What might be flat material in the hands of others is turned to gold when Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi are cast as an old gay couple on the imported comedy “Vicious” (PBS, 10:30 p.m., check local listings), which may be a jolt only because Jacobi also stars earlier in the night for the second season premiere of the elderly romance, “Last Tango in Halifax” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings).
Also new tonight is the flimsy-sounding new legal procedural scarcely ready to fill the formidable heels of “The Good Wife. “Reckless” (CBS, 9 p.m.) Anna Wood stars as a Northern attorney working with a Southern lawyer, Cam Gigandet, who look like likely romantic partners. At least it is set in a more unusual place than most such shows, Charleston, S.C.
“Penny Dreadful” (Showtime, 10 p.m.) ends its admirable first season of exquisite gothic horror. And both “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime, 9 p.m.) and “Californication” (Showtime, 9:30 p.m.) ends their seasons, the latter ending its entire run.
The death of Bobby Womack Friday is likely to play a big role in The BET Awards 2014 (BET, 8 p.m.), live from Los Angeles. The show has previously staged stirring, also last-minute, tributes to artists from Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston following their deaths. Chris Rock hosts the show whose performers had already included Nicki Minaj, Pharrell, Usher, T.I., Iggy Azalea, Drake, Jill Scott, Trey Songs, Maxwell, Alicia Keys, Robin Thicke, Lil’ Wayne and the first post-jail performance of Chris Brown. Jennifer Hudson, Trey Songz and Lionel Richie will get lifetime achievement awards and surprise reunions of ’90s R&B group are also expected. Beyonce and Jay Z lead the nominees. Red carpet coverage starts at 6 p.m.; after party at 11:30 p.m.).
More town mayhem is likely on “True Blood” (HBO, 9 p.m.).
They’re still trying to get to know each other on “Big Brother” (CBS, 8 p.m.), where four people may be put up for elimination by the two Heads of Household.
Despite the poor ratings last week for “Rising Star” (ABC, 9 p.m.), they’re back for twice as long an episode. I’m thinking this singing competition will “Wipeout” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
A double feature from English director Carol Reed has “A Kid for Two Farthings” (TCM, 8 p.m.) and “The Fallen Idol” (TCM, 10 p.m.).
“Shrek the Third” (TBS, 8 p.m.) plays in-between two showings of its predecessor “Shrek 2” (TBS, 6 and 10 p.m.).
Compare and contrast: “Outlaw Prophet: Warren Jeffs” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.) and “Sister Wives” (TLC, 9 p.m.).
Round of 16 action in the World Cup moves back to cable with Netherlands vs. Mexico (ESPN, noon) and Costa Rica vs. Greece (ESPN, 4 p.m.).
Baseball today includes St. Louis at Dodgers (MLB, 4 p.m.) and Boston at Yankees (ESPN, 8 p.m.).
The U.S. outdoor track & field championships (NBC, 4 p.m.) in Sacramento, Calif.
Sunday Talk
ABC: President Barack Obama, Rep. Peter King. CBS: Sens. Joe Manchin and John Barrasso, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq, James Jeffrey. NBC: Former President Bill Clinton, Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus. CNN: Rsps. Darrell Issa and Mike Robers. Fox News: Reps. Bob Goodlatte and Xavier Becerra, Former CIA Director Michael Hayden.