It can be no more timely than on the day of a new travel ban announcement to show the benefit of world-uniting, cross cultural exchange. A beautiful mix of the East and Western transitions are the basis of Yo Yo Ma’s innovative and very beautiful international ensemble the Silk Road.
What began as one time musical summit because an international force made more necessary by 9/11 despite the barriers that caused.
The aims and many of the thoughtful, talented members are showcased in Morgan Neville’s film, “The Music of Strangers: Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble” (HBO, 8 p.m.), making its TV debut. Best of all is the resulting music, a hopeful, uplifting balm in times when prevailing political voices bark more about walls.
Evolution is retold in a new way on “Origins: The Journey of Humankind” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.), a flashy new eight part series about the beginnings of the species, which starts by looking at fire. The razzle-dazzle graphics and re-enactments, mixed with super-dramatic music and the urgent delivery of “Brain Games” host Brian Games can get a little over the top at times, however.
What’s more excessive than two hours of “The Bachelor” (ABC, 8 p.m.)? How about three? Following a regular episode at 8, in which two women are still mulling the fantasy suite, there is two hours of ‘The Women Tell All” at 9. Altogether, too much Chris Harrison.
Bryan enters the field for the first time on “Taken” (NBC, 10 p.m.), but the mission goes all wrong.
Blind auditions continue on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Time keeps running on the action-filled “24: Legacy” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Dean Cain looks familiar in a guest spot on “Supergirl” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Kids are given five hours to make a superhero cake on the finale of “Kids Baking Championship” (Food, 8 p.m.).
Four champions of “Cake Wars” (Food, 9 p.m.) return to build a Lego cake.
On “Superior Donuts” (CBS, 9 p.m.), Arthur takes a vacation day, reluctantly.
“Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” (VH1, 8 p.m.) returns for its sixth season with a paternity question.
The rose party is held at the “Summer House” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
A Christmas Eve killing of an elderly couple is revisited on “Cold Case Files” (A&E, 9 p.m.).
Norman helps Chick with a project on “Bates Motel” (A&E, 10 p.m.).
Nikki tries to sign rapper Imani X on “The Breaks” (VH1, 9 p.m.).
The New York Institute is under attack on “Shadowhunters” (Freeform, 8 p.m.).
A new assistant state attorney wants to know plans for the district on “APB” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Lisa declines to officiate at Katie and Tom’s wedding on “Vanderpump Rules” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
“Booze Traveler” (Travel, 10 p.m.) goes to Portugal.
On “Humans” (AMC, 10 p.m.), Mia and Ed grow closer.
Bella Thorne and 50 Cent visit “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party” (VH1, 10 p.m.).
NBA action includes Indiana at Charlotte (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Boston at Clippers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Hockey has Dallas at Washington (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.).
Men’s college hoops has North Carolina Wilmington vs. Charleston (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.) on CAA. North Carolina-Greensboro vs. East Tennessee State (ESPN, 7 p.m.) in the Southern Conference championship, Youngstown State vs. Northern Kentucky (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Gonzaga vs. Santa Clara (ESPN, 9 p.m.), Siena vs. Iona (ESPN2, 9 p.m.) in the Metro Atlantic championship, Milwaukee vs. Illinois-Chicago (ESPNU, 9:30 p.m.) and Saint Mary’s vs. BYU (ESPN2, 11:30 p.m.).
In women’s games it’s Creighton vs. Marquette (Fox Sports 1, 4 p.m.), Quinnipiac vs. Rider (ESPNU, 5 p.m.) in the Metro Atlantic championship, DePaul vs. St. John’s (Fox Sports 1, 6:30 p.m.) and Connecticut vs. USF (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) in the American Athletic championship.
Richard Burton is star this week on Turner Classic Movies with a 21 movie salute that begins with early work in “My Cousin Rachel” (8 p.m.), “Prince of Players” (9:45 p.m.), “The Desert Rats” (11:45 p.m.), “Sea Wife” (1:30 a.m.) and “The Robe” (3:15 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Caroline Rhea, Matthew Rhys, Auli’i Carvalho, Christian Slater. The View: John Stamos, Andy Grammar. The Talk: Kelsea Ballerina, Ellen K., Justin Hartley. Harry Connick: Sara Bullock, Ken Jeong, Taraji P. Henson. Ellen DeGeneres: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Gigi Hadid. Wendy Williams: Amy Schumer, Harlem Globetrotters. The Real: Anika Noni Rose.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Anderson Cooper, Judd Apatow, Jidenna. Jimmy Kimmel: Emma Watson, Ian Somerhalder, Lady Antebellum, Bell Biv DeVoe. Jimmy Fallon: Michael Shannon, Alicia Keys, Mellencamp with Martina McBride (rerun). Seth Meyers: Jason Sudeikis, Michelle Monaghan, Van Jones (rerun). James Corden: Patrick Stewart, Rupert Grint, Dan Stevens, New Kids on the Block. Carson Daly: Justin Kirk, DJ Shadow, Olivia Taylor Dudley (rerun). Trevor Noah: Jennifer Lopez. Conan O’Brien: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Nasim Pedrad, Sinksen.