Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, April 24. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Parks And Recreation (NBC, 8 p.m.): Against all odds, Parks And Recreation will be back next season for another year of adventures in scenic Pawnee, Indiana. But tonight, we have to say goodbye to it. Leslie Knope is pregnant with triplets, Jerry changed his name to Larry, and oh yeah, Michelle Obama will be there, too. Hopefully the First Lady will be offering a combination of both political and parenting advice to Leslie; at the very least, we can assume that tonight’s episode will have more than Pawnee’s usual dose of fabulous. In accordance with the pomp and circumstance due to a Parks And Rec finale, Libby Hill has an essay for us prompted by this season of the show: Why is pregnancy the sitcom pot of gold? Though we’re all excited about cuddly tiny things, maybe reproduction doesn’t have to be the end goal for every single woman on television. While you chew on that, keep in mind: “Moving Up” is a two-parter starting earlier than usual, at 8 p.m. Set your DVRs, calendars, and personal timepieces accordingly.
ALSO NOTED
The IT Crowd (Wednesday, 6 p.m.): Yesterday, we learned that Hulu had finally brought The IT Crowd’s special, “The Internet Is Coming,” to its American viewers—and yesterday, we set Caroline Framke on the case. This review went up during the day Wednesday, so we’re calling it to your attention again—because heaven forbid you should have to turn it off and turn it back on again without calling IT first.
Bad Teacher (CBS, 9:30 p.m.): This new show premieres tonight, and Todd VanDerWerff sorta liked what he saw of it. The titular bad teacher is played by Ari Graynor, an “inappropriate divorcée” who wreaks mild forms of havoc at a school in an attempt to bag a rich guy. Todd says the show has shades of early Happy Endings—even though that show in fact gave us sad endings 🙁 🙁 🙁
Black Box (ABC, 10 p.m.): And this series also debuts tonight, starring Kelly Reilly as a bipolar doctor and Vanessa Redgrave as her therapist. Sonia Saraiya liked it, even though its promos scream do not watch this, it is about twirling in the street and little else! Maybe next time the ABC promo department needs to not watch Scandal right before creating the ad for the show that will succeed Scandal. Relax, guys, Olivia’s on a plane!
Dinner With Friends With Brett Gelman And Friends (Adult Swim, 11:59 p.m.): This special features Brett Gelman and Allison Pill, and is described a dinner where various ethnic groups meet “to discuss cultural experiences and customs.” … So we actually have no idea what’s going on there.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 p.m.)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.)
Reign (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Vikings (History Channel, 10 p.m.)
Portlandia (IFC, 10 p.m.)
Elementary (CBS, 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. There’s only a few weeks left of this group, so get your free souvenirs now.
Friday Night Lights (2 p.m.): “Who’s Your Daddy” and “Git’er Done” are today’s episodes, dealing with the unknown and vaguely sinister quarterback Voodoo and Lyla’s fling with Tim Riggins. Sonia Saraiya aspires to be an unknown and vaguely sinister fling, herself.
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?
The This Old House Hour (PBS, 8 p.m.): The Arlington Italianate Project continues apace. A replica ceiling medallion made with a 3D printer is installed; a garbage disposal is selected; fresh sod arrives on the property, and there will be a lesson on crown molding.
Saturday Night Live (NBC, 9 p.m.): Memorable digital shorts from Saturday Night Live are presented to fill in the two-hour block recently vacated by Community and Parenthood.
Chicagoland (CNN, 10 p.m.): The finale of this docuseries. Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers his annual budget address. Michelle Obama will show up here, too: She’s speaking with a young college-bound student.
Unfaithful (Starz, 7 p.m.): Diane Lane cheats on her husband in this movie about cheating on your husband. There’s a Snowglobe Of Great Significance and some very sexy music by E.S. Posthumous (or at least, “Nara” is in the trailer).
In The Line Of Fire (Encore, 9:45 p.m.): Clint Eastwood plays a guilt-ridden Secret Service agent in a movie What’s On Tonight’s dad is definitely going to watch, even though he doesn’t know it yet, because it fulfills all of his criteria for A Movie To Watch.
Stanley Cup Playoffs, Game 4: (CNBC, 7 p.m.): Colorado at Minnesota and Montreal at Tampa Bay.
Stanley Cup Playoffs, Game 4: (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.): And two more: Boston at Detroit and San Jose at Los Angeles.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Arrow: Queen for mayor! Alasdair Wilkins encourages YOU to vote.