It’s not easy to adapt Philip Roth; there are very few successful examples. The new mini-series “The Plot Against America” (HBO, 9 p.m.) may come the closest. It’s a careful reading of the alternate history of what might have happened if a bigot rose to the President on the slogan of “America First,” in this case the widely-known ariel hero and antisemite, and Nazi sympathizer Charles Lindbergh. Its chilling effect on an upstanding Jewish family is the undertow of the saga, told in a restrained manner by David Simon and Ed Burns, but with lavish production values. Zoe Kazan is a standout in a cast that includes Winona Ryder, John Turturro and Morgan Spector.
As our thoughts turn to Italy during the pandemic, the second installment of the adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s popular book series “My Brilliant Friend: The Story of a New Name” (HBO, 10 p.m.) begins, with the newly married Lila (Gaia Girace) is already resentful of her husband and looks for ways to hang out with Elena (Margherita Mazzucco).
The people at “Late Night with Stephen Colbert” have found a way lately to quickly respond to the day’s events through animation, seen largely on the cold opens (or in extremely timely editions of “Our Cartoon President,” from the same team, on Showtime Sundays). They’ve used these skills to offer a cartoon version of the news, with fake newscasters but frequently real guests in a hybrid series “Tooning Out the News” (CBS All Access, streaming), which may fill the void left by late night shows gone dark during the crisis.
David Muir hosts “Pandemic: What You Need to Know – A Special Edition of 20/20” (ABC, 10 p.m.) answering questions on the virus.
“Better Call Saul” (FX, 9 p.m.) is a good choice to stream during your forced convalescence.
Need another true crime series? Here’s one taken from a newspaper, “Torn from the Headlines: New York Post Reports” (Investigation Discovery, 10 p.m.).
Santa’s existence is an issue on “Breeders” (FX, 10 p.m.).
On “Manifest” (NBC, 10 p.m.), Grace’s pregnancy complicates things.
A motorcycle gang robbery turns into murder on “Prodigal Son” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Liz wants to move out of “Roswell, New Mexico” (CW, 9 p.m.) in the season premiere.
“9-1-1” (Fox, 8 p.m.) returns with a new episode involving a skydiving rescue.
The discoveries of early 20th century Soviet geneticist Nikolai Vavilov are told on “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.).
On “The Neighborhood” (CBS, 8 p.m.), Grover hosts a youth basketball team coached by Calvin.
Blind auditions continue on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
“Supernatural” (CW, 8 p.m.) goes on a big rescue mission.
Nicole Sullivan guest stars as Bob’s ex on “Bob (Hearts) Abishola” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.).
“Bull” (CBS, 10 p.m.) defends a woman accused of a series of anthrax attacks.
André Benjamin’s character gets the spotlight on “Dispatches from Elsewhere” (AMC, 10:10 p.m.).
Hollywood Week begins on “American Idol” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
On “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” (VH1, 8 p.m.) Kirk and Rasheeda’s 20th anniversary party goes all wrong.
Lola gets appointed to the arraignment court on “All Rise” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
On “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” (Bravo, 9 p.m.), Paget and Georgia are caught.
“Spring Baking Championship” (Food, 9 p.m.) marks the spring equinox.
Sukihana convenes brunch on “Love & Hop Hop Miami” (VH1, 9 p.m.).
The Life at Sea series on Turner Classic Movies continues tonight with pirates: “Captain Blood” (8 p.m.), “The Sea Hawk” (10:15 p.m.), “Mutiny on the Bounty” (12:45 a.m.), “The Crimson Pirate” (3:15 a.m.), and “The Boy and the Pirates” (5:15 a.m.). Earlier, are the sea adventures “The Old Man and the Sea” (6:30 a.m.), “Captains Courageous” (8:15 a.m.), “Moby Dick” (10:15 a.m.), “The Battleship Potemkin” (11:45 a.m.), “Cruise of the Zaca” (1:15 p.m.), “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1:45 p.m.), “The Master of Ballantrae” (5 p.m.) and “China Seas” (6:30 p.m.).
Things have gotten pretty bad when the only sports on TV is decidedly fake: “WWE Monday Night Raw” (USA, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: John Krasinski, Jane Levy, Goo Goo Dolls. Ellen DeGeneres: Reese Witherspoon, Dixie Chicks. Kelly Clarkson: David Spade, Fortune Feimster, Ron Funches. Tamron Hall: Jonathan & Drew Scott (rerun). Wendy Williams: K. Michelle (rerun).
Late Talk
All reruns: Stephen Colbert: Jim Carrey. Jimmy Kimmel: Chris Pratt, Huey Lewis, Sam Hunt. Jimmy Fallon: Nick Jonas, Steve Coogan, cast of “Girl from the North Country.” Seth Meyers: Edie Falco, Adam Pally, Andrew Zimmern, José Andrés. James Corden: January Jones, John Cena, Raanan. Lilly Singh: Awkwafina. Trevor Noah: Judith Heumann. David Spade: Adam Sandler. Conan O’Brien: Zach Woods.