I’m of two minds about the early season finale for “Friday Night Lights” (7 p.m., NBC). On one hand, it’s sad to see a show as smart and demanding as this small-town documentary-style soap opera bow out before its time. On the other hand, NBC is to be praised for allowing this ratings-bleeding critical darling to last as long as it has and complete a full and satisfying season.

Some years back, NBC pulled the plug on the superlative “Freaks and Geeks” just six or seven weeks into its run. Viewers got to watch remaining episodes on cable and on DVD. “Freaks” remains one of the best shows of the past 10 years, and its cast and crew have appeared everywhere from “ER” to “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.”

I have a feeling that “Friday Night Lights” will reach a wider and more appreciative audience on DVD than it has enjoyed in the middle of the week at 8 p.m., a time when it had to stand on its own without any network lead-in. Some parents also felt uncomfortable about letting children watch a show with so much sexual dialogue and content at that early hour.

Given its meager audience, I would be very surprised to see NBC announce a second season of “Lights.” And who knows whether that would be a good thing. Tonight’s finale comes down to Coach Taylor’s decision to leave Dillon, Texas, for the greener pastures of a university coaching job. And that seems as good a way as any to close the door on a season and a series.

Tonight also marks the season’s end for “‘Til Death” (7 p.m., Fox), Brad Garrett’s first post-“Raymond” sitcom. This show’s consistently glum look at married life failed to win many critics or find many viewers. The fact that “Death” moved all over Fox’s schedule didn’t exactly help matters. Fox continues to search for a nonanimated hit comedy not called “That ’70s Show.”

¢ Jaclyn Smith hosts “Shear Genius” (10 p.m., Bravo), a contest among 11 stylists. The winner will receive $100,000 from a shampoo manufacturer whose name I refuse to drop and a chance to style hair for a magazine devoted entirely to hair and makeup.

¢ Meredith Vieira narrates “Fat: What No One Is Telling You” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) exploring the complex and overlapping causes of obesity.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Hawkins falls under suspicion on “Jericho” (7 p.m., CBS).

¢ “Explorer” (7 p.m., National Geographic) talks to three people who survived lightning strikes.

¢ A kidnapping may spark an international incident on “Criminal Minds” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ Jennifer Lopez performs on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox).