Blow-Up” (4:30 a.m.).
Stanley Cup playoff action today has Islanders at Tampa Bay (NBC, 3 p.m.).
In the NBA playoffs, it’s Cleveland at Atlanta (ABC, 3:30 p.m.) and San Antonio at Oklahoma City (TNT, 8 p.m.).
baseball has Pittsburgh at St. Louis (MLB, 2 p.m.) and Boston at Yankees (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
In golf, it’s the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship (CBS, 3 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Donald Trump. CBS: Hillary Clinton, Matt Schlapp, Russell Moore. NBC: Trump, Sen. Jeff Flake. CNN: Sen. John McCain, Sarah Palin. Fox News: Gov. Pat McCrory, Paul Manafort.