Black power
No one will mistake "The Book of Negroes" for "Roots," the TV epic that helped shape the conversation about race in the United States during the 1970s. But this six-hour miniseries — BET's first — adapted from Lawrence Hill's historical novel does a fine job of honoring blacks and women who stood tall during U.S. infancy. Aunjanue Ellis brings elegance and determination to her role as an African woman who uses her wits and strength to endure slavery. Jane Alexander, Louis Gossett Jr. and Cuba Gooding Jr. all make appearances. 7 p.m. Monday, BET
Buckwheat lives!
The guest list for "Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary" includes Justin Timberlake, Derek Jeter, Taylor Swift, Jack Nicholson and at least 45 more luminaries. Staggering, but not quite as much as the news that Eddie Murphy will return to the studio for the first time in more than 30 years. Unfortunately, Joe Piscopo's invite may have gotten lost in the mail. 7 p.m. Sunday, KARE, Ch. 11
Signed, sealed, delivered
The Grammy party isn't quite over. LL Cool J is hosting "Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life — An All-Star Grammy Salute" with relative youngsters like Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran paying tribute to the dude who just called to say he loved you. 8 p.m. Monday, WCCO, Ch. 4
An echo in here
I'm a big fan of Wendi McLendon-Covey, who is the best part of "The Goldbergs," but I'm wary of her latest project, "Repeat After Me," a "hidden-mic" series in which she tells celebrities what to say to unsuspecting strangers. The concept is being credited to executive producer Ellen DeGeneres, but David Letterman mastered this prank years earlier. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, KSTP, Ch. 5
Neal Justin
