New York’s only seems like the oldest, but the country’s first subway was in Boston. An episode of “American Experience” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) titled “The Race Underground,” shows how engineers at the time constructed the Tremont Street line between Park Street and Boylston that opened in 1897 in time to stave off the city’s late 19th century transportation crisis, caused by 8,000 horse-drawn trolleys.
A new report on “Frontline” (PBS, 10 p.m.) reports on the battle for Iraq from Mosul.
The hype for this weekend’s Overblown Event accelerates with an emphasis on its most crass trappings: the commercials. In “Super Bowl Greatest Commercials” (CBS, 8 p.m.), the battle is between blockbuster style ads and more simple statements. Of hosts Boomer Esiason and Daniela Ruah of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” he is for the former, she the latter. And Cindy Crawford marks the 25th anniversary of her 1992 Pepsi in cutoffs ad. And in between the segments of the special: actual commercials!
“Switched at Birth” (Freeform, 9 p.m.), which is probably the strongest series on the network, begins its fifth and final season of sensitively dealing with the hearing impaired. It comes alongside the return of “The Fosters” (Freeform, 8 p.m.), after a hiatus.
The spinoff “Friday Night Tykes: Steel Country” (Esquire, 10 p.m.) begins its second season.
But “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern” (Travel, 9 p.m.) is back for its 11th season, in the Pacific Northwest.
Tony Rock hosts a hidden-camera game show “The Game of Dating” (TV One, 8 p.m.) that sounds potentially embarrassing.
A new standup special online is “Bill Burr: Walk Your Way Out” (Netflix, streaming).
Kyle has a “Gatsby” themed party and Harry Hamlin works a barbecue on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
“Ladies of London” (Bravo, 10 p.m.) has a slumber party.
On a trip to the Country Club, “The Mick” (Fox, 8:30 p.m.) gets into a fight.
Pizza is on the menu for “Chopped Junior” (Food, 8 p.m.) and Anika Noni Rose and Harley Morenstein are around to taste it.
It’s all about football food on “Chopped” (Food, 10 p.m.).
Superhero names on “The Flash” (The CW, 8 p.m.) continue to lag with the arrival of Gypsy.
A tutor is murdered on “Bones” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
“Dance Moms” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.) compete in Denver.
On “Taboo” (FX, 10 p.m.), James uses any means to protect his business after being blacklisted.
A custody battle is illustrated on “Escaping Polygamy” (A&E, 10 p.m.).
The all star season of “Face Off” (Syfy, 9 p.m.) has its first elimination challenge, involving angel and devil characters.
On “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” (TLC, 9 p.m.), Lennie wants proof Whitney is actually pregnant.
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” (The CW, 9 p.m.) look for the Spear of Destiny. And “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 10 p.m.) seek the Darkhold book.
A newcomer arrives on “Outsiders” (WGN America, 9 p.m.).
On “Being Mary Jane” (BET, 10 p.m.), an interview with a reality star makes Mary Jane a social media star.
Men’s college hoops today include Maryland at Ohio State (ESPN, 7 p.m.), George Washington at Rhode Island (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.), Pittsburgh at North Carolina (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Wake Forest at Boston College (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Creighton at Butler (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), Temple at Tulane (ESPNews, 8 p.m.), Georgetown at DePaul (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.), Dayton at Fordham (CBS Sports, 9 p.m.), Georgia at Kentucky (ESPN, 9 p.m.), West Virginia at Iowa State (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Vanderbilt at Texas A&M (ESPNU, 9 p.m.) and Wyoming at San Diego State (CBS Sports, 11 p.m.).
Pro games include Oklahoma City at San Antonio (NBA, 8:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Colin Hanks, Kevin Pereira, Busy Philipps. The View: Keke Palmer. The Talk: Stephen Dorff, Cameron Mathison. Harry Connick: Alan Cumming, Christela Alzonzo. Ellen DeGeneres: Jamie Dornan, Drew Brees, Big Sean. Wendy Williams: Anika Noni Rose. The Real: Brandon T. Jackson, Kandi Burruss.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Josh Groban, Rachael Ray, Japandruids. Jimmy Kimmel: Jamie Dornan, Adam Scott, Tucker Beathard. Jimmy Fallon: Dakota Johnson, Colin Hanks, UB40. Seth Meyers: Robert De Niro, Lauren Ash, Asa Butterfield, Kenny Aronoff. James Corden: Johnny Galecki, Sting. Carson Daly: Joy Reid, Holy Ghost, Michael Rosenbaum (rerun). Trevor Noah: Anthony D. Romero. Conan O’Brien: Timothy Olyphant, Russell Wilson, Nathan Macintosh.