Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, May 17. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
Downward Dog (ABC, 9:31 p.m.): Yes, after a long hiatus, one of TV’s most high-concept institutions—the talking animal—is again appearing on primetime network television, thereby preserving the memory of Mr. Ed for at least a little longer. In this case, however, Martin, the dog in question, doesn’t talk to anyone on the show, just the viewer, in voice-overs and straight-to-camera confessionals, as is the style of the times. Fargo’s Allison Tolman is there to anchor the human point of view, and Danette Chavez says it’s worth leashing yourself to the couch and tuning in.
Regular coverage
Harlots (Hulu)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Arrow (The CW, 8 p.m.)
Survivor (CBS, 8 p.m.)
Speechless (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) (season finale)
The 100 (The CW, 9 p.m.)
Modern Family (ABC, 9 p.m.) (season finale)
Designated Survivor (ABC, 10 p.m.) (season finale)
Archer (FXX, 10 p.m.)
Fargo (FX, 10 p.m.)
Wild card
Free To Rock (Lake, 6:30 p.m.): The next time someone uses the phrase “the power of rock” ironically, you can slap them in the face and say, “It ended the cold war!” You’ll be at least a little bit right, according to this documentary airing on a PBS affiliate near you. It traces the influence of American rock music behind the iron curtain, showing how its inclusion on Radio Free Europe and Voice Of America provided inspiration to millions and led to genuine cultural resistance in the form of protest rock in the Soviet Union and Eastern Block. And all without the assistance of Kendall Jenner and her trusty can of Pepsi.