WASHINGTON, February 15, 2013 — Weekend TV programming is usually a hodgepodge of reruns and dubious reality shows that make viewing them seem more like homework than an enjoyable leisure activity. Happily, Showtime is breathing fresh air into this weekend’s programming efforts with the airing of its new documentary “History of the Eagles.”

Arguably one of the greatest bands in history, the Eagles helped define the essence of rock music back in the ‘70s, long before boy bands, rap, and divas commandeered the airwaves. Tied for best selling album of all time with Michael Jackson’s album “Thriller,” “Their Greatest Hits” album by the Eagles has sold an amazing 42 million copies.

To this day, when I hear Joe Walsh play that iconic riff of Hotel California on the radio, it takes me back to the Halcyon days of my youth. The Eagles provided the soundtrack for the coming of age of millions of baby boomers just like me.

Who knew that when the band broke up in 1980 it would one day regroup and win over a whole new generation of fans with its record-breaking “Hell Freezes Over” tour?

The first part of the documentary that airs tonight focuses on the formation of the band and their rise to fame through their breakup in 1980. The second part airs tomorrow night at 8 p.m. on Showtime, and picks up in the ‘80s to chart the popularity of their songs despite the band’s split.

For my fellow baby boomers, the nostalgia of a simpler time is all the reason we need to tune in. There is something very comforting about seeing the Eagles in their middle-aged skins, still at the top of their game after all these years. They may not be as relevant for certain demographics as Lady Gaga or Jay-Z. But for millions, the Eagles will always be the best in the business. Tune in this weekend and see why.

Tonight’s viewing:

All times are EST:

8 p.m.

ABC: Last Man Standing: (New) Mike discovers that Boyd is no longer using the Baxter name; Kristin, Mandy and Eve make a Valentine’s Day music video.

CBS: The Job: (New) Five candidates go through the most intense job interview of their lives as they vie for an editorial assistant position with Cosmopolitan.

FOX: Kitchen Nightmares: (New) Chef Ramsay stages an intervention at a family-owned restaurant.

NBC: Dateline NBC: (New) A love triangle involving a beauty queen, a devoted wife and a guitar hero leads to murder, and an investigation that stretches across the country and takes years to unfold.

SHOWTIME: History of the Eagles: Part 1: (NEW) Directed by Alison Ellwood, this intimate, meticulously crafted patchwork of rare archival material, concert footage and never-before-seen home movies explores the evolution and enduring popularity of The Eagles. Part 1 investigates the band’s creation and rise to fame in the 1970s through its breakup in 1980.

And for a preview, check out this video:

8:30 p.m.

ABC: Malibu Country: (New) Lillie Mae and Reba put their plans on hold when a neighbor makes a confession that surprises the entire family.

9 p.m.

ABC: Shark Tank: (New) Kevin O’Leary makes a $1 million offer; six young inventors aged 12 to 18 present their unsafe-driving detector; a mini-muffin that is a twist on s’mores; an online chat therapy business.

CBS: CSI: NY: (New) On Valentine’s Day, Mac and the team tackle three twisted tales of love gone wrong.

FOX: Touch: (New) Martin’s mission to uncover clues and expose the potentially sinister Aster Corps has global consequences when an Aster Corps employee is crossing the border in Pakistan. Meanwhile, ruthless religious zealot Guillermo continues to track down the “36” Righteous Ones, and Jake leads Lucy to a woman with alarming connections to her missing daughter Amelia.

10 p.m.

ABC: 20/20: (New) Two transgender teens who fell madly in love; a matchmaking event known as pheromone parties; couples who have tied the knot in unconventional ways; tactics people use to seek love and affection, including make-out parties and cuddling services.

CBS: Blue Bloods: (New) When a 10-year-old boy is the victim of an incident in the projects, Danny’s heated approach to the case lands him in anger management class. Meanwhile, Frank navigates the politics of the State Department and the Turkish Government in order to help a young Turkish woman avoid persecution.

NBC: Rock Center with Brian Williams: (New) Chelsea Clinton interviews author Judy Blume; Harry Smith spotlights a faith-based game show; and Kate Snow profiles prosecutor Kym Worthy, who seeks justice for female victims of crime in the Detroit area.

Basic cable:

New episodes of: 

Gold Rush: The Dirt— Fight Night at 8 p.m. on DSC

Four Weddings: Grooms Take Over at 8 p.m. on TLC

Spontaneous Construction at 8 and 8:30 p.m. on HGTV

Gold Rush at 9 p.m. on DSC

Lincoln’s Secret Killer at 9 p.m. on NGC

Ghost Adventures at 9 p.m. on Travel Channel

Fatal Attractions at 9 p.m. on Animal Planet

Say Yes to the Dress at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on TLC

Bering Sea Gold at 10 p.m. on DSC

House Hunters at 10 p.m. on HGTV

Portlandia at 10 p.m. on IFC

House Hunters International at 10:30 p.m. on HGTV

Something Borrowed, Something New at 10 and 10:30 p.m. on TLC

For movie lovers:

8 p.m.

Safe House on CINEMAX

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves on ENC

Mad Dog and Glory on FLIX

Rise of the Planet of the Apes on HBO

Mommie Dearest on SUND

The Champ on TCM

The Three Musketeers on TMC

9 p.m.

The Princess Bride on BBC

Clear and present Danger on CMT

The American on HBO

Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail on TBS

Later tonight:

Broken Flowers at 9:40 p.m. on FLIX

Grand Hotel at 9:45 p.m. on TCM

Green Lantern at 10 p.m. on HBO

Rocky at 10 p.m. on MOMAX

Little Children at 10:15 p.m. on SUND

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