It’s still not entirely clear what Red Nose Day (NBC, 10 p.m.) is, but it will be an event getting stars to wear clown noses and generally raise money for children in poverty. Chris Hardwick hosts the culminating event, which includes appearances by Sean Hayes and Kelly Clarkson, pictured, as well as Julia Roberts and Ed Sheeran.
Part of the festivities includes an all-celebrity red nose day edition of “American Ninja Warrior” (NBC, 8 p.m.) that involves Erika Christensen, Nikki Glaser, Derek Hough, Natalie Morales, Mena Suvari and others. Plus there’s the return of “Hollywood Game Night” (NBC, 9 p.m.) in a red-nose version with Clarkson, Hayes, Jack Black, Chelsea Handler, Sarah Silverman and Cedric the Entertainer.
It’s a different shaped nose on the kind of special that was once a staple of May sweeps – “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” (ABC, 8 p.m.), which includes old interviews he did with Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters.
A winner is named on “Showtime at the Apollo” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
“Siren” (Freeform, 8 p.m.) also ends its first season, with Dale having to answer for rising crime in Bristol Cove.
A day after his “Empire” season ended, the star is back with something called “Terrence Howard’s Fright Club” (Fox, 8 p.m.) in which he tries to scare a group of fans he invited to New Orleans with various pranks.
Rose McGowan cancels her press tour after being verbally attacked by a protester at a book reading and decides to go to therapy on “Citizen Rose” (E!, 10 p.m.).
Mark-Paul and Rachel attend the Independent Spirit Awarts on “Nobodies” (TV Land, 10 p.m.).
“Growing Up Hip Hop” (WeTV, 9 p.m.) returns for its fourth season.
Pauly invites Angelina to join the “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” (MTV, 8 p.m.).
Corey discovers his “Ex on the Beach” (E!, 9 p.m.).
Social media stars get makeovers on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (VH1, 8 p.m.).
Daniel chases an old foe on “Swamp People” (History, 9 p.m.) and a cold front hits “Swamp People: Blood and Guts” (History, 8 p.m.).
The charmless gang on “Southern Charm” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) prepare for a trip to Hilton Head.
In pursuit of the ring, the Bumblers get new identities on “Imposters” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
A new theory on the Titanic sinking comes on the second of two episodes of “Mysteries at the Museum” (Travel, 9 and 10 p.m.).
The month-long Thursday night Marlene Dietrich salute on Turner Classic Movies continues with “A Foreign Affair” (8 p.m.), “The Spoilers” (10:15 p.m.), “Kismet” (midnight), “Manpower” (2 a.m.) and “Martin Roumagnac” (4 a.m.). Earlier, it’s all about Perry Mason with “The Case of the Howling Dog” (6:45 a.m.), “The Case of the Curious Bride” (8:15 a.m.), “The Case of the Lucky Legs” (9:45 a.m.), “The Case of the Velvet Claws” (11:15 a.m.), “The Case of the Black Cat” (12:30 p.m.) and “The Case of the Stuttering Bishop” (1:45 p.m.). Then it’s “Dick Tracy” (3 p.m.), “Dick Tracy vs. Cueball” (4:15 p.m.), “Dick Tracy’s Dilemma” (5:30 p.m.) and “Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome” (6:45 p.m.).
Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs Western conference finals has Golden State at Houston (TNT, 9 p.m.).
Baseball includes Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (MLB, 12:30 p.m.), Houston at Cleveland (MLB, 6 p.m.) and Kansas City at Texas (MLB, 9 p.m.).
WNBA action has Los Angeles at Connecticut (ESPN2, 7 p.m.).
The NCAA softball super regionals have Texas A&M at Florida (ESPN, 7 p.m.), Kentucky at Oregon (ESPN, 9 p.m.) and Arizona at UCLA (ESPN2, 9 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Ethan Hawke Simon Baker. The View: Snoop Dogg, Claire Shipman, Katty Kay. The Talk: Kelsey Grammer. Harry Connick: Billy Joel (rerun). Steve Harvey: Oliver Hudson, Julissa Bermudez, Christine Lakin, Keri Hilson, Maame Biney. Ellen DeGeneres: Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Tig Notaro. Wendy Williams: Nicole Murphy, Annie Georgia Greenberg. The Real: Jussie Smollett.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Anne Hathaway, David Seders, Ahmed Bharoocha. Jimmy Kimmel: Samantha Bee, Dylan Minnette, Anderson Paak. Jimmy Fallon: Cate Blanchett, Guy Fieri, Darius Rucker. Seth Meyers: Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper, Liz Garbus, Steven Wolf. James Corden: Ted Danson, Natalie Dormer, Jessie J, Adam Levine. Carson Daly: Jordan Klepper, Sofi Tukker, William Zabka. Jordan Klepper: Cenk Uygur (rerun). Conan O’Brien: James Comey, Tig Notaro, Cory Kahaney.