How does popular culture confront every huge disaster? With a concert!
It happens again tonight with the hastily-planned Living Room Concert for America (Fox, 9 p.m.) hosted by Elton John, with performances from Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billy Joe Armstrong, Mariah Carey, Sam Smith, H.E.R., Dave Growl, Camila Cabello and Tim McGraw. The caveat: Each performance is filmed in their own homes with their own equipment. It’s raising money for Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation.
“The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) was held recently enough here in D.C. that I questioned when honoree Garth Brooks shook my hand on the red carpet. But that’s his whole deal: Country nice guy and big seller. The roster of stars who come out to do his songs include Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Ricky Skaggs and Brooks’ wife Trisha Yearwood. But Brooks there a wrench into the well-planned event by playing an hour of acoustic covers from 70s songwriters. I have no idea how they’ll edit it down for broadcast. Here’s a piece I wrote about the event for Entertainment Weekly.
The ninth season premiere of “Call the Midwife” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) begins with the 1965 funeral of Winston Churchill.
Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, the surreal humorists behind th long running “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” try their hand at a sitcom with their usual weird approach in “Beef House” (Adult Swim, 12:15 a.m.). It follows the debut of a comedy about three housewives produced in part by Amy Poehler, “Three Busy Debras” (Adult Swim, midnight).
While Elton John plays in the charity concert “Collector’s Call” (MeTV, 9:30 p.m.) features an Elton John superman who has been collecting for more than 40 years.
Characters change at will on a new “Westworld” (HBO, 9 p.m.).
On “Homeland” (Showtime, 9 p.m.), Wellington makes a surprising discovery.
Eugene takes a group on a journey to meet Stephanie on a new episode of “The Walking Dead” (ABC, 9 p.m.), which announced it will end its season next week because of production shutdowns.
“Vice” (Showtime, 8 p.m.) begins its seventh season on its third network.
Lex’s rise to power is chronicled on “Supergirl” (CW, 9 p.m.).
Zoey has a glitch in her powers on “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
“Race for the White House” (CNN, 11 p.m.) concludes with the 1952 race of Eisenhower vs. Stevenson.
The gates also close for “The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty” (CNN, 10 p.m.) with a look at the tumultuous recent years.
Arguments bubble up on “Family Karma” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
Two pastors try to climb the game show “The Wall” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
“Batwoman” (CW, 8 p.m.) has narrow escape.
Miles doesn’t want to hurt Ali’s chance of getting into a cancer drug trial on “God Friended Me” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
“NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS, 9 p.m.) looks into the murder of an Iranian exile.
A sailor is found dead on “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
If social distancing continues much longer, every bistro in America will need a “Bar Rescue” (Paramount, 10 p.m.).
Kenya tries to keep Marc away on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo, 8 p.m.).
Jamie faces his fear on “Outlander” (Starz, 8 p.m.).
Hollywood week is over on “American Idol” (ABC, 8 p.m.) and in a week or so, the show will halt as well.
The Mankiewicz Family Weekend ends on Turner Classic Movies with TCM host Ben Mankiewicz presenting the great film co-written by his grandfather Herman J. Mankiewicz, “Citizen Kane” (8 p.m.) as well as his “The Pride of the Yankees” (10:15 p.m.). The midnight silent film is the classic documentary “Nanook of the North” (12:45 a.m.), and two films from Rainer Werner Fassbinder, “The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant” (2:15 a.m.) and “Satan’s Brew” (4:30 a.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow. CBS: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Bel Edwards, Dr. David Heyyman of the World Health Organization, former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. NBC: Joe Biden, White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Debora Birx, Bel Edwards, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. CNN: Rep. Nancy Pelosi, NIA infectious diseases chief Dr. Anthony Fauci. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Whitmer, New York Mayor Bill de Blasion. Fox News: Mnuchin, Dr. Thomas Inglesby of the Center for Health Security. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Pastor Joel Osteen.