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What to Watch on Thursday: A White House Christmas and an 'X-Factor' winner

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (8pm, ABC) - Linus and Lucy's little brother ReRun tries to avoid the family's holiday nuttiness by hanging out with Snoopy and Snoopy's brother, Spike.

The X-Factor (8pm, Fox) - After performances by One Direction and Pitbull, a winner is crowned in the Season 2 finale.

A White House Christmas: First Families Remember (8pm, NBC) - First Lady Michelle Obama and former first ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Rosalynn Carter share their holiday-theme White House memories. Also, a behind-the-scenes look at the White House staff and volunteers who decorate. Hosted by Meredith Vieira.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - In a two-hour season finale, Sam is shot and Jesse is captured during an ambush of the gang's escape attempt.

CMA Country Christmas (9pm, ABC) - Jennifer Nettles hosts this special featuring songs and memories of holiday experiences from country-music stars, including Scotty McCreery, Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, the Band Perry and Keith Urban. Also appearing are Colbie Caillat, Katherine Jenkins and John Legend.

2012: The End is Now (9pm, History) - An examination of doomsday prophecies and apocalypse preparations.

The League (10:30pm, FX) - Ruxin receives a gift from his dad (Jeff Goldblum) and Taco has a run-in with a mall Santa. The show's season finale episode airs at 11.

What to Watch on Thursday: HBO doc looks at 120 years of Vogue magazine

The Big Bang Theory (8pm, CBS) - Amy takes ill and Sheldon becomes her nursemaid, while Wolowitz takes a fishing trip in order to bond with his father-in-law.

The Vampire Diaries (8pm, CW) - Stefan and Damon visit New Orleans and recall their last trip there in 1942. While there, Damon runs into one of his former flames. Meanwhile, Elena, Caroline and Bonnie share a fun evening together, until Elena reveals some shocking news.

In Vogue: The Editor's Eye (9pm, HBO) - A documentary chronicling Vogue magazine's 120 years of covering the fashion industry's highs and lows. Includes archival photographs, and interviews with editors, designers, models and photographers. Check out Adrienne's review.

Parks and Recreation (9:30pm, NBC) - Ron's new girlfriend meets his ex-wife Tammy when they all attend a woodworking awards dinner. At the same time, Jerry throws a holiday party and not everyone is invited.

Scandal (10pm, ABC) - Olivia returns to working at the White House in the wake of a national tragedy (the First Lady should love that!), while the early days of Fitz's presidency are recalled.

Elementary (10pm, CBS) - Holmes investigates a college professor's murder, and Watson gets a call from a former lover who asks for her help.

Burn Notice (10pm, USA) - Michael sets up a deal to sell a valuable piece of technology, but things take a turn when Sam is caught up in a risky robbery. 

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Burn Notice' resumes with escape from Panama

The Vampire Diaries (8pm, CW) - Stefan and Klaus form an unusual alliance to deal with the danger that Connor unleashes on the town that includes taking Jeremy, Matt and April hostage. Meanwhile, Shane tries to help Bonnie get past her fear and guilt.

Glee (9pm, Fox) - Auditions for the school production of "Grease" begin with Marley, Jake, Kitty and football player Ryder competing for the leading roles. Meanwhile, New Directions alumni Mercedes and Mike return to help cast the show, and Will faces a tough decision.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - In the two-hour fall premiere, the gang cook up a hijacking scheme in order to escape from Panama, while Michael (Jeffrey Donovan, far right) tries to skirt a Panamanian drug runner.

Parks and Recreation (9:30pm, NBC) - Leslie is apprehensive about meeting Ben's divorced parents for the first time. Also, Tom turns to Jean-Ralphio for help pitching his new business venture to Ron.

Scandal (10pm, ABC) - A governor seeks revenge after his wife is raped, and then he wants Olivia to do damage control. Then, Cyrus' husband prepares to return to his career as a political journalist, a move that blindsides Cyrus and Fritz.

Elementary (10pm, CBS) - Holmes investigates a plane crash and tries to prove that the disaster was not an accident after he becomes convinced that one of the victims died before the plane went down. Also, Watson tries to get Holmes to meet with his elusive father.

The League (10:30pm, FX) - Kevin runs into NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald at a charity event. Later, the guys attempt to determine who among them is the smartest.

What to Watch on Thursday: Season finales for 'Suits' and 'Anger Management'

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers create looks to accompany new hairstyles for everyday women who are in need of makeovers. That means, this is the episode where designers have to design for non-boney women with average bodies, and they all pitch hissy fits and make the women cry. British fashion designer Alice Temperly is guest judge.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - The gang travels to Panama in the season finale, but their target discovers their plans and sets a trap.

Anger Management (9:30pm, FX) - In the first season finale, a seemingly innocent gesture leads Charlie and Kate to examine their relationship.

Suits (10pm, USA) - In the season finale, a personal tragedy causes Mike (Patrick J. Adams, right) to drop off the grid when Harvey (Gabriel Macht, right) needs him during the fight for the firm.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - Andy and Nick cross paths with a powerful drug dealer while investigating a death threat aimed a priest. Meanwhile, Chris and Swarek argue over what it takes to be a good cop.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie goes on a search for a lost love and then looks for his daughter.

Awkward (10:30pm, MTV) - Jenna struggles with her complicated love life, and an unexpected text message makes things even worse.

What to Watch on Thursday: NGC doc looks at development of Mars rover Curiosity

2012 Summer Olympics (NBC) - You can check to see when and where games are playing on the NBC Olympics schedule page. Highlights include track and field, women's diving, men's beach volleyball finals and Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee competing for the decathlon. Tips on watching the Olympic games.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - In the wake of one contender's startling departure, the designers must seamlessly create day-to-evening outfits for women. Hayden Panettiere is the guest judge.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Michael sets up his own arrest by the FBI as part of a plot to take down a Boston mobster. Elsewhere, Jesse and Pearce resort to blackmail to gain information on a gun sale.

Martian Mega Rover (10pm, NGC) - From drawing board to launch pad: Filmmaker Mark Davis documents the development of NASA's Mars rover Curiosity at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, and the November 26, 2011, launch of the craft, which landed on the red planet this week.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - A serial killer is suspected when a missing girl's body is discovered in a ravine, but news of Andy's assault and Gail's abduction turns an already crucial investigation into a rescue mission.

Awkward (10:30pm, MTV) - Jenna is determined to take her relationship with Jake to the next level, but there are obstacles, including her Aunt Aly's wedding, a man from her mom's past, and a scheming Sadie.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie goes shopping with an old friend.

What to Watch on Thursday: Final Phelps-Lochte Olympic duel expected

2012 Summer Olympics (NBC) - You can check to see when and where games are playing on the NBC Olympics schedule page. Highlights today include women's gymnastics, swimming, beach volleyball and rowing. The men's 200IM is expected to include the final duel between Michael Phelps (right) and Ryan 'Diamond Grill' Lochte. More tips on watching the Olympic games.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Sam helps his girlfriend's son out of a bind with a cutthroat loan shark. Elsewhere, Michael and Fiona hunt down the person who sabotaged Michael's last mission.

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - The designers spin out clothes for the Emmy Awards, with former "Project Runway" contestants returning to serve as their clients.

Great Lake Warriors (10pm, History) - A million pounds of cargo are threatened when two storms collide on Lake Michigan, and a captain navigates his way through a graveyard of wrecked ships.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie's day is ruined by a troublesome kid.

Awkward (10:30pm, MTV) - Still reeling from Jake's proclamation of love, Jenna considers sleeping with him, believing sex might bring her some clarity about her own feelings.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Rock Center' previews Olympic games

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Michael gets a lead on Anson and an assassin traps Sam and Barry in a secluded beach house.

Rock Center with Brian Williams (10pm, NBC) - This preview of the 2012 Summer Olympics includes an interview with British filmmaker Danny Boyle, who is directing the opening ceremonies, and a conversation with composer John Williams, writer of "Olympic Fanfare and Theme." Also, Tamron Hall reports on Olympic swimmer (and N.C. State champion) Cullen Jones' (right) mission to stop the high number of African-American children dying in the water, and then a profile of Billy Fiske, an Olympic champion who was killed in World War II. Click below to watch a clip from the Cullen Jones segment. (Photo by Associated Press)

Suits (10pm, USA) - Last week's "Donna" episode was kind of a shocker. Tonight, Jessica encounters a problem while defending the firm, and Harvey and Mike take an unorthodox case in light of Harvey's history with a client.  

3 (10pm, CBS) - Exactly what the world needs: another dating show (and NBC has one coming in the fall!). On this one, three women move into a Chicago home and cameras follow them as they search for a romantic partner. In other "dating show" news, "Take Me Out" on Fox has its Season 1 finale at 8.
 
Kathy Griffin: Seaman 1st Class (10pm, Bravo) - A new stand-up show from the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California.

Awkward (10:30pm, MTV) - As Valentine's Day approaches, Jenna and Tamara get jealous that their exes might be moving on without them.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - The conclusion to last week's episode in which Louie goes on a weird date with a bookstore clerk, played by Parker Posey.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Project Runway' premiere, 'Duets' finale

Duets (8pm, ABC) - A winner is announced in the Season 1 finale, after the professionals and their amateur partners perform one last time.

Project Runway (9am, Lifetime) - A brand new season with 16 new designers begins tonight. Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors all return as judges, and guest judges this season will include Lauren Graham and Patricia Feld. And Tim Gunn is back as mentor, of course.

Saving Hope (9pm, NBC) - Routine surgery takes a nightmarish course when Alex's patient falls into a coma. Before long, Charlie connects with the coma patient in the spirit world.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Michael takes on a gangster with help from an unlikely ally, and Card offers Fiona a deal to become a CIA assett -- an arrangement that would prevent her from being extradited.

Anger Management (9:30pm, FX) - Charlie learns that his new love interest, Lori (Denise Richards), thinks therapy is a scam. Meanwhile, Charlie is asked to counsel one of his patient's mother's angry ghost.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - An alleged psychic aids the search for a missing witness.

Sullivan & Son (10pm, TBS) - The premiere of a new sitcom about a corporate attorney who gives up his job and buys out his family's Pittsburgh-based bar on a whim. Two episodes tonight. Astonishingly not funny.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - In part one of two parts, Louie searches for love with an eccentric bookseller played by Parker Posey.

What to Watch on Thursday: New season of 'Big Brother' and a report on Scientology

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - Sam is kidnapped during a mission in the Everglades with Michael and Jesse. Meanwhile, Fiona gets into trouble with a pair of inmates, but an ally offers assistance in exchange for a favor.

Saving Hope (9pm, NBC) - A seriously injured man under hypnosis can't recall his identity, so a hypnotist is called him to help snap him out of his trance.

Big Brother (9pm, CBS) - The 4th installment begins with 12 new house guests and four returning players who are among the  most successful to ever compete in the house. Twist: the four players from past seasons will play for their own separate prize and not the $500,000 grand prize. Julie Chen (aka Chenbot, left) returns as host.

Rock Center (10pm, NBC) - Kate Snow explores Scientology in a segment that features the views of two former members of the church. The report includes, naturally, a look at Tom Cruise's marriages to and divorces from Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes. You can watch a clip below featuring a former Scientology official who led Cruise through "confessional sessions" during his divorce from Kidman.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - Shaw becomes distraught when his 15-year-old daughter is apprehended as a material witness to the stabbing of a homeless man.

Suits (10pm, USA) - Travis returns to town and takes aim at Harvey, causing trouble that Harvey and Jessica must hide from Daniel. Elsewhere, Louis and Mike become closer as friends, but Louis' paranoia threatens to ruin the new bond.

Wilfred (10pm, FX) - Wilfred becomes embattled with an unlikely foe, forcing Ryan to intervene.

Louie (10:30pm, FX) - Louie takes a stand-up job in Miami and makes a new friend when his beach outing goes awry.
 

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Burn Notice' and 'Suits' back on USA

41 (9pm, HBO) - A documentary executive produced by Jerry Weintraub examines the life of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president. Includes recollections of his childhood, family, World War II service and long career as a public servant. Watch a trailer of "41."

Saving Hope (9pm, NBC) - Alex tries to help a boy with puzzling symptoms while dealing with Charlie's former wife. Elsewhere, a patient declines lifesaving treatment due to religious convictions.

The Other F-Word (9pm, Showtime) - A documentary in which rebellious rock stars, like Jim Lindberg from Pennywise and Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, discuss how the "no rules, no responsibility, in your face, eff you" punk philosophy gels with being a dad. This also sort of doubles as a quick history of American punk rock.

Burn Notice (9pm, USA) - In the Season 6 premiere, Michael pursues Anson in Miami, while Fiona is taken into custody and interrogated by a former foe.

Suits (10pm, USA) - Season 2 returns with Mike excited to close a big case for the firm, but not realizing that Trevor has confronted Jessica. Meanwhile, Jessica's former partner resurfaces, prompting Harvey (Gabriel Macht, right) to reconsider what he's willing to do to protect Mike's secret.

Final Offer (10pm, Discovery) - Photos by Ansel Adams, a rare insect collection, a Tiffany lamp and a dress made famous by Marilyn Monroe are featured.

Rock Center with Brian Williams (10pm, NBC) - Five-time Emmy winner Candice Bergen talks candidly to Harry Smith about dealing with aging and about the stroke she had six years ago -- a stroke she only recently disclosed. Bergen also talks about her role as Murphy Brown, about growing up with a famous wooden puppet for a brother, and her current role in "The Best Man" on Broadway. I'm a sucker for anything with Candice Bergen, so I'm all over this. There's a clip below.

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