1) “United States of Al,” 8:31 p.m., CBS. In its first season, “Al” has offered few big laughs, but lots of pleasant, little ones … plus some immensely likable characters, Now it adds some solid emotion: A veterans’ group wants to honor the guys, but that requires a speech – which is an ordeal for Riley (shown here, right), but a breeze for Al (center), his former Afghan translator.
2) “Mom,” 9 p.m., CBS. Now for the big-laugh approach: For eight seasons, “Mom” has been one of TV’s funniest shows, fueled by Allison Janney’s Emmy-winning work as the un-repentant Bonnie. Next week, the show has its final episode; first, we see Bonnie try to give a tribute to Marjorie and, of course, flubs it. Also tonight, “Young Sheldon” at 8 p.m. and the oft-hilarious “B Positive” at 9:30.
3) “Clarice,” 10 p.m., CBS. Here’s one of TV’s most abrupt shifts. After two hours of fun, CBS suddenly goes ultra-dark It starts with a therapy session, then descends into grim moments for everyone, as a chemical company seems to be killing whistleblowers. This is sometimes involving and sometimes merely dark and disturbing.
4) “West Side Story” (1961), 8 p.m. ET, Turner Classic Movies. This vibrant musical turns 60 in October, while remaining a potent force. A stage revival will return whenever Broadway re-opens and Steven Spielberg’s new movie arrives Dec. 10. For now, savor this blend of love, dance and Leonard Bernstein music, from then-young stars. Launching the four-day Classic Film Festival, three of them will chat about the film – Rita Moreno, 89; and George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. each 86.
5) ALSO: This is a big day for streamers. At 8 p.m. ET, HBO Max starts its version of the Classic Film Festival. It has a few of the films that are on TCM – including “West Side Story” and “Bullitt” (1968), lots of others and tributes to Danny Glover, Ali MacGraw and Martin Short. Peacock counters with “Girls5Eva,” a Tina Fey production that has a former girl-group re-uniting. It’s uneven and sometimes heavy-handed, but has some great moments, plus songs that are deliberately bright, bouncy and cheesy.