For some time now, PBS pledge drives have become excuses for golden-oldies reviews and baby-boomer nostalgia. And some of their more serious programming has followed suit. Actor Johnny Depp narrates the “American Masters” presentation “The Doors: When You’re Strange” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings).

Fans of the dark and eccentric psychedelic band should enjoy the wealth of rare period footage of The Doors from their formation in 1965 to lead singer Jim Morrison’s death in 1971.

But as documentaries go, this film does not live up to “American Masters” standards. Driven by footage and Depp’s laudatory narration, “Strange” lacks interviews with key figures, including other members of The Doors — drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek.

Like too many films and “True Hollywood Story” installments, the story careens from early promise, instant success and the drug and alcohol-fueled excesses of the doomed Morrison. And like far too many documentaries about the 1960s, it tries a tad too hard to explain away acts of self-indulgence and self-destruction as symbols of revolution and liberation.

To be fair, the film makes clear that Morrison’s fellow Doors were frequently exasperated and disappointed by his inebriation. And by the end of “Strange,” some viewers will feel that way, too.

A dreamlike prologue depicting Morrison hearing of his own death while driving through the California desert in an open convertible only reminds us of how the cult of the Lizard King has inspired some of the more over-the-top products of rock history, most notably Oliver Stone’s ludicrous 1991 biopic “The Doors.”

• “E! Investigates: Rich Kids Who Kill” (9 p.m., E!) recalls notable homicides committed by teens and young people from enviable ZIP codes and posh locales — from Park Avenue to La Jolla, Calif.

• Young Africans inspire the disabled with their unique compositions in the documentary “Music by Prudence” (7 p.m., HBO2).

• “Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m., PBS, check local listings) presents “Churchill’s Deadly Decision” recalling one of the most bitter days of World War II. In the summer of 1940, Britain and France, allies in two world wars, were suddenly at odds. France’s surrender to Hitler had put her vast naval fleet in German hands. Churchill’s decision for the Royal Navy to destroy the fleet and kill thousands of French sailors in a surprise attack remains deeply divisive. For Britain, it was seen as a necessity of war. To many French, it remains an act of treachery.

Tonight’s other highlights

• A surprise double elimination precedes the finale of “America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m., CW), a two-hour presentation.

• The top three emerge on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox).

• Too much fun on “Modern Family” (8 p.m., ABC).

• Veronica becomes a hero to two trapped kids on the season finale of “Mercy” (8 p.m., NBC).

• A teen’s killing makes Mac work harder on “CSI: NY” (9 p.m., CBS).

• An exhibitionist may harbor a darker agenda on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC).

• An ill wind blows on the town’s yearly Thaw Fest on “Happy Town” (9 p.m., ABC).