Monday Mornings
The setting is a hospital in the Pacific Northwest, but don’t expect this new medical drama series to follow the Grey’s Anatomy template. Based on a best-selling book by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the show, from producer David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, Boston Legal), focuses on the weekly meetings in which trauma surgeons hold each other accountable. Alfred Molina, Ving Rhames, and Jamie Bamber anchor a top-flight cast. Monday, Feb. 4, at 10 p.m., TNT
Smash
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The show that practically defined “hate-watching” last year returns for its second season with a two-hour episode. NBC, betting that this backstage drama about a Broadway showcan make the leap to must-watch status, is beefing up the cast by adding Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order) and Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls). Hudson’s arrival perhaps increases the odds that musical numbers will remain Smash’s strong suit. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 9 p.m., NBC
The Mysterious Lost State of Franklin
One year after the end of the Revolutionary War, residents of four counties in western North Carolina attempted to establish a state of their own. This fascinating half-hour documentary traces the causes of the breakaway and the attempts by the Franklinites to establish their own government before their bid ended in a violent 1788 clash with North Carolina troops. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Nature: Our Fragile Planet
British naturalist Sir David Attenborough has enjoyed an illustrious 60-year career in television broadcasting. In this episode of Nature, part of a special three-part retrospective, thelegendary documentarian and host shares stories about his life as a conservationist as well as penetrating insights about the impact humans have had on the natural world since he entered the field. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Community
After four months in limbo following the departure of creator Dan Harmon, the acclaimed comedy series finally gets its fourth-season started. Cast member Chevy Chase also stepped down before filming was completed on all of the new episodes, which find the members of a Greendale Community College study group nearing graduation. A Hunger Games spoof gets the semester rolling. Thursday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m., NBC
Other highlights
The Job
In this new reality competition hosted by The View’s Lisa Ling, contestants go head to head to land dream jobs with top U.S. companies. Friday, Feb. 8, at 8 p.m., CBS
The 55th Annual Grammy Awards
LL Cool J hosts the music industry’s big awards event, which will include performances from nominees Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Mumford & Sons, and the Black Keys.Sunday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m., CBS
The Walking Dead
The popular zombie-apocalypse series returns from its midseason break. Word is that things won’t end well for the living. Sunday, Feb. 10, at 9 p.m., AMC
