As one American (sorta) take on a British classic goes to bed for its first season, an American (kinda) spin on a European event with a completely different spirit clocks in. Also, we Scholars really love the competition in tribute to an American chef who put her twist on French (and other) cuisine(s).

NAVANI’S PICK:
The Gilded Age [HBO, 9p]
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is back with a new 19th century romp into New York City society in The Gilded Age. If you’re watching, just a reminder, the first season finale is today, if not, come for the fashions, stay for the story. The series follows Marion Brook as she moves from her humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to stay with her Aunts in NYC after the death of her father. Alongside her is aspiring writer Peggy Scott who is looking for a fresh start. Marion and the viewers quickly learn the battle between young and old guards that she finds herself caught in watching her Aunt Agnes socially spar with new money couple the Russells. Wow, you thought high school pecking order was bad! I’m excited every week to see a Black lead in this space and learn more about what the Black middle class looked like in this era through the eyes of Peggy. Also, here for the ruthlessness of George Russell claiming his place as a railroad tycoon. And the learning! Did you know a Black inventor is responsible for the long-lasting filament that made light bulbs work? Me either! On tonight’s season finale we are finally going to Mrs. Russell’s — well Galdys’ ball and I’m sure tension with Mrs. Astor will come to a head. Yes, the Astor place Astors! Society history is fun! And Aunt Agnes and Aunt Ada will try to stop Marion from making a huge mistake IE steer clear from Mr. Raikes. And please give me more Peggy updates! This cast including Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Audra MacDonald and Denee Brenton to name a few, shine as bright as Edison’s first building lighting in this fun period show. 

JASON’S PICK:
American Song Contest [NBC, 8p]
While I have nothing against music competitions, I normally would not be picking them as my recommendation here. However, first off, the idea of the U.S. trying to replicate the glorious circus that is Eurovision is a can’t-turn-away train wreck waiting to happen. On the more genuine side, the hosts are Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, and just can’t hate on either of them. Is there any career arc as rollercoaster-y as that of Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus?

FIONA’S PICK:
The Julia Child Challenge [Food, 9p]
This week contestants are challenged with the task of putting their own spin on one of Julia Child’s husband’s favorite dishes, coq au vin. 

BUT, WAIT, THERE’S MORE:

• Netflix’s Turkish import In Good Hands portrays the drama of a dying young mother who takes up with a charming stranger to make something with the brief amount of time she likely has left.
• The Fox first responder suite returns today with new episodes of both 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star. The latter literally stars Rob Lowe.
• Over on Discovery+, the second season of Street Outlaws: America’s List makes the scene. Man, some idiot on Twitter the other day (perhaps the cokehead son of TFG) said Democrats would have people arrested for chanting U.S.A., but this site leans more to the left than Beyonce’s ex-lover’s boxed possessions and this round-up reads like an ode to everything American (well, other than the Turkish import). So, um, U.S.A.! U.S.A.!, we guess!