1) “Citizen Kane” (1941), 8 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. The American Film Institute’s best-movie list covers a century-plus of masterworks. This is No. 1 – just above “The Godfafher” and “Casablanca.” It’s a prime example of “auteur” filmmaking, molded by one person’s vision. Orson Welles conceived, directed and starred in it; he also claimed he’d co-written it. (He only offered a couple ideas to the writer, but co-accepted an Oscar for the script.) The result weaves words and pictures perfectly.
2) More movies. A weak night for broadcast happens to be a great one for cable movies. “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2005) – a Coen brothers classic with George Clooney – is 8 p.m. on AMC, alongside two double-features. For James Bond fans, BBC America has “Quantum of Solace” (2008) at 5:25 p.m. and “Casino Royale” (2006) at 7:53. For families, TNT has “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) at 8 p.m. and Tim Burton’s beautifully crafted “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005) at 10:30.
3) “The Blacklist,” 8 p.m., NBC. This show took a sharp turn when Red killed Katarina – the Russian spy who is the mother of Liz, the FBI agent who has been his colleague. Last week, Liz twice tried to kill him with bombs. Now she’s on the lam and concocting another scheme.
4) “In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl,” 9 p.m., PBS. The first two weeks were stuffed with music that appeals to a broad audience. This time – not so much. The subject is jazz, but much of it is cool and distant – long, subtle solos, suitable for closing hours at a nightclub. There are exceptions (Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride), but others may underwhelm mainstream viewers.
5) “The Little Things,” HBO Max. Arriving in theaters and on Max, this is a crime story with three Oscar-winners – Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto. Also streaming today: Netflix has “The Dig,” a drama with Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan and Lily James; and “We Are: The Brooklyn Saints,” a documentary about a kids’ football team. Disney+ has a new “WandaVision” episode and the “Beyond the Clouds” documentary finale. On Thursday, Peacock added a ton of stand-up specials.