If you’re wondering why a random spring Thursday has been named Star Wars Day, well, May the Fourth be with you.
The result is the first six movies being shown in story order if not chronological release, starting with the 1999 “Episode I — The Phantom Menace” (TBS, 6:40 a.m.), 2002’s “Episode II — Attack of the Clones” (TBS, 9:25 a.m.) and 2005’s “Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (TBS, 12:20 p.m.), all playing before the original “Star Wars” from 1977, renamed “Episode IV — A New Hope” (TBS, 3:10 p.m.) and its popular sequels, 1980’s “Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back” (TBS, 5:40 p.m.) and 1983’s “Episode VI — Return of the Jedi” (TBS, 8:15 p.m.).
All of this plays opposite the seventh, and latest, release from the franchise, released in 2015, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (Starz, 7 p.m.) with Oscar Isaac, John Bodega and Daisy Ridley.
Part of the appeal of “Star Wars” are its creatures. Turner Classic Movies concentrates on movies with just those this month with a 24-film salute on Thursdays that begins with “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (8 p.m.) and its sequel “Revenge of the Creature” (9:30 p.m.), the original “King Kong” (11:15 p.m.), “Mothra” (1:15 a.m.), “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms” (3:15 a.m.) and “Reptilicus” (5 a.m.).
Things are lighter there earlier in the day with a lot of musicals from the early 1930s: “Varsity Show” (6 a.m.), “Gold Diggers of 1937” (9 a.m.), “Gold Diggers of 1935” (10:45 a.m.), “Gold Diggers of 1933” (12:45 p.m.), “Dames” (2:30 p.m.), “Footlight Parade” (4:15 p.m.) and “42nd Street” (6:15 p.m.).
The second season of “Superstore” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) ends with layoffs and a tornado warning.
Hope the Swedish Chef makes meatballs when he joins fellow Muppet Miss Piggy on “MasterChef Junior” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Can E! find women more annoying than those on Bravo? It may accomplish the mission with the new “Second Wives Club” (E!, 9 p.m.).
Expect some Neil Young “Ohio” when “Soundtracks” (CNN, 10 p.m.) looks at music that was inspired by Kent State in 1970.
On a new “Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.) Leonard, Sheldon and Wolowitz complete their project.
On “Dark Net” (Showtime, 10 p.m.), a man’s life is ruined by facial recognition technology.
“The Amazing Race” (CBS, 10 p.m.) reaches Venice.
April and Andrew consult a patient with a heart tumor on “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Not clear how a family in the witness protection program keeps its cover when its life is the basis of a reality show, “Unprotected” (Bravo, 11 p.m.).
Alicia’s mother goes missing on “Supernatural” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Red goes after a memory manipulator on “The Blacklist” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
Only the future of the country hangs in the balance on “Scandal” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
“Riverdale” (The CW, 9 p.m.) is still too deep into its murder story.
A case on “Chicago Med” (NBC, 9 p.m.) becomes a crime.
Joan and John try to smuggle their dog onto a plane on “Life in Pieces” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.).
Bonnie goes dog-watching on “Mom” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
On “The Catch” (ABC, 10 p.m.), Alice hears a confession.
“Braxton Family Values” (WeTV, 9 p.m.) goes to Puerto Vallarta.
A participant on “60 Days In” (A&E, 9 p.m.) is offered drugs.
Couples who “Married at First Sight” (Lifetime, 9 p.m) go on honeymoons.
“Married at First Sight: Second Chances” (Lifetime, 10:17 p.m.) sounds like “Bachelor Pad.”
“Inside the FBI: New York” (USA, 10 p.m.) goes after the Cannibal Cop.
It’s Nicole Richie vs. John Michael Higgins on “Lip Sync Battle” (Spike, 10 p.m.).
NBA Playoffs include Boston at Washington (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Utah at Golden State (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s Ottawa at Rangers (NBC Sports, 7:30 p.m.).
Baseball includes Cleveland at Detroit (MLB, 1 p.m.), Philadelphia at Cubs (MLB, 4 p.m.) and Miami at Tampa Bay (MLB, 7 p.m.).
College baseball includes Mississippi State at Texas A&M (ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.).
Men’s college lacrosse includes Marquette vs. Denver (CBS Sports, 4:30 p.m.) and Villanova at Providence (CBS Sports, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly and Ryan: Richard Gere, Lana Parilla, Prince Royce. The Talk: Michael Weatherly. Harry Connick: Ms. Pat, Melissa Peterman. Ellen DeGeneres: Matt Lauer. Wendy Williams: Chris Rock, Jackie Miranne. The Real: Tia Lowry, Tiffany Alice, Joseline Hernandez.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Charles Barkley, Debra Winger. Jimmy Kimmel: Charlie Hunnam, Alison Krauss, Kristen Bell. Jimmy Fallon: Chris Pine, Fran Lebowitz, Halsey, Joey DeFrancesco. Seth Meyers: Wanda Sykes, Chris Gethard, Devin Dawson, Josh Dion. James Corden: Jennifer Lopez, Terry Crews, Justin Theroux, Green Day. Carson Daly: Ricky Whittle, Pom Klementieff. Trevor Noah: Robert Sapolsky. Conan O’Brien: Alec Baldwin, Al Madrigal, Joe List.