Seven citizens go beyond the call of duty to aid prison reform by going undercover to pose as inmates to investigate conditions in a new series called “60 Days In” (A&E, 9 p.m.).
Musicain Emeli Sande goes to Mexico “In Search of Frida Kahlo” (Ovation, 7 p.m.), as part of the network’s series of films about artists.
The name of an old Jethro Tull song is used as subtitle to a documentary on an interview gone wrong. “El Chapo & Sean Penn: Bungle in the Jungle” (Reelz, 9 p.m.).
For candidates, it’s a showcase of free time; for cable networks, a ratings bonanza. Hence, yet another Republican Presidential Debate (CNN, 8 p.m.) , this one from the University of Miami. For something else with a similar tone, there is also “WWE SmackDown” (USA, 8 p.m.).
“Portlandia” (IFC, 10 p.m.) celebrates being named America’s most feminist city.
On “Elementary” (CBS, 10 p.m.), Tom Everett Scott guest stars as Henry Baskerville, he of the hounds.
The Secret Service are getting into trouble even on “Scandal” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
One kid wins the $100,000 college fund prize on the first season finale of “Child Genius” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.).
The time travelers on “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” (The CW, 8 p.m.) go to the 1950s.
Cheerleaders cause a commotion on “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
They’re seeking a patent for the infinite persistence gyroscope on “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
Greg is jealous of Jen’s new assistant on “Life in Pieces” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.).
Nudists need winter wear on “Project Runway All Stars” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
The contestants on “Top Chef” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) have to make something magical for David Copperfield .
On a new “Baskets” (USA, 10 p.m.), nobody wants to eat Chip’s sugar pie at book club.
The first season of “Colony” (USA, 10 p.m.) winds up with big moves.
It’s Christmas in Wessex on “Vikings” (History, 10 p.m.).
The guys on “Workaholics” (Comedy, 10 p.m.) open a casino in their house.
The top six sing on “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
The Thursday night showcase of films condemned by the Catholic League of Decency continues on Turner Classic Movies with “M” (8 p.m.), “The French Line” (9:45 p.m.), “And God Created Woman” (11:45 p.m.), “Untamed Youth” (1:30 a.m.) and “Breathless” (3 a.m.).
Men’s basketball tournaments roll on. In the ACC quarterfinals, it’s North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh (ESPN, noon) and Notre Dame vs. Duke (ESPN, 2 p.m.). In the Big East quarterfinals, it’s Villanova vs. Georgetown (Fox Sports 1, noon) and Butler vs. Providence (Fox Sports, 2:30 p.m.), Xavier vs. Marquette (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.) and Creighton vs Seton Hall (Fox Sports 1, 9:30 p.m.). In the Atlantic 10 second round it’s Fordham vs. Richmond (NBC Sports, noon), Washington vs. Saint Louis (NBC Sports, 2:30 p.m.), Rhode Island vs. Massachusetts (NBC Sports, 6:30 p.m.) and Davidson vs. La Salle (NBC Sports, 9 p.m.). In the Big 12 quarterfinals, it’s Texas vs. Baylor (ESPN2, 12:30 p.m.) and Kansas vs. Kansas State (ESPN2, 2:30 p.m.) and West Virginia vs. TCU (ESPNU, 7 p.m.) In the Big Ten second round it’s Wisconsin vs. Nebraska (ESPN2, 8:30 p.m.). Also: Iowa State vs. Oklahoma (ESPNU, 9 p.m.), UNLV vs. Fresno State (CBS Sports, 9 p.m.), Virginia Tech vs. Miami (ESPN, 9 p.m.) Colorado State vs. Boise State (CBS Sports, 11:30 p.m.) and Oregon State vs. California (Fox Sports 1, 11:30 p.m.).
NBA action includes Chicago at San Antonio (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Cleveland at Lakers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
In spring baseball, it’s Detroit vs. Philadelphia (MLB, 1 p.m.) and Houston vs. Washington (MLB, 5 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Sacha Baron Cohen, Louie Anderson, Rachel Platten. The View: Cedric the Entertainer. The Talk: Connie Britton, Debbie Matenopolous. Ellen DeGeneres: Olivia Wilde, Aaron Gordon. Wendy Williams: Don Lemon, Lisa Nichols, Susie Essman, Kevin Gates. The Real: Dacha Polanco. Meredith Vieira: Kirstie Alley.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Anna Kendrick, U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch, Brian Fallon. Jimmy Kimmel: Viola Davis, Isla Fisher, the Suffers. Jimmy Fallon: Hillary Clinton, Lucy Liu, Flo Rida. Seth Meyers: Kiefer Sutherland, Carice van Houtem (rerun). James Corden: Connie Britton, Mark Cuban, Cameron Esposito. Carson Daly: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Day Wave, Mike Luciano and Phil Matures (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Erin Brockovich, Wendell Pierce, Taj Mahal. Trevor Noah: Padma Lakshmi. Larry Wilmore: Peaches. Conan O’Brien: Jason Bateman, Wendy Williams, Kaleo.