BEST BETS THIS WEEK
MONDAY Vanessa Lachey NCIS: Hawai’i
9:01 PM on (19) (22-2) 9-1-1: Lone Star
Capt. Strand (Rob Lowe) and his team rally together when one of their own is trapped in the aftermath of a building explosion in the season finale “A Bright and Cloudless Morning.” The incident prompts Owen to reflect on his experience on the day of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, Tommy and Julius (Gina Torres, guest star Nathan Owens) consider their future, and T.K. and Carlos (Ronen Rubinstein, Rafael Silva) come to an important decision. Jackson Pace also guest stars.
10 PM on (7) (10) (12) NCIS: Hawai’i
A familiar face — Capt. Milius (guest star Enver Gjokaj) — returns to the islands for a secret prisoner exchange, and he brings in Jane (Vanessa Lachey) as his personal security escort in the Philippines, where the operation will take place, in “Switchback,” the first of a two-part season finale. Seana Kofoed, Mark Gessner and Jason Downs also guest star.
TUESDAY Lionel Richie: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
8:30 PM on (2) (4) (5)
Mr. Mayor
The stakes couldn’t be higher in the Season 2 finale “The Debate” as Arpi and Neil (Holly Hunter, Ted Danson) square off in the televised mayoral recall debate. Meanwhile, James (guest star Yedoye Travis) reveals some information that could change the course of his relationship with Mikaela (Vella Lovell).
9PMon (16) (34) (48) Lionel Richie: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song Four-time Grammy Award winner and Oscar-winning singersongwriter Lionel Richie receives one of the most esteemed accolades in American music during this one-hour all-star music special, which was recorded last month in Washington, D.C. Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men, Luke Bryan, Andra Day and Chris Stapleton are among the artists scheduled to appear; the prize will be presented to Richie by Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden and a congressional delegation.
WEDNESDAY Cat Deeley So You Think You Can Dance
9PMon (7) (10) (12) Beyond the Edge
After an inspiring and challenging season filled with emotion, not to mention physical and psychological duress, only a few celebrities from the original company remain in the running to be named the winner and raise the most money for their charity as this reality competition series airs the two-hour finale of its freshman season. A cast reunion follows.
9:01 PM on (19) (22-2)
So You Think You Can Dance
Cat Deeley steps back into her role as host as this Emmy-winning dance competition returns for Season 17 after an extended hiatus. Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a former contestant and occasional judge in past seasons, is part of the new regular judging panel, alongside musical theater star Matthew Morrison and dancer JoJo Siwa, who recently competed on “Dancing With the Stars.”
This new edition once again features dancers between the ages of 18 and 30 who compete each week across a variety of dance styles.
THURSDAY Kelli Giddish Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
8PMon (6) (9) (22) Station 19
As Andy (Jaina Lee Ortiz) tries to track down a witness to testify at her trial, the crew responds to a serious car wreck in the Season 5 finale “Crawl Out Through the Fallout.” Elsewhere, Maya and Carina (Danielle Savre, Stefania Spampinato) deal with a high-stress situation. ABC has renewed this action drama for a sixth season.
9PMon (2) (4) (5)
Law & Order:
Special Victims Unit
In the Season 23 finale, “A Final Call at Forlini’s Bar,” the Special Victims Unit detectives provide help and protection for a longtime victim of domestic violence. When the woman winds up at the defendant’s table in court, however, Rollins (Kelli Giddish) stuns Carisi (Peter Scanavino) with a formidable courtroom opponent. (Spoiler alert: The guest cast includes
Raul Esparza reprising his role as former assistant district attorney Rafael Barba). Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T also star. The crime drama returns next season.
FRIDAY Kevin Hart Shark Tank
8PMon (6) (9) (22) Shark Tank
Actor and investor Kevin Hart brings his unique perspective and desire to inspire hopeful entrepreneurs as he guest stars in tonight’s season finale. Among the guests making pitches, a Florida entrepreneur touts his line of health products using nature’s most powerful superfood. Former college students from Chicago seek investors for an online marketplace designed to help current and former college athletes cash in on their fame, and a professional boxer from Houston demonstrates an all-in-one total body fitness tool.
8PMon (SHOW) Couples Therapy
Psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralnik explores why Yaya seems reluctant to respond when Cyn tries to provoke her in this new episode. In another session, Molly admits to some past betrayals that have pushed Josh away.
Dale opens up about conflicts with his father, and Orna leads Ping and Will out of a stalemate. Another new episode immediately follows.
SATURDAY 147th Preakness Stakes
4PMon (2) (4) (5)
147th Preakness Stakes
The second leg of Thoroughbred racing’s prestigious Triple Crown goes off today at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course for the 147th Preakness Stakes. Run at 1 3/16 miles, it’s the shortest of the three races but, coming two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, offers the shortest rest period. The horse that manages to win these first two races will then go for the Triple Crown on the 1 1/2-mile distance of the Belmont Stakes in three weeks in New York.
8PMon (BBCA)
Planet Earth: Dynasties This six-episode followup to the acclaimed first season provides more fresh insights into the secret lives of some of the most fascinating animals on Earth, over an extended period of time. The season premiere, “Puma,” opens in the wild and remote highlands of Patagonia, where a solitary mother puma called Rupestre strives to raise four cubs, her largest litter yet. Hunting to feed her young forces Rupestre to brave hostile natural forces and other pumas.
SUNDAY Erin Krakow When Calls the Heart
8PMon (6) (9) (22) American Idol
As the competition wraps up its 20th season overall (and its fifth on ABC), it’s been marked by some aspects of years past, such as contestants leaving early. However, one judge is enjoying a year that proves the worth of sticking with a music career, since Lionel Richie has The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and (soon) induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Luke Bryan and Katy Perry also cast their final votes on the remaining contenders, and per “Idol” finale tradition, expect other big-name stars to appear. Ryan Seacrest is, of course, the host.
8PMon (HALL) When Calls the Heart
In the season finale “Rock, A Bye, Baby,” Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) frets about the status of her relationship with Lucas (Chris McNally), while Bill (Jack Wagner) helps Gowen (Martin Cummins) through the painful fallout of the mine explosion. Elsewhere, Rosemary and Lee (Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith) receive some important news.