Sigourney Weaver memorably portrayed naturalist Dian Fossey nearly 30 years ago in Michael Apted’s “Gorillas in the Mist” and has maintained a fondness for her ever since, such that she provides her voice in the three part documentary series “Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist” (National Geographic, 9 p.m.) that begins tonight, using rare archival footage of the gorilla expert and protector, whose 1985 murder in Rwanda was never solved.
Christopher Meloni has played a tough cop most of his career, but has been drawn to super-quirky comedy on occasion as well. The new “Happy!” (Syfy, 10 p.m.) has a bit of both, as he plays an ex-cop who is loopy enough to have an animated winged blue horse accompany him. Patton Oswalt provides the voice. The new show, combining violence and crazy action, leaps out o the comic book of the same name.
The History channel presents a new historical fiction series following its popular “Vikings” (History, 9 p.m.) on the persecuted 14th century Knights Templar, “Knightfall” (History, 10 p.m.).
“Broad City” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) ends the winter-set fourth season with the anniversary of the day Abbi and Ilana met.
Loved ones visit on “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
A new “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) has a lot of ground to cover.
“American Housewife” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.) is pleased to meet a childless couple.
“Mr. Robot” (USA 10 p.m.) leaves a cryptic text.
A radio interview goes awry on “Star” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Phil leaves his real estate firm to go solo on “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
Looks like plain old corporate synergy when “Speechless” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) gets excited about the forthcoming “Star Wars” movie.
“The Goldbergs” (ABC, 8 p.m.) are inspired by a Fresh Prince song.
“Dynasty” (The CW, 9 p.m.) has a tree lighting.
The final match up ceremony looms on “Are You the One?” (MTV, 10 p.m.).
Eggnog seeps into “Iron Chef: Behind the Battle” (Food, 10 p.m.).
Brooke Shields has joined Mariska Hargitay on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
Jughead and Betty organize a welcome home party for FP on “Riverdale” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
“SEAL Team” (CBS, 9 p.m.) rescues a Russian scientist.
Diana DuBois’ master plan unfolds on “Empire” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
On “Designated Survivor” (ABC, 10 p.m.), the White House sorts through mail.
Two from a conspiracy group in Roswell, N.M., die on “Criminal Minds” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
“Chicago P.D.” (NBC, 10 p.m.) is after a doctor distributing pills.
“Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour” (A&E, 10 p.m.) goes to Cajun country.
Producer Alan Ladd Jr. is saluted on Turner Classic Movies with the documentary “It’s Always About the Story: Conversations with Alan Ladd Jr.” (8 p.m. and 2:45 a.m.), as well as examples of his productions, “The Right Stuff” (9 p.m.), “Chariots of Fire” (12:30 a.m.) and “The Walking Stick” (4 a.m.).
NBA action has Golden State at Charlotte (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Minnesota at Clippers (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Men’s college basketball includes Siena at Louisville (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Wisconsin at Temple (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Kent State at Xavier (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), Brown at Providence (Fox Sports 2, 7 p.m.), Washington vs. Kansas (ESPN2, 9 p.m.) and Central Connecticut State at DePaul (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Gwendoline Christie, Matt Smith, Seal. The View: Ed Harris. The Talk: Jeffrey Donovan, Jaymes Vaughan, Smokey Robinson. Harry Connick: Cyndi Lauper, Jason Mitchell, Peggy Whitson, Joy Bauer. Steve Harvey: Christopher Meloni, Nev Schulman, Max Joseph, Tia Mowry. Ellen DeGeneres: Neil Patrick Harris, Padma Lakshmi, Chris Stapleton. Wendy Williams: Sheryl Lee Ralph. The Real: Tank, Kyle Anfernee.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Ed Helms, Christopher Jackson, Bleachers. Jimmy Kimmel: Vanessa Kirby, Jules Sylvester, Neil Patrick Harris. Jimmy Fallon: John Cena, Bridgett Everett, Beck. Seth Meyers: Dax Shepard, Lily James, Max Brooks, Brooks Wackerman. James Corden: Kristen Wiig, Morgan Freeman, Seth MacFarlane. Carson Daly: Katee Sackoff, (Sandy) Alex G, Katie O’Brien & Katie Colloton. Trevor Noah: St. Vincent. Jordan Klepper: Jennifer Egan. Conan O’Brien: Denis Leary, Frankie Shaw, Khalid Rahmaan.