So hateful they’re absurd, Phelps clan back on TV

Tonight, a filmmaker returns to a family so loathsome, it’s funny. Almost. Louis Theroux revisits the peculiarly vengeful Phelps clan in his new documentary “America’s Most Hated Family” (9 p.m., National Geographic). The Phelpses are the family/congregation behind the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, the folks who hold up taunting signs at funerals, “celebrating” those who died and demonstrating their belief that America has become demonic and impure.

A slight, irreverent figure and British to boot, Theroux often resembles John Oliver of “The Daily Show.” Before that series became a source of “news” for millions of younger viewers, it was best known for cruel ambush interviews with the deranged and selfdeluded.

The Phelpses are well aware that Theroux is using interviews with them for ironic, if not comic, effect. At the same time, they know that any exposure is good publicity for their reviled cause and microscopic following.

Theroux spends much of the film following up on members he interviewed four years ago for the first “Hated” documentary. And several of those congregants, young women in their 20s, have left the fold. Theroux also interviews these exiles’ parents, who display a chilling indifference to the loss of their daughters, dismissing their departure as choosing hell over salvation. Case closed.

It’s impossible to showcase behavior and beliefs so extreme without tipping over into absurdity.

One particularly astringent Phelps woman is the spitting image of Jane Lynch’s grandmother character in “Talladega Nights.” Given so much weird material, I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody turns the Phelps family into a sitcom. Or at least a reality show. Many of the family’s followers already seem camerasavvy. And in Theroux’s hands, they’ve become the Kardashians of intolerance.

Actress Anna Deavere Smith embodies a parade of different characters discussing issues of declining health, life and death in the “Great Performances” (8 p.m., WMAV-TV Channel 18) presentation “Let Me Down Easy.”

Other highlights

A major rift on “A Gifted Man” (7 p.m., WREG-TV Channel 3).

Bo Derek guest-stars on “Chuck” (7 p.m., WMC-TV Channel 5).

Bruised feelings in the Peach State on “Kitchen Nightmares” (7 p.m., WHBQ-TV Channel 13).

Victims become suspects on “CSI: NY” (8 p.m., WREG-TV Channel 3).

An escaped fugitive exhibits remarkable powers on “Grimm” (8 p.m., WMC-TV Channel 5).

Peter crosses to the other side to confront a parallel Walter on “Fringe” (8 p.m., WHBQ-TV Channel 13).

Federal inspectors arrive during aroundthe - clock operations on “Gold Rush” (8 p.m., Discovery).

A witness casts doubt on an officer’s motives on “Blue Bloods” (9 p.m., WREG-TV Channel 3).

Doug and Claire can’t live without “Battlestar Galactica” on “Portlandia” (9 p.m., IFC).

Harold Perrineau provides the voice of a superhero in the animated series “Blade” (10 p.m., G4).