Comedy gang sends up teachers on ‘Those Who Can’t’
Another swipe at educators, “Those Who Can’t” (10:30 p.m., truTV, TV-MA) represents the network’s first foray into scripted programming. Adam Cayton- Holland, Andrew Orvedahl and Ben Roy star as teachers who are more immature and insecure than the adolescents in their charge. Maria Thayer plays a sassy new librarian who pities the hapless trio but often joins in their shenanigans.
In the first episode, the teachers are taunted by the school’s biggest bully, the spoiled son of a rich and politically connected figure. Their efforts to keep the mean teen in line all backfire in various humiliating ways.
I’m a tad confused. Do we side with the pathetic teachers? Or their privileged tormentor? “Can’t” takes place in Colorado and has fun with the state’s aggressively healthy and bearded post-hippie vibe. The cast members emerged from The Grawlix, a Denver- based comedy troupe. Much of their un-witty banter has the feel of an improv group working on its craft, striving for something funny, but settling for self-congratulation.
Part of the Turner Broadcasting family, truTV has been all but defined by reality programming, like “Impractical Jokers” ( 10 p. m., TV-14), now entering its fifth season. The channel started out in 1991 as Court TV. And that network’s fortunes exploded in 1994-5 with its endless coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial. That, of course, is the subject of FX’s acclaimed and addictive “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
› History stages an all- day marathon of seasons two and three of “Vikings” ( 8 a. m., TV-14).
› Former Idols arrive to mentor the new crop of talent on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).
› A missing child, presumed dead, appears to have survived on “The Blacklist” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
› Olivia and Fitz make changes after their breakup on “Scandal” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
› Past participants jump-start their collections and careers on “Project Runway: All Stars” (9 p.m., Lifetime, TV-PG).
› Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Hillary Clinton engage in a presidential debate ( 9 p. m., PBS), live from Milwaukee.
› Holmes schemes a break-in at a biker compound on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› Harlee’s ex shifts blame on “Shades of Blue” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
› The shooting’s aftermath is explored on “How to Get Away With Murder” ( 10 p. m., ABC, TV-14).
› A hard- boiled Easter egg on “Baskets” ( 10 p. m., FX, TV-MA).
› Geronimo is unmasked on “Colony” (10 p.m., USA, TV-14). This series has been renewed for a second season.
› Danny finds the truth about his lover unendurable on “London Spy” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-14).
› The Weirdos’ hearse breaks down on “Portlandia” (10 p.m., IFC, TV-14).
› Hayden Panettiere and Eva Longoria let loose on “Lip Sync Battle” ( 10 p. m., Spike, TV-PG).
› Valentine’s Day on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).
› Pandemonium inspires a bold plan on “You, Me and the Apocalypse” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).
› Meredith is attacked by a familiar face on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
› A flashback to the Eastern Bloc on “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14).
› A salesman unnerves Tyler on “Life in Pieces” ( 8: 30 p. m., CBS, TV-PG).
› Christy counsels a handsome new sobriety project on “Mom” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
› Kane plays peacemaker on “The 100” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14). ›
Amy suffers a power failure on “Angel from Hell” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).