Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, February 19. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
The Odd Couple/Two And A Half Men (CBS, 8:30/9 p.m.): The old saying goes: “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Only in this case it’s more like: “When CBS ends one sitcom about two adult men living together, it introduces a new one.” The departing series is Two And A Half Men, which bows out tonight after 12 seasons of schlocky comedy. But first up is the debut of The Odd Couple, yet another riff on Neil Simon’s 1965 play, which this time around pairs Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon as the two divorced men who couldn’t be less alike but who decide to live together anyway. In his pre-air review, Erik Adams felt Perry lacked the right slovenliness for The Odd Couple’s messier half. And speaking of messier halves—it remains to be seen whether the ousted Charlie Sheen will return for Two And A Half Men’s hour-long finale, which centers on his character’s life and presumed death.
Also noted
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.): Before the debut/finale hoopla begins on CBS, enjoy a regular episode of The Big Bang Theory. Nathan Fillion guest stars either as himself or as a dude that looks a lot like Nathan Fillion, and Raj and Leonard have to decide whether to ask the potential Firefly alum for a picture. Should Kyle Fowle ever meet the former Captain Malcolm Reynolds, he knows the actor’s preferred fan interaction:
Reign (The CW, 9 p.m.): Mary’s mother returns to warn her daughter about a threat to the throne, Mary makes a “shocking” proposal to Conde, and Francis moves closer to Lola. Caroline Framke, however, is mostly interested in what chic attire everyone will be wearing to the Duke of Guise’s funeral.
Vikings (History, 10 p.m.): History Channel’s epic original drama returns tonight as do Dennis Perkins’ excellent weekly reviews. In the season three premiere, King Ecbert tries to make a deal with the Vikings and Ragnar must lead his forces into battle. Dennis just hopes someone gets in a good headbutt or two as well.
Regular Coverage
Adventure Time (Cartoon Network, 7:30 p.m.)
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 p.m.)
Scandal (ABC, 9 p.m.)
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10 p.m.)
Archer (FX, 10 p.m.)
Fortitude (Pivot, 10 p.m.)
Portlandia (IFC, 10 p.m.)
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.)
Elsewhere in TV Club
TV Club takes a bit of a breather as The A.V. Club gears up for this weekend’s Academy Awards. We’ve got an Expert Witness on what it’s like to be a seat filler at the Oscars as well as a preview of what will (and what should) win this Sunday.
Elsewhere, standup comedians The Lucas Brothers answer our 11 Questions and share stories from their “wild” childhood. And, as mentioned above, Erik Adams weighs in with his thoughts on CBS’ The Odd Couple.
What else is on?
Steven Universe/Regular Show (Cartoon Network, 6:30/7:30 p.m.): With a snowstorm on the way, Connie has to rush to make it home on a new Steven Universe. Then on Regular Show, Rigby and Mordecai win a birthday song contest.
Secrets Of Fashion Week (E!, 8 p.m.): While this E! special sounds like the subtitle of a third National Treasure movie (we’re still waiting Nick Cage…), it’s actually just a panel discussing the highlights of this year’s New York Fashion Week.
QI (BBC America, 8 p.m.): Quiz shows have long been a staple of British television, but they’ve never really caught on in the states. BBC America hopes to change all that by importing Stephen Fry’s QI (Quite Interesting), in which a panel of celebrities and comedians are challenged to provide “interesting” (but not necessarily correct) answers to trivia questions.
The Slap / The Blacklist / Allegiance (NBC, 8-10 p.m.): Once known for uproarious comedies, Thursday nights on NBC are now dedicate to slightly angsty pseudo-prestige dramas.
The Avengers (FX, 7 p.m.): The mega-successful Avengers proved Marvel’s shared cinematic universe could actually combine its characters in satisfying ways. With Joss Whedon at the helm, the film somehow manages to balance six Avengers, a handful of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, and one charismatic trickster god without ever breaking a sweat.
Dr. Strangelove (TCM, 8 p.m.): Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 black comedy puts the fun in “mutually assured destruction.” The U.S. and the Soviet Union face off in a Cold War standstill as Peter Sellers shows off his acting talents in three separate roles.
NHL Hockey: Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.): Your What’s On Tonight Correspondent may not know a ton about NHL Hockey (other than the fact that the Penguins are slightly favored to win this game), but at least she knows more about Harry Potter than these NHL players do.
In case you missed it
The Middle/The Goldberg: Did you know Will Harris pulls double duty each week by weighing in on two of ABC’s Wednesday night comedies in the same review? We’re impressed too!