The brightest programming special out of the pandemic so far is the unexpected revival of “A Parks and Recreation Special” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.) with an entertaining, sharply written episode about our times and its characters, settled into the roles they had in sorely missed sitcom. All of its primary characters take part — and just about all of the minor ones in the community they created in fictional Pawnee, Ind. It’s all to help raise funds for Feeding America and mental health awareness. And it will refill the endless supply of Parks and Rec memes.
Whet your nostalgia with a replay of the special “The Paley Center Salutes Parks and Recreation” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
In the new film “Dangerous Lies” (Netflix, streaming) Camila Mendes stars as a caretaker to a wealthy old man who inherits his fortune. Jessie T. Usher, Jamie Chung, Sasha Alexander and Elliott Gould also star.
In the new Taiwanese series “The Victims’ Game” (Netflix, streaming), a detective with Asperger’s syndrome finds evidence in a murder leading to his estranged daughter.
Season finales come for a few shows tonight, including “Young Sheldon” (CBS, 8 p.m.), “Last Man Standing” (Fox, 8 p.m.), “Cake” (FXX, 10 p.m.) and “Better Things” (FX, 10 p.m.).
But the fifth and final season “Blindspot” (NBC, 10 p.m.) appears, picking up after the drone strike explosion.
After showing one episode and disappearing for a month, a second episode comes for “Council of Dads” (NBC, 10 p.m.), in its permanent time slot.
It’s taco challenge Thursday on “Top Chef” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
“Tommy” (CBS, 10 p.m.) launches an investigation into a possible police and city government conspiracy.
The IRS gains interest in Murphy on “Son of a Gun” (CW, 9 p.m.).
“Katy Keene” (CW, 8 p.m.) finds the Meta Gala approaching.
The revival of Ken Burns’ “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) continues.
On “Siren” (Freeform, 10 p.m.), Run finds a refuge of injured mermaids.
The trio visits Twin Falls, Idaho on “We’re Here” (HBO, 9 p.m.).
Robert tries to aid eateries suffering in the pandemic on “Restaurant: Impossible” (Food, 9 p.m.).
“Families of the Mafia” (MTV, 9 p.m.) leaves Staten Island for the Poconos.
The big guy connects with some kids in L.A. on the first of two episodes of “Shaq Life” (TNT, 9 p.m.).
Sharon and Ozzy feel like they have to watch their son Jack’s show “Portals to Hell” (Travel, 8 p.m.), so they do so before cameras tonight.
Hannibal Buress, Anthony Anderson and Ike Barinholtz play “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
On the first of two episodes of “Man with a Plan” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.), Adam and Andi go to couples therapy.
On “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC, 10 p.m.) Annalise finds some details about Sam’s past.
A bowling alley collapses on “Station 19” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is guest on “Shelter in Place with Shane Smith” (Vice, 10 p.m.).
“The Real Housewives of New York City” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) takes in fashion week.
Nicole considers her career on “Total Bellas” (E!, 9 p.m.).
“Broke” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.) sets up some blind dates.
Looks like the 60 days are over on “60 Days In” (A&E, 10 p.m.).
The month-long Thursday night showcase on New York in the 70s concludes with “Network” (8 p.m.), “Dog Day Afternoon” 10:15 p.m.), “Across 110th Street” (12:30 a.m.), “Mean Streets” (2:30 a.m.) and “Sisters” (4:30 a.m.).
During the day are films with Eve Arden, born this day in 1908 with “Goodbye, My Fancy” (6:15 a.m.), “The Lady Takes a Sailor” (8:15 a.m.), “The Unfaithful” (10 a.m.), “One for the Book” (noon), “Comrade X” (2 p.m.), “Mildred Pierce” (3:45 p.m.) and “Our Miss Brooks” (6 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Jimmy Kimmel, Beth Behrs. The View: Nathan Lane. The Talk: Adam Lambert, Jack Osbourne. Ellen DeGeneres: Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Kelly Clarkson: Laura Benanti, Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins, the South Texas High School Mariachi Band. Tamron Hall: Jojo. Wendy Williams: Abby Lee Miller. The Real: Ayesha Curry, Jessie T. Usher.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Sen. Chuck Schumer, Paul Giamatti. Jimmy Kimmel: Mandy Moore. Jimmy Fallon: Vince Vaughn, Gigi Hadid, Thom Yorke. Seth Meyers: Gov. Gavin Newsom, Retta. James Corden: Beth Behrs, Sam Claflin, Grace VanderWaal (rerun). Lilly Singh: Phoebe Robinson. Conan O’Brien: Chris O’Dowd.