Season begins for summer talent show
The summer variety series “America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m., NBC) returns for its 12th season. Judges include Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel. Supermodel and entrepreneur Tyra Banks joins the team as host.
It’s hard not to get the feeling that you’re watching a revolving door of reality-show talent. After all, Cowell was the scowling face of “American Idol” for years; Klum has long been associated with “Project Runway” and Banks was the host of “America’s Top Model” for most of its long run. For the record, “Model” can still be seen on VH1.
To complicate matters further, “Idol” veteran and “Shades of Blue” star Jennifer Lopez now presides over “World of Dance” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-PG), welcoming aspiring talent of all ages.
She’ll be joined by judges Derek Hough, Ne-Yo and host/ mentor Jenna Dewan Tatum. Not to be confused with Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” returning for its 14th season on June 12.
KNOW FEAR
Speaking of well-worn reality franchises, MTV promises to reinvent “Fear Factor” (10 p.m., TV-PG) with host and producer Ludacris.
NO FEAR
Debuting on DirecTV’s Audience Network, “Fear{less} With Tim Ferriss” (8 p.m.) showcases an author and investor who interviews celebrities, artists and entrepreneurs about their fears, hardships and unique paths to success. First up: illusionist David Blaine.
BLAME GAME
In the aftermath of a botched heist, the boys try to pin the blame on Smurf (Ellen Barkin) as “Animal Kingdom” (9 p.m., TNT, TV-MA) returns for a second season.
POWER SHIFTS
As Netflix begins streaming the fifth season of its Washington drama “House of Cards,” Francis (Kevin Spacey) and Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) appear to be changing from allies to rivals.
TEMPTING OFFRED
Nick’s background is explained as the Commander makes Offred a tempting offer on a new episode of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” streaming on Hulu beginning today.
SOCIAL REFORMS
“Victorian Slum House” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-PG) concludes, as the 1900s bring social reforms to the East End.
TRIBAL MUSIC
“American Epic” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG) devotes its third and final episode to the recording of remote Native American tribal music and ceremonies and the popularization of Hawaiian music.
SILVERMAN’S SNARK
Netflix begins streaming the stand-up special “Sarah Silverman: Speck of Dust.”
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
› HBO commemorates the 30th anniversary of the 1987 NBA Finals with “Magic and Bird: A Courtship of Rivals” (4:10 p.m.).
› An expert sets out to revolutionize jury selection on “Bull” (9 p.m., CBS, repeat, TV-14).
› A showdown looms on the season finale of “Prison Break” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
› A dungeon master’s brains taste gamey on “iZombie” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14).
› Rocky Carroll narrates “48 Hours: NCIS” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› Elizabeth and Philip face a ticking clock on the season finale of “The Americans” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).
› Changing partners on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, repeat, TV-PG).
› A Texas Ranger expires on “Lethal Weapon” (8 p.m., Fox, repeat, TV-14).
› Nan takes Martin to work on “Downward Dog” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
› Be careful what you wish for on “The Flash” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG).
› A gruesome New Year’s on “The Middle” (8:30 p.m., ABC, repeat, TV-PG).