Sweeps can be a pain. Even a professional television maniac like yours truly feels overwhelmed with so many finales. Look for America’s VCRs and TiVos to work overtime tonight as the following series wrap up their seasons.

“24” (8 p.m., Fox) is clearly the can’t-miss event of the night, if not the year. TV shows rarely knock me out of my seat, but I am sure I wasn’t the only one blown away by last week’s revelation about the not-so-lovely Nina. No wonder she’s lost so much weight in less than a day! Treachery will eat you up inside. Tonight: Jack finally confronts Drazen (Dennis Hopper) as the clock approaches midnight. “24” returns next season in this time slot.

While “The Guardian” (8 p.m., CBS) has not generated as much buzz as “24,” this often-smart freshman drama has earned a big enough audience to deserve a second season. In tonight’s season-closer, Nick finds his reputation and even his freedom in jeopardy as a number of questionable choices blow up in his face. Star Simon Baker is a pleasure to watch as the brooding Nick Fallin, a former soulless yuppie lawyer who still seems unfamiliar with man’s more generous instincts. While Nick’s scenes with his scheming Dad (Dabney Coleman) are a treat, “Guardian” often suffers from repetitive and uninspired writing. In tonight’s episode, Nick rushes out of a room in a huff in about twenty different scenes. “Guardian” is five times smarter than the cliche-ridden “JAG,” but it could use some improvement.

I never thought I’d say it, but I wish “Frasier” (NBC) would pull a “Friends” and announce that next season is its last, so it could go out on top. The fussy, funny and often brilliantly written series is running out of gas and possible comedic situations. How long can they milk Niles and Daphne’s non-marriage? How many non-starter relationships can Frasier begin? While “Frasier” cries out for new characters, you know that would risk ruining this show’s marvelous chemistry. Nine seasons is enough for even the best show. On tonight’s finale (8 p.m.) Niles tries to reconcile Daphne’s bickering parents.

“NYPD Blue” (8 p.m., ABC) should also consider hanging up its badge. The once-edgy and provocative series has been going through the motions for years now. How often can we watch Sipowicz get really steamed? In tonight’s two-hour, ninth-season finale, the squad hunts down a perverted predator and Clark and Ortiz go public with their romance. Viewers looking for the gritty action that “NYPD” used to provide are better off catching “The Shield” (9 p.m., FX).

I have just so many brain cells left, so I’m darned if I’m going to devote even one synapse to thinking about “That’s Incredible: The Reunion” (7 p.m., ABC). Hosts Fran Tarkenton, John Davidson and Cathy Lee Crosby remember events from the 1980-89 “reality” show.

Tonight’s other season finales

Harm and Mac scramble to foil a terror scheme on “JAG” (7 p.m., CBS).

Donna lets her grades slip on “That ’70s Show” (7 p.m., Fox).

A despondent Willow turns to black magic on two consecutive episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (7 p.m., UPN).

Lorelai has a surprisingly nice time with her ex on “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m., WB).

A tornado strikes on “Smallville” (8 p.m., WB).

J.D., Elliot and Turk try an end run around insurance regulations on “Scrubs” (8:30 p.m., NBC).

Amy’s decision to move out has wider repercussions on “Judging Amy” (9 p.m., CBS).

Tonight’s other highlights

“Spirit of the Wild Mustangs” (7 p.m., Animal Planet) documents efforts to save America’s 46,000 wild horses.

Robots challenge humans in “Games Machines Play” on “Scientific American Frontiers” (7 p.m., PBS).

Scheduled on “Dateline” (9 p.m., NBC): a hidden camera report on stores that change the expiration dates on groceries.