The latest new series from Netflix is “Short Poppies” (Netflix, streaming), an eight-episode comedy from Rhys Darby, whose best known role was as the manager on “Flight of the Conchords.” Here, he appears as a different character each episode, being interviewed by a reporter for a TV feature. The first is a lifequard who competes in a best legs contest; the second, a UFO enthusiast awaiting abduction.
It’s fairly amusing, deadpan stuff, best in individual episodes. In the realm of New Zealand comedies, it’s better than Chris Lilley’s “Ja’mie: Private School Girl” but not quite there with “Conchords.”
They’ve already done a claymation episode so why not a cheesy cell animation episode of “Community” NBC, 8 p.m.), inspired by the 1980s a cartoon series “G.I. Joe.”
Speaking of cartoons, Sarah Palin returns to reality TV with the new travelogue “Amazing America” (Sportsman Channel, 10 p.m.) that, according to its title, may actually get beyond her native Alaska turf. Finding the channel that also offers “Yeti’s Ultimate Hunt,” “Pigman: The Series” and the “Guns & Ammo” show may require its own hunt.
“Parks and Recreation” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.) stages its own prom.
Sheldon must decide between two gaming systems in “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
Andy Richter and Rosanne Barr guest star on “The Millers” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.). Brad Paisley and Danny Chase guest star on “The Crazy Ones” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.)
Flu is going around on “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
Jack helps prepare the boys for varsity baseball on “Surviving Jack” (Fox, 9:30 p.m.).
Daughtry will perform on another half-hour results show on “American Idol” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
“Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” (ABC, 8 p.m.), which was not picked up for a second season, will have its series finale tonight.
Jenna Elfman, Donald Faison, Bob Harper, Ellie Kemper, Joel Madden and Molly Shannon play a new “Hollywood Game Night” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
Lobster ravioli is the challenge tonight on “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Maya Rudolph guest stars on a new “Portlandia” (IFC, 10 p.m.) in which Peter reunites with her band.
Turner Classic Movies celebrates the 90th birthday of Doris Day with 24 hours of her movies: “I’ll See You in My Dreams” (6 a.m.), “Lover Come Back” (8 a.m.), “Billy Rose’s Jumbo” (10 a.m.), “Love Me or Leave Me” (12:15 p.m.), “April in Paris” (2:30 p.m.), “Calamity Jane” (4:15 p.m.), “The Tunnel of Love” (6 p.m.), “The Thrill of It All” (8 p.m.), “Move Over, Darling” (10 p.m.), “Send Me No Flowers” (midnight), “With Six You Get Eggroll” (2 a.m.) and “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” (4 a.m.).
NBA action includes San Antonio at Oklahoma City (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Dallas at Los Angeles Clippers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.). In hockey, it’s Minnesota at Chicago (NBC Sports,8 p.m.) and Los Angeles at San Jose (NBC Sports, 10:30 p.m.).
In the NIT championship it’s SMU vs. Minnesota (ESPN, 7 p.m.). But there is also a Slam Dunk and 3-Point Competition (ESPN, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Anna Chlumsky. The View: Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, Lisa Niemi, Jorge Ramos (rerun). The Talk: Blake Shelton, Casey Lane, Marie Osmond. Ellen DeGeneres: Luke Bryan, B.J. Novak, Kym Douglas. Wendy Williams: Rosie Perez (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Johnny Depp, Joseph Arthur. Jimmy Fallon: Daniel Radcliffe, Cedric the Entertainer, Travie McCoy. Jimmy Kimmel: Emma Stone, Jeff Perry, Schoolboy Q. Seth Meyers: Whoopi Goldberg, Judd Apatow, John Mulaney. Craig Ferguson: Ashton Kutcher, Rody Hart & th Lonesome Fire (rerun). Carson Daly: Diego Luna, Deap Vally, Afflicted. Tavis Smiley: Paul Rusesabagina. Jon Stewart: Pele. Stephen Colbert: Mark Mazzetti. Arsenio Hall: T.I., Gina Carano, K. Dubb. Conan O’Brien: Charles Barkley, Lyle Lovett. Chelsea Handler: Don Cheadle, Dov Davidoff, Betsy Sodaro, Josh Wolf. Pete Holmes: Gillian Jacobs, Byron Bowers.