Watch it
“Food Party” (8 and 8:15 p.m., IFC). I heard about this show last week, and I’m curious to check it out. Accurately describing it sounds impossible; basically it’s a whimsical, surreal cooking show with puppets. Think Food Network meets “Pee Wee’s Playhouse.” Last week’s second-season premiere is at 8, and a new one at 8:15. Here’s an interview with host Thu Tran that’ll give you the gist of what it’s all about.
“Ricky Gervais Show” (9 p.m., HBO). The season’s winding down, so enjoy it while you still can. Tonight’s topics include school curriculum, whistling and the origins of the universe.
“Life and Times of Tim” (9:30 p.m., HBO). It’s the season finale already. First Tim’s job is in jeopardy, then he meets a famous novelist (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) who encourages Tim to follow his dreams. Which, for Tim, can’t lead to anything good.
“Party Down” (10 p.m., Starz). Almost no one watched last week’s season premiere — just 126,000 viewers, which is pretty abysmal, even for cable. Too bad, you’re missing out on a funny, funny show. Tonight, new boss Henry clashes with former boss Ron at a catered event for a prestigious preschool. Here’s another trailer:
“Late Show with David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS). The guests are boring, but the Hold Steady are the musical guests, and they rock.
Catch a score
Giants vs. Rockies (7 p.m., KNTV). Barry Zito? Worth every penny!
Record it
“Live from Abbey Road” (8 p.m., Sundance). Live performances from The Killers, Florence + the Machine, and Chairlift. Sounds cool.
“Who Do You Think You Are” (10 p.m., NBC). Spike Lee tracks down the family who owned his slave ancestors. Um, I wouldn’t want to be them.
“Man vs. Food” (9 and 9:30 p.m., Travel). They’re both reruns, but somewhat local; the first episode is in San Francisco (and, ahem, Walnut Creek), the second is in San Jose.
Skip it
“Private Chefs of Beverly Hills” (10 p.m., Bravo). This looks awful. Tonight a chef has to cook for an Orthodox Jewish family, and needs a crash course in kosher cooking. Wow, recipe for disaster.
