Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, April 17. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Community (NBC, 8 p.m.): It’s a night for finales. Two NBC shows are saying goodbye, as well as one on CBS and another on ABC. But here on What’s On Tonight, we know where our bread is buttered. Tonight is the fifth-season finale of Community—a season we never thought would be possible. Subway is on the brink of acquiring Greendale; Jeff and Britta have to make a complicated decision about their future; and the study group investigates the mysterious story of a disgraced former Greendale dean. And we will weep, because this isn’t even the first season finale of a Dan Harmon series this week. Erik Adams brings you coverage of the entire season; and as always, Todd VanDerWerff will be there to hold your hand while you cry. And as always, we will forget the Kleenex.
ALSO NOTED
30 For 30 (ESPN, 8 p.m.): And within the spate of finales, a return: 30 For 30, ESPN’s engaging film series, returns with “Bad Boys,” a look at the late ’80s Detroit Pistons squad under Chuck Daly. Included are interviews with former Pistons: Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, Rick Mahorn, Joe Dumars, and John Salley. Kevin McFarland is not a Piston, but that’s just because he doesn’t quite know what a Piston is.
The Crazy Ones (CBS, 9 p.m.): This comedy that never quite clicked with us is ending its first season tonight with a special hourlong, two-episode doubleheader. CBS is so excited by this one that it’s moved everything else into reruns for the night. Robin Williams doing things, now with more Sarah Michelle Gellar and Bob Benson.
Scandal (ABC, 10 p.m.): Another finale from everyone’s favorite totally cracktastic nighttime soap opera that also has a lot of stuff about political conspiracies that isn’t House Of Cards—Scandal concludes its third season tonight. Last week, Cyrus’ decision to not make a phone call set our teeth on edge; this week, we’re promised at least one explosion. Regardless of what happens, Sonia Saraiya is pretty sure that either Olivia or her mother will be wearing a fantastic neutral-colored coat.
Parenthood (NBC, 10 p.m.): NBC’s second finale of the night is over at the Bravermans’, as the family puts a fifth season to bed. Amber struggles to let go of Ryan, and Sarah finally addresses Hank’s request. Todd VanDerWerff-Braverman is bound to have a lot of feelings.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 p.m.)
Parks And Recreation (NBC, 8:30 p.m.)
Reign (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Vikings (History Channel, 10 p.m.)
Portlandia (IFC, 10 p.m.)
TV CLUB CLASSIC
Star Trek: Deep Space 9 (11 a.m.): Zack Handlen’s Outer Space Fictional Space Station Support Group will meet at the usual time and place. This time, if everyone could bring dip, but no chips? We don’t want a reprisal of what happened last week.
Friday Night Lights (2 p.m.): Pray for Jason Street along with the rest of Dillon and Sonia Saraiya. And for the love of God, if you see Tim Riggins walking home in the middle of the night, definitely stop and pick him up.
ELSEWHERE ON TV CLUB
In addition to Erik Adams’ review of Community’s whole season, TV Reviews has a look at the upcoming second season of Orphan Black, by Todd VanDerWerff. And TV Roundtable kicks off a spring of looking back of TV we watched as kids by delving into the wild, wacky world of Looney Tunes.
And lest you think all we do is drop anvils on each others’ clones’ heads, Myles McNutt has a thought-provoking For Our Consideration on brand-produced television on Hulu, using Community’s Subway plotline as a jumping-off point.
NEW SHOWS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Saint George (FX, 9 p.m.)
Surviving Jack (Fox, 9:30 p.m.)
Sirens (USA, 10 p.m.)
Review (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.)
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
Amy Winehouse: One Shining Night (Smithsonian, 8 p.m.): Does anyone even get this channel? Oh well, who cares! A 2006 concert by the now-deceased Amy Winehouse, at St. James’ Church in County Kerry, Ireland. Followed by an interview. (RIP, Amy.)
Watch What Happens: Live (Bravo, 11 p.m.): Lindsay Lohan drops by, so that should be fun.
Titanic (Oxygen, 7 p.m.): The birth of a thousand libidos and the sinking of a great ship. Even Moby Dick is all like, “Damn, that sentence was Freudian!” If the film lasts over four hours, call a doctor.
Brown Sugar (Starz, 7 p.m.): TAYE DIGGS AND SANAA LATHAN AND MOS DEF AND QUEEN LATIFAH IN A ROM-COM. JUST SET YOUR DVR RIGHT NOW.
Stanley Cup Playoffs, Game 1: (ESPN, 7 p.m.): There are multiple games going by the alias “game one,” which is confusing us, but at least one of them is the Flyers at the Rangers, and least another is the Minnesota Wild at the Colorado Avalanche. You know, it’s interesting that the first are both plural nouns, and the second are both abstract forces of nature!
Stanley Cup Playoffs, Game 1: (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.): And two more, on another channel: first the Blackhawks at the Blues, and then the Kings at the Sharks. Remember, kids: IT’S ALL ONE GAME.
COULD WE HAVE MADE THE SANDWICH THING MORE OF A THING, LIKE ABOUT HOW ALL THE FINALES ARE A SANDWICH OF FINALES AND THAT ONE NEW EPISODE OF SOMETHING IS LIKE, MAYONNAISE? OR MUSTARD BECAUSE MAYO BASICALLY SUCKS?
Yes, but really, it wouldn’t have been that funny anyway.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Workaholics: Dennis Perkins keeps hoping Workaholics won’t screw up. And then they do. It’s a little depressing, honestly.