Smash 9 p.m., Channel 7
Let’s see if the show, which has a new showrunner, can shake off the excesses and shortcomings of its first season. Tuesday night, “Smash” returns for 18 episodes with a number of tweaks, including a concerted effort by the writers to jettison cheesy subplots and get back to the making of a stage musical. Among the characters who won’t be returning: the scheming Ellis and Katharine McPhee’s two-timing boyfriend Dev. And among the season’s guest stars: Sean Hayes, Jennifer Hudson, and Liza Minnelli. Jazz hand fingers crossed.

Comments
You forgot to mention Masterpiece Classic, "Downton Abbey" is on Channel 44 (Cambridge). This is a repeat of Pt. 5 that played during Sunday's Superbowl game.