Parade’s End (HBO, 9 p.m.) — Screeners for the 5-part miniseries have been sitting on my shelf for two weeks. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall, it’s one of those series I want to have watched, but I don’t want to put in the effort. Reviews have been positive, and most say it tracks the same themes as Downton Abbey, but that it is smarter and less accessible.
Justified (FX, 10 p.m.) — Meanwhile, there is nothing inaccessible about the fastest hour on television. Seriously, how many people get to the end of an episode and wonder why there aren’t another 20 minutes remaining? Tonight’s episode is Drew Thompson heavy.
Cougar Town (TBS, 10 p.m.) — The show hasn’t been the same since Bill Lawrence left; the comedy is meaner, and the tone is off. But, I hear from other critics that tonight’s episode is a great bounce back.
New Girl (Fox, 9 p.m.) — I read a post last week complaining that the kiss between Nick and Jess has tarnished the series. To that I say: Bullsh*t. It’s still the best network sitcom on television not called Parks and Recreation, and ironically, it’s Schmidt that is the best player in the Nick and Jess relationship drama.
Celebrity Wife Swap (ABC, 8 p.m.) — As Danger observed last week, this is the show taking the place of Happy Endings and tonight features a swap of Kate Gosselin and Kendra Wilkinson. Sadly, it’ll do triple the ratings of Happy Endings.
Raising Hope (Fox, 8 p.m.) — Smokey Floyd (Jason Lee) returns tonight for Hope’s first birthday party. What I wouldn’t do to see a Smokey Floyd and Stillwater double bill.
LATE NIGHT LISTINGS: Dave has Joan Rivers; Colin Farell is on Leno; Morrissey cancelled on Jimmy Kimmel’s show tonight because the cast of Duck Dynasty is also on; Sharon Osbourne is on Ferguson; Fallon has Trump (ugh!); and Nicholas Hoult is on Conan.
