TV tonight: 'Backpackers,' '24,' 'Seed'

Backpackers
CW, 8:30 ET/PT

Every show is not designed for a bigger stage. No matter what minimal expectations this almost-comedy may have met as a digital series, it doesn't reach even the most basic requirements of a TV show — such as being watchable for 10 minutes without viewers developing eye strain or a desire to throw a brick through the screen. Less a story than a series of dull incidents loosely tied together, Backpackers is recommended only for those who so desperately long to see the Eiffel Tower, they're willing to risk a headache to do so.

24: Live Another Day
Fox, 9 ET/PT

After the annoying amateurishness of Backpackers, you may want to watch 24 just as a reminder that there still are pros working in the medium. Obviously, those real people will all survive tonight's finale — whether the characters do is an open question.

Seed
CW, 9:30 ET/PT

Two children track down the slacker sperm donor who helped give them life, and comedy results. Not enough comedy, perhaps, and what there is isn't delivered as well as it could be. (Adam Korson has his moments as the dad, but overall, he's not yet ready to carry a television series.) But unlike Backpackers, Seed does provide enough funny lines to carry you through the half-hour, as long as you set your entertainment demands on "minimum."