Thursday’s TV highlights

SERIES

Bones: When Brennan and Booth (Emily Deschanel. David Boreanaz) investigate the death of a young man whose remains were found at the Jersey shore, Brennan does some research by watching an unscripted television show set there thinking it’s a serious documentary (8 p.m. Fox).

The Real Housewives of D.C.: The season finale revolves around the aftermath of the White House State Dinner controversy (9 p.m. Bravo).

The Mentalist: Malcolm McDowell reprises his role as a cult leader who faces off with Patrick (Simon Baker) once again in this new episode (10 p.m. CBS).

The Apprentice: The teams’ create an ad intended to go viral on the Internet in this new episode (10 p.m. NBC).

Austin City Limits: Jimmy Cliff performs in this new episode (10 p.m. KVCR).

SPECIALS

Texas Rodeo Tykes: This new special follows youngsters whose sport of choice is ridin’ and ropin’ (8 p.m. Animal Planet).

MOVIES

The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town: This new documentary uses never-before-seen footage of Bruce Springsteen and his band to trace the process of making the follow-up album to “Born to Run” (9 p.m. HBO).

SPORTS

Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers vs. FC Barcelona (11:30 a.m. ESPN2); Barcelona vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 p.m. KCAL).

Baseball: Playoffs: The Texas Rangers visit the Tampa Bay Rays (11:30 a.m. TBS); the New York Yankees visit the Minnesota Twins (3 p.m. TBS); the Atlanta Braves visit the San Francisco Giants (6:30 p.m. TBS).

Soccer: The Galaxy visit the Philadelphia Union (5 p.m. ESPN2).