‘Columbus’ recalls apex voyage
“The Magnificent Voyage of Christopher Columbus” (9 p.m., KSPS) follows modern-day sailors as they re-create the 1492 voyage of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Along the way, we visit some of the Spanish towns that were home to the sailors and navigators of the history-changing adventure. After more than 500 years, descendants of his crew still trace their proud origins.
“Voyage” also drops in on the Canary Islands, the westernmost outpost of Spain in the late 15th century, where Columbus had the rudder of the Pinta repaired and, some say, got some romantic encouragement from a local aristocratic widow.
The first half of “Magnificent” follows the diaries of Columbus as his three ships sailed into the unknown. The second half contemplates the dramatic impact and unintended consequences of his trip to “the Indies.”
In other Columbus Day programming, historian Martin Dugard recalls the less-than-glorious decline of the great explorer on “Columbus: The Lost Voyage” (9 p.m., History).
Host Richard Hammond test-drives a jet engine Vampire car on the British automotive series “Top Gear” (5 p.m., BBC America). He reaches more than 300 mph before crashing at more than 288 mph.
A Tribe Called Quest is scheduled to take the stage along with honorees Snoop Dogg, Whodini, Missy Elliott, and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell at the fourth annual “VH1 Hip Hop Honors” (10 p.m., VH1). Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”) hosts.
The award ceremony will pay special tribute to the vintage hip-hop film “Wild Style.”
Perhaps viewers can follow the awards with a chaser of the contentious cartoon “Boondocks” (11:30 p.m., Cartoon Network). “Boondocks” enters its second 15-episode season filled with satires of the excesses of hip-hop culture.
Other highlights
Chuck vies for a promotion on “Chuck” (8 p.m., NBC).
Lincoln receives a dire warning on “Prison Break” (8 p.m., Fox).
Caruso feels out-bullied on “Everybody Hates Chris” (8 p.m., CW).
A new painting foretells doom on “Heroes” (9 p.m., NBC).
Voodoo can be murder on “K-Ville” (9 p.m., Fox).
Gary Cooper plays the magnificent and doomed Lou Gehrig in the 1942 sports biography “Pride of the Yankees” (7 p.m., TCM).