Tonight's best bets on TV

Special

"Make 'em Laugh: The Funny Business of America"

From Charlie Chaplin to Jim Carrey, slapstick has evolved from the lowest of comedy into a sophisticated art, and the episode "The Knockabouts: Slip on a Banana Peel" explores the rich comic heritage of such masters of physical comedy as Laurel and Hardy, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, and Lucille Ball. 9 p.m., PBS and KPTS, Channel 8.

Movies

"Manhattan"

Woody Allen's 1979 masterpiece, an affectionate black-and-white ode to New York, examines the intertwining relationships of several people amid the city's landmarks — to the melodies of George Gershwin. Isaac (Allen), who has a much younger girlfriend (Mariel Hemingway) and a bitter ex-wife (Meryl Streep), pines for the mistress (Diane Keaton) of his best friend (Michael Murphy). 7 p.m., TCM, Channel 65.

"Kramer vs. Kramer"

The subject matter is hardly cutting-edge by 2009 standards, but the Oscar-winning performances of Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep as Ted and Joanna Kramer make this 1979 drama worth a look. Tired of Ted's workaholism, Joanna walks out, but since she's left their son in his care, he's forced to adjust his priorities. And when she comes back to claim the boy, Dad has other plans. 9 p.m., TCM, Channel 65.

Series

"The Big Bang Theory"

Leonard and Penny's first date doesn't go well, and when Penny shares her frustration with a reluctant Sheldon, a secret comes out that could nip the relationship in the bud. 8:30 p.m., CBS and KWCH, Channel 12.

Sports

MLB Baseball

Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs (6 p.m., ESPN, Channel 32); Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers (6 and 9:15 p.m., FSN, Channel 34).