It’s not often that I actually get to attend one of the Grammy sponsored musical salutes they seem to increasingly produce, but was lucky enough to be in the audience for “Motown 60: A Grammy Celebration” (CBS, 8 p.m.) that airs tonight. It is, of course, no “Motown 25,” which sort of defined the genre, in part because so many of its names are gone. But here are Smokey Robinson, smooth as usual; Stevie Wonder, who warranted his own Grammy salute not too long ago; and Diana Ross, whose performance reminds us how Motown went into decline – by shipping out from Detroit to L.A. so Berry Gordy could produce movies for her.
A stronger salute to the women of Motown comes from a younger generation that includes Fantasia, Tori Kelly and Meghan Trainor, and there is a heartwarming salute to Motown songwriters (who largely still are alive). There’s little to no Michael Jackson, due to recent revelations, and a nice salute to Marvin Gaye from John Legend. There’s even a fun game show in the audience led by Cedric the Entertainer, in which he invites audience members to belt out Motown hits. You’ll be glad I didn’t join in (though I was tempted). Here’s a story I wrote about the show for TV Guide magazine.
Elsewhere, if you wanted to see how foreign countries influence U.S. elections, you could read the Mueller Report or you could watch a particularly precient “Veep” (HBO, 10:30 p.m.), where the foreign influence is Chinese.
Fortunes change radically for Valjean and Fantine on the second episode of “Les Misérables” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings). Not too late to jump into this story.
“Madam Secretary” (CBS, 10 p.m.) prepares to announce her run for president on the season five finale.
“Barry” (HBO, 10 p.m.) confronts Sally’s abusive ex.
There was an encounter dangling at the end of last week’s “Game of Thrones” (HBO, 9 p.m.) as well.
In a week of corporate synergy, “American Idol” (ABC, 8 p.m.) sing Disney songs. Rebel Wilson serves as mentor.
There are more big cuts on “World of Dance” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
The team on “Call the Midwife” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) tries to reunite an estranged mother and daughter who are both pregnant.
Villanelle’s circumstances grow bleak on “Killing Eve” (BBC America, AMC, 8 p.m.).
A celebrity edition of “Worst Cooks in America” (Food, 9 p.m.) begins.
Kara and Lena seek clues on how to defeat Lex on “Supergirl” (CW, 8 p.m.).
On “Billions” (Showtime, 9 p.m.), Axe discovers a trap set by Taylor.
Harry mysteriously disappears on “Charmed” (CW, 9 p.m.).
Herbert gains advantage on “A Discovery of Witches” (BBC America, AMC, 9 p.m.).
“Keeping Up with the Kardashians” (E!, 9 p.m.) go to Bali. But they also unfortunately return.
A timeline is established on “Unforgotten” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings).
Mad Sweeney recall his journey through the ages on “American Gods” (Starz, 8 p.m.).
The reunion episodes of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo, 8 p.m.) have to come to an end.
Robert throws a dinner for Shanique on “Married to Medicine Los Angeles” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
The Menehune tribe of Hawaii is explored on “America Unearthed” (Travel, 8 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies honors the holiday with “Easter Parade” (8 p.m.), “King of Kings” (10 p.m.) and the silent “The King of Kings” (1 a.m.). Other Biblical stories round out the day, with “The Green Pastures” (6:15 a.m.), “One Foot in Heaven” (8 a.m.), “The Silver Chalice” (noon), “Barabbas” (2:30 p.m.) and “The Shoes of the Fisherman” (5 p.m.). Less part of the theme: the morning noir of “Woman on the Run” (10 a.m.) and the late late showing of Carl Theodor Dreyer’s “Day of Wrath” (3:45 a.m.).
Stanley Cup Playoffs have Boston at Toronto (NBC, 3 p.m.) and San Jose at Vegas (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.).
NBA Playoffs have Boston at Indiana (ABC, 1 p.m.), Golden State at Clippers (ABC, 3:30 p.m.), Toronto at Orlando (TNT, 7 p.m.) and Portland at Oklahoma City (TNT, 9:30 p.m.).
Baseball includes Dodgers at Milwaukee (MLB, 2 p.m.) and Atlanta at Cleveland (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
Major League Soccer has New York City FC at D.C. United (ESPN, 4 p.m.) and Seattle at Los Angeles FC (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.).
Final rounds are played in the Heritage tournament (Golf, 1 p.m.; CBS, 3 p.m.).
In hockey’s IIHF under-18 world championships, it’s U.S. vs. Russia (NHL, 9:30 a.m.) and Canada vs. Belarus (NHL, 1:30 p.m.).
College baseball has Army at Navy (CBS Spots, 12:30 p.m.).
College softball includes Tennessee at Georgia (ESPN2, 2 p.m.) and Auburn at Kentucky (ESPN2, 4 p.m.).
Men’s college lacrosse has Johns Hopkins at Penn State (ESPNU, noon).
In major league rugby, it’s New Orleans at Seattle (CBS Sports, 10 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Rep Adam Schiff, Kellyanne Conway. CBS: Sen Mike Lee, Rep. Elijah Cummings. NBC: Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Rudy Giuliani. CNN: Giuliani, Rep. Tim Ryan. Fox News: Schiff, Giuliani.