Like that Thanksgiving turkey, the TV schedule has been picked clean, of debuts at least. (January, however, looks to be a very busy month.) So, what to watch? Fortunately, many old favorites are still showing first-run episodes… for now. Here’s a sampling of what’s on this week.
SUNDAY
Arguably the best night of TV, on CBS, there are new episodes of “The Amazing Race” (8 p.m.) and “The Good Wife” (9 p.m.), while ABC has a new “Once Upon a Time” (9 p.m.), “Revenge” (9 p.m.) and “666 Park Avenue” (10 p.m.) But there’s one show I’m particularly looking forward to: I know I’ve mentioned “The Walking Dead” (9 p.m., AMC) once or twice (or a hundred times), but I can’t NOT mention the midseason finale, right? Last week’s episode was intense (big surprise), and tonight, the fate of Glenn and Maggie (and all the survivors) hangs in the balance. On this show, no one is safe, which makes me nervous. But it’s a good kind of nervous.
TUESDAY
Justin Bieber and Rihanna perform as models take the runway in “Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (10 p.m., CBS). I’ve never watched this special, but then again, I’m probably not the targeted demographic.
WEDNESDAY
ABC sitcoms feature that “bah humbug” spirit, with Frankie trying to earn cash for Christmas on “The Middle” (8 p.m.), the aliens opening the Weavers’ presents on “The Neighbors” (8:30 p.m.), and Tessa wishing for a trip to N.Y. to visit her mom on “Suburgatory” (9:30 p.m.). (I have to admit, after originally questioning its appeal, “The Neighbors” is starting to grow on me, owing mainly to the breakout performance of Toks Olagundoye as alien Jackie Joyner-Kersee.) “Modern Family” (9 p.m.) airs a Christmas-themed episode as well, but it’s a repeat.
THURSDAY
The Oakland Raiders take on the Denver Broncos on “Thursday Night Football” (5 p.m., ABC).
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Sheldon nurses a sick Amy on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS), and on “Glee” (9 p.m., Fox), Finn considers his future and Rachel prepares for a performance.
I haven’t yet seen the previews for this week’s “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS) but I’m going to predict Holmes will brilliantly solve a murder and simultaneously annoy Watson. Hope I haven’t spoiled the plot for you.
There’s also a new “Two and a Half Men” (8:30 p.m., CBS). But I figure if even co-star Angus T. Jones is calling the show “filth” and urging viewers not to watch, I’ll oblige.
— Heather Chavez
