A Home for the Holidays with Martina McBride (8pm, CBS) - Martina McBride hosts this 13th annual event to raise awareness about adoption. Musical performances by McBride, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, and others.

The X-Factor (8pm, Fox) - The remaining acts perform in part one of the two-part season finale.

Work of Art (9pm, Bravo) - Season 2 ends with the final artists at work on a full solo exhibition, then presenting their collections at a grand gala opening. The episode ends with the naming of the winner. Kymia Nawabi of Durham is one of the finalists in the competition. (If the competition was for nicest artist, she'd win in a landslide.)

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - In tonight's season finale, Constance, one of the few actual living humans left in this series, schemes to raise Tate's demon baby as her own. Jessica Lange (right) was nominated last week for both SAG and Golden Globe awards for her portrayal of Constance. Excited to see how long it takes dense Ben (Dylan McDermott) to figure out what kind of hell he's dealing with -- and if North Carolina's Lost Colony and the Croatoan mystery get another shout-out this week.

Top Chef: Texas (10pm, Bravo) - The chefs concoct quick-fire dishes based on fans' Twitter instructions. Then the chefs honor their culinary teachers by creating a tribute meal. Singer Patti LaBelle is the guest judge.

Hot in Cleveland (10pm, TV Land) - The ladies treat their neighbors to makeovers, while Elka adjusts to dating a younger man (John Mahoney).

The Exes (10pm, TV Land) - Haskell's online girlfriend pays a surprise visit, but she's also in for a shock because Haskell has been using Phil's picture as his own.

Work of Art (9pm, Bravo) - The artists visit an idyllic small town in New York's Hudson Valley and then must create a portrait of a resident. The guest judge is Richard Phillips.

Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People (9:31pm, ABC) - Who does Barbara Walters find fascinating? The Kardashians, Donald Trump, Simon Cowell, and Katy Perry (left), to name a few. And probably not much suspense as to who her secret #1 pick will likely be (cough Gabby Giffords cough). (UPDATE: When I'm wrong, I admit it. Walters picked Steve Jobs as the most fascinating man of the year.)

Psych (10pm, USA) - Shawn and Juliet's romantic getaway doesn't go as planned when their hotel room is robbed and a body turns up at a nearby winery.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - Vivien has her mysterious little anti-Christ devil babies, and Tate and Violet attempt to rid the house of some of its ghosts once and for all.

CSI (10pm, CBS) - The CSIs investigate when Dr. Robbins' wife discovers a nude dead man in their master bedroom.

Moonshiners (10pm, Discovery) - Equipment failure and an intruder complicate a moonshining duo's operation, and footage demonstrating Popcorn Sutton's old-fashioned distillery methods.

The X-Factor (8pm, Fox) - The competition is down to the final five acts.

Harry's Law (9pm, NBC) - Harry, Oliver, and Cassie defend a mother accused of euthanizing her infant son who had an incurable debilitating disorder.

Becoming Santa (9pm, OWN) - An unjolly guy decides to recapture his lost Christmas spirit by becoming a Santa Claus. But before donning the red suit, writer-producer Jack Sanderson must go to Santa School.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - A cash-strapped Max (Adam Pally, right) agrees to play Santa for Penny's charity function. Also, Jane realizes she accidentally gave her housekeeper the cash she'd put aside to pay for a Christmas vacation instead of the $200 Christmas tip that she intended. "The Middle" and "Modern Family" also have Christmas-themed episodes tonight.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - Violet learns about the rules of the house and Constance is questioned by police. We also learn how Larry got burned (it wasn't trying to save his family, says show creator Ryan Murphy).

CSI (10pm, CBS) - The CSIs work with the FBI to investigate the murder of a rancher who is also a ballistics expert.

Revenge (10pm, ABC) - Emily uncovers something Nolan has been hiding and uses it to take aim at Tyler. Also, Victoria reclaims some of her lost power, but her relationship with Conrad grows more sour.

Psych (10pm, USA) - I am excited to see any episode titled "The Tao of Gus." Tonight, Shawn and Gus hide a witness at a remote commune populated by eccentric intellectuals while they investigate a murder that the witness claims occurred in broad daylight.

In Performance: Country Music at the White House (8pm, UNC-TV) - President and Mrs. Obama host a tribute to country music in which contemporary artists pay homage to the genre's inconic figures. Performers include The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Lauren Alaina, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Darius Rucker, and James Taylor (right). The concert was taped Monday night in the East Room at the White House. 

The Middle (8pm, ABC) - Frankie and her sister (Molly Shannon) clash over their opposing parenting styles while spending Thanksgiving with their folks (Marsha Mason and Jerry Van Dyke). "Suburgatory" and "Modern Family" also have Thanksgiving-themed episodes tonight.

X-Factor (8pm, Fox) - One of the remaining 9 contestants is eliminated and Kelly Clarkson performs.

The Biggest Loser: Where are They Now? (9pm, NBC) - Updates on past contestants along with bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage. Also, the trainers offer their thoughts on the current season.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - A lot of reveals tonight, not the least of which is the identity of Rubber Man! This is a seriously jam-packed episode, folks.

Revenge (10pm, ABC) - Emily seeks guidance from her mentor after losing her most trusted ally. Meanwhile, Victoria finds herself all alone and Tyler continues to cause damage.

Up All Night (8pm, NBC) - Reagan has trouble firing her under-performing assistant (Molly Shannon, left), causing Ava to question if Reagan's lost her edge. Also, Chris and Reagan search for a babysitter.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - The Pritchetts rally for a good cause after a neighbor's house burns down, but there is a downside to their good intentions when Jay hurts his back. Directed by Fred Savage.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - Max's high school girlfriend moves back to town and has a profound effect on some of the gang. Meanwhile, Jane discovers Brad has a "work wife" and decides she's entitled to a "work husband."

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - Moira persuades a perspective buyer to make an offer on the most haunted house in the history of the world, but Constance and Larry work to undermine her efforts. Meanwhile, Vivien and Luke (Morris Chestnut) grow closer. Security guard can't protect you from a ghost, Vivien!

The Devil You Know (10pm, Investigation Discovery) - Durham's Mike Peterson is the subject of tonight's episode, titled "Stairway to Hell." The half-hour program looks at the 2001 murder of Kathleen Peterson from the perspective of Kathleen's daughter Caitlin Atwater.

Revenge (10pm, ABC) - Lydia's memory issues could prove problematic for the Graysons, and a new arrival with a connection to Emily has dubious reasons for being in the Hamptons.

Psych (10pm, USA) - Shawn and Gus are admitted to a mental hospital to keep an eye on a billionaire who recently got off the hook for murder charges by pleading insanity.

CMA Awards (8pm, ABC) - The 45th annual awards show is hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley (Paisley has five nominations tonight). Scheduled performers include Scotty McCreery, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, and the Band Perry.

Up All Night (8pm, NBC) - Reagan and Chris go on a date to rekindle their romance, while Ava babysits Amy. During the evening, Ava meets single dad (Jason Lee) who proves to be quite different from her current boyfriend.

Criminal Minds (9pm, CBS) - The bodies of boys are found in the aftermath of storms that hit Kansas, and the team travels to Wichita to investigate the deaths.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - Constance enlists Violet's help in dealing with Tate while Ben helps a new patient confront his fears.

Law & Order: SVU (10pm, NBC) - A mail-order Russian bride is found murdered and her fiance (Timothy Busfield) reveals that she had been kidnapped for ransom. For the investigation, Cragen goes undercover as a man seeking a bride, and detectives find a link to the Russian mob.

Psych (10pm, USA) - Shawn and Gus go undercover as a coach and a mascot for Santa Barara's minor league baseball team in order to investigate the death of the team's hitting coach.

Up All Night (8pm, NBC) - Reagan tries to improve her relationship with her parents (Blythe Danner and Richard Schiff) in order to set an example for Amy. Elsewhere, Ava examines her interactions with the staff following one member's death.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Gloria persuades Jay to commit to a night of salsa dancing after seeing how much his friend Shorty (Chazz Palminteri) and his girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly) do together. Meanwhile, Cameron makes a bet that he can get a woman's phone number at a bar, and Phil builds a tree house for Luke.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - Brad sneaks off on a secret staycation at a plush hotel in the city in order to dodge a visit from Jane's sorority sister. Also, Max and Dave shoot a commercial for a lunch truck. Brent Musburger and Fred Savage (who directed the episode) have cameos as themselves.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - In the conclusion to last week's two-part Halloween story arc, Tate (Evan Peters, pictured, with Jessica Lange and Frances Conroy) comes face to face with his ugly past. Yes, we finally learn his backstory. And it's good. Also, Ben and Vivien are haunted by a freshly ghosted houseguest.

Steve Jobs: One Last Thing (10pm, UNC-TV) - A profile of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs includes an archival interview with Jobs in which he discusses his career and the principles that led to his success. Also, colleagues offer thoughts on his talents and achievements.

Psych (10pm, USA) - Shawn and Gus try to identify the masked vigilante the Mantis, who is trying to take down a drug ring that the police department is also targeting.

Top Chef: Texas (10pm, Bravo) - Season 9 opens with 29 chefs invading Texas to prove their culinary worth, but nearly half of them are eliminated in the first episode.

How I Met Yor Mother (8pm, CBS) - The Slutty Pumpkin, played by Katie Holmes, returns, after Ted has searched for her every year at the same costume party since the Halloween they met and he lost her phone number.

Dancing with the Stars (8:30pm, ABC) - Tonight's 90-minute episode airs at a different time (8:30 instead of 8) and features couples performing dances with Halloween themes.

Will Ferrell: The Mark Twain Prize (9pm, UNC-TV) - Will Ferrell is honored with the 14th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The program features Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Ed Asner, Jack Black, Conan O'Brien, Paul Rudd, Andy Samberg, and others.

Rock Center with Brian Williams (10pm, NBC) - The premiere episode of a new weekly newsmagazine show hosted by Nightly News anchor Brian Williams. Tonight we get an exploration of a new industry that grants U.S. citizenship to women who arrive from China, antigovernment activists in Syria, and an area in America with a negative unemployment rate. Harry Smith, Kate Snow, and Richard Engel report.

Castle (10pm, ABC) - Castle and his mom become hostages in a bank robbery executed by thieves wearing hospital scrubs, and Beckett's rescue plans are hampered by a rigid hostage negotiator.

Hawaii Five-0 (10pm, CBS) - A young couple filming a scary documentary about a traditional Hawaiian burial site are murdered. Five-0's investigation leads the team to a drifter (Robert Englund, aka "Freddie Krueger") who puts a curse on Danny.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - A marathon of the first 4 episodes begins at 10 p.m. Part 2 of last week's two-part Halloween episode airs Wednesday night.

Oklahoma! (8pm, UNC-TV) - This North Carolina School of the Arts production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical has been critically acclaimed for its faithful restoration of the original 1943 Broadway production. Read more about it here.

X-Factor (8pm, Fox) - The remaining contestants (including Tim Cifers from Willow Spring) visit the homes of the judges for mentoring. If Tim isn't in tonight's episode, he should make tomorrow night's 8 p.m. episode or next Tuesday's 9 p.m. episode.

Work of Art: The Next Great Artist (9pm, Bravo) - We're big fans of this art competition series here, so we're excited for the new season and that one of the competitors is from Durham! Tonight's first challenge involves art that is considered "lowbrow." Hmmm. The guest judge is photographer Mary Ellen Mark.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Phil and Clarie's encounter with an annoying city council member (David Cross) on the campaign trail gets Claire thinking about entering the race.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - Megan Mullally guest stars as Penny's extremely upbeat mom, who arrives in town for a singing job at a trade show.

Psych (10pm, USA) - In the Season 6 premiere, Shawn stumbles across a dead body at the British consulate's home while working a case to recover a stolen "Star Wars" collectors item.

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - This is the episode that scared me to death (original review). This one goes way beyond "ghost story" scary.

Law & Order: SVU (10pm, NBC) - A family man (T.R. Knight, "Grey's Anatomy") is suspected of being a serial rapist in a string of assaults across several states.

"American Horror Story," a freaky new horror series from the team who brought us "Nip/Tuck" and "Glee," is easily the most polarizing new show of the fall season. Among television critics, there's very little gray area: you're either into it, or you despise it.

I think I'm into it.

I admit up front I have no idea what Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk are trying to do here. But I do know that "American Horror Story" is among the scariest things I've ever watched.

The series follows a couple as they move their teenage daughter to Los Angeles to try to heal their marriage and make a fresh start. The problem is they move into the most haunted house in the history of haunted houses. We're talking "gaping Hellmouth" kind of haunted. There are no romantic vampires or buff werewolves in this house. Right down to the last nail in the last creaky floorboard, this is a house of pure, ugly evil.