Travel Channel

South Boston may be in the throes of gentrification, but some things never change. It's an annual rite of spring, more reliable than the first robin at the bird feeder: When Sullivan's at Castle Island starts serving its "trifecta" of hot dog, fries, and an ice cream cone, it's time for all South Boston to return to Southie's shore. Opening day last month proved too blustery for the otherwise obligatory stroll around Pleasure Bay, but neighborhood residents descended on the food bar like seagulls on a french fry. Two hardy souls in the parking lot were donning wet suits, presumably for a scuba dive, but...

Modern Family 9 p.m., Channel 5 Claire's run for office comes down to the wire in tonight's episode, which was directed by Bryan Cranston from "Breaking Bad. " I've enjoyed this story arc because it seems to be indirectly addressing some viewers' issues with the sometimes cranky nature of the character, and it has given Julie Bowen opportunities to remind us that she can be the funny lady as well as the straight man. Pictured: Ty Burrell and...

American Pickers 9 p.m., History Adhering to the "one man's trash is another man's treasure" school of thought, this series chronicles the cross-country adventures of two "pickers" — Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz — as they sift through mountains of forgotten junk searching for relics worth preserving. Rare bikes and a farmyard estate sale are what get picked over in this new episode. Fascinating Celebrity Weddings 9 p.m., E! The network that brought you the most-talked-about, if least-actually-fascinating, wedding of 2011 takes a look outside the Kardashian home for an hour to ogle other...

South Boston may be in the throes of gentrification, but some things never change. It's an annual rite of spring, more reliable than the first robin at the bird feeder: When Sullivan's at Castle Island starts serving its "trifecta" of hot dog, fries, and an ice cream cone, it's time for all South Boston to return to Southie's shore. Opening day last month proved too blustery for the otherwise obligatory stroll around Pleasure Bay, but neighborhood residents descended on the food bar like seagulls on a french fry. Two hardy souls in the parking lot were donning wet suits, presumably for a scuba dive, but...

Smash 10 p.m., Channel 7 This officially has become the show I can't stop watching even though I feel like it has lost its compass. But how can we look away now when Uma Thurman is set to arrive as the movie star who is going to save the newly renamed Marilyn Monroe musical "Bombshell" from the Broadway scrap heap? We know she can "Kill Bill," but can she sing and dance? Save the Titanic With Bob Ballard 10 p.m., National Geographic Channel With the 100th anniversary this week there will be many looks back at the tragic shipwreck.

NCIS 8 p.m., Channel 4 Lily Tomlin, gotta love her. She can play both dotty and sly equally effectively. She's always a welcome TV guest, as she was on "The West Wing," "Web Therapy," "Desperate Housewives," and "Damages. " And she was unforgettable in Robert Altman's "Nashville. " Tonight, she guest stars on "NCIS," which, by the way, is America's top-rated drama. She's McGee's grandmother, and he winds up interrogating her about a hidden past association. I'm wishing she had a regular show.

Scripps Networks Interactive Inc., operator of pay TV channels such as Food Network and HGTV, said Thursday that its net income fell 3 percent in the third quarter, as revenue grew but programming and marketing costs climbed faster because of the launch of new shows. The earnings beat analyst expectations but its revenue fell short. Shares fell $1.18, or 2.8 percent, to $40.66 in midday trading Thursday. Net income in the three months to Sept. 30 came to $98.6 million, or 61 cents per share, compared with $102 million, or 61 cents per share,...

Oprah's Next Chapter Sunday, 9 p.m., OWN As Whitney Houston's death recedes from the headlines - at least until the toxicology report is released - Winfrey sits down to talk with the singer's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, 19 (pictured). Houston's only child with former husband Bobby Brown recounts personal memories and discusses how she would like her mom to be remembered. (Fans will recall that Bobbi Kristina made a cute cameo on Houston's 1998 album, "My Love Is Your Love. ") Winfrey also talks with Houston's brother Gary and sister-in-law and manager Patricia.

American Pickers 9 p.m., History Adhering to the "one man's trash is another man's treasure" school of thought, this series chronicles the cross-country adventures of two "pickers" — Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz — as they sift through mountains of forgotten junk searching for relics worth preserving. Rare bikes and a farmyard estate sale are what get picked over in this new episode. Fascinating Celebrity Weddings 9 p.m., E! The network that brought you the most-talked-about, if least-actually-fascinating, wedding of 2011 takes a look outside the Kardashian home for an hour to...

CMT Artists of the Year 2011 9 p.m. CMT The Music City music video channel honors some of the year's best-selling acts on the charts and in the arenas. Each of the five artists - Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney, and Taylor Swift, who will no doubt trot out her visage of shock and wonderment at her inclusion - performs, and a clutch of musicians and celebs help pay tribute. Among those on board to celebrate in Nashville: Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, the Avett Brothers, Lionel Richie, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, Joe Walsh, Kelly Clarkson, and William Shatner.

Scripps Networks Interactive Inc., operator of pay TV channels such as Food Network and HGTV, said Thursday that its net income fell 3 percent in the third quarter, as revenue grew but programming and marketing costs climbed faster because of the launch of new shows. The earnings beat analyst expectations but its revenue fell short. Shares fell $1.18, or 2.8 percent, to $40.66 in midday trading Thursday. Net income in the three months to Sept. 30 came to $98.6 million, or 61 cents per share, compared with $102 million, or 61 cents per share, a...