‘Underground’ returns; ‘Survivor’ recycles bodies
“Underground” (10 p.m., WGN, TV-MA) enters its second season. Set in the decades before the Civil War, this ambitious series follows escaped slaves as they make their way north to freedom, or some semblance of it. The series explores the divisions between and within black and white societies of both the North and South.
House slaves who thought they had privileged positions are forced to join field hands and white abolitionists on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line as they run up against elites who defend slavery with the law and rough men who run down fugitive slaves with shotguns and bloodhounds. Aisha Hinds (“Under the Dome”) joins the cast as Harriet Tubman.
A period piece, “Underground” features a score filled with contemporary hip-hop and pop tunes. In many dramas, music is used to heighten emotion. Given the powerful nature of this narrative, I’m not sure if the music serves the story, or if the history is meant to lend gravity to popular music.
SURVIVING PART 3
“Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) enters its 34th season featuring 20 competitors known to viewers who have been watching this spectacle carefully since 2000. For some contestants, this is their third season of “Survivor,” proving once again that the best way to be cast for a reality show is to have already been on one.
ATHLETIC ‘FAMILY’
Nobody watches “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) for the sports, but the comedy has been on an athletic tear of late. Quarterback Peyton Manning recently guest-starred as “Coach Gary” and tonight Phil plays in a charity basketball game with NBA stars Charles Barkley and DeAndre Jordan in the audience.
ROCK REDUX
“The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” (10 p.m., AXS TV) salutes those musicians who delight the fans of other bands with soundalike performances and stage re-enactments. The 10-episode eighth season kicks off with Led Zepagain performing the album “Led Zeppelin IV” in its entirety and concludes on May 10 with a 50th anniversary “Sgt. Pepper’s” salute from the tribute band The Fab Four. Along the way, enjoy salutes to Metallica from Damage Inc.; Electric Light Orchestra (Strange Magic); Queen (Almost Queen); Dave Matthews Band (Warehouse) and others. Where have all the “Jim-itating” Doors tribute bands gone?
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
› If the new ABC drama “Time After Time” is any indication, we may never leave Jack the Ripper behind. But “Ripper Street” (11 p.m., BBC America, TV-14) is entering its fifth and final season.
› The team confronts Michael and his jihadists on “Six” (10 p.m., History, TV-MA). This series has been renewed for a second season.
› Viewers can catch four consecutive episodes of “Greenleaf” (7 p.m., OWN, TV-14), returning for a second season on March 15.
› The guys go inside the cartel on “Lethal Weapon” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› Rose (Naomi Campbell) returns on “Star” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› A church group vanishes in Tanzania on “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› The staff realizes there may be a traitor in the White House on “Designated Survivor” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
› David has a new worry on “Legion” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).
› The third season of “Man Seeking Woman” (10:30 p.m., FXX, TV-MA) ends with Josh and Lucy’s wedding.
› On two helpings of “Law & Order: SVU” (NBC, repeat, TV-14), a masked attacker (8 p.m.), a neglected minor (9 p.m.).
› College acceptance letters on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› Oliver gets a mentor on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, repeat, TV-14).
› J.J. wants some alone time on “Speechless” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› The gang determines the next step on “The 100” (9 p.m., CW, repeat, TV-14).
› All-American dolls on “black-ish” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› Evidence points to a serial killer on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, repeat, TV-14).
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.