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What to Watch on Sunday: Showtime finales and a 'Downton' do-over

Suvivor: South Pacific (8pm, CBS) - Members of the jury interview the final three castaways before voting for the winner. This takes two hours. The winner is announced in the "Survivor Reunion" show at 10pm.

Downton Abbey (8pm, UNC-TV) - UNC-TV begins repeats of one of the best TV shows of the year tonight. If you missed it earlier, set your DVRs right now. Tonight we get the first two episodes of this 4-episode series, which follows the entailment woes of Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville, right), his wife (Elizabeth McGovern, right), their three daughters, and his mother (Maggie Smith). It's way better than I've made it sound here. Just trust me on this one. (Note: episode 3 will air on Dec. 25 and episode 4 will air on Jan. 1. Season 2 begins on Jan. 8.)

Allen Gregory (8:30pm, Fox) - In the series finale, Allen woos Principal Gottlieb with bribery. No second season for this stinker.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - In the sixth season finale, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and the Homicide department try to stop the Doomsday Killers from committing one final murder, while Debra deals with a new emotional situation.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (9pm, ABC) - A vindictive Jack Frost (Martin Short) wreaks havoc at the North pole for Santa (Tim Allen) in the third installment in the "Santa Clause" franchise.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - In the Season 1 finale, a near catatonic Carrie (Claire Danes) is confined to bed as Saul (Mandy Patinkin) puzzles over the unnerving implications of her timeline. Meanwhile, Walker settles on a perch from which to complete his mission, and Brody (Damien Lewis) preps for the vice president's policy summit. Great first season -- so glad it's coming back for a second.

On the Case with Paula Zahn (10pm, Investigation Discovery) - A look at the 2008 murder of Lucy Johnson in Gastonia. The pregnant mother of two was found shot twice in the head in her burning home, and her family and friends pointed police to several possible suspects. The 31-year-old ER nurse was twice divorced and embroiled in a custody battle with an ex-boyfriend. But as the investigation unfolded, police stunned everyone by zeroing in on the most unlikely of targets.

All-American Muslim (10pm, TLC) - Lowe's may not like it, but series goes on. Tonight, the end of the month of Ramadan means Coach Zaban's team is no longer fasting, but their playoff hopes may also be over if they don't win their next game.

'Modern Family' and 'Dexter' get SAG nominations

The Screen Actors Guild announced their annual award nominations this morning and the ABC sitcom "Modern Family" leads the TV category with five nods. Raleigh native Michael C. Hall (left) was nominated for his starring role in "Dexter." Hall won the SAG Award for playing serial killer Dexter Morgan in January 2010. "Dexter" was also nominated today for Best Drama Series Ensemble.

One glaring omission from the SAG list is Showtime's excellent new drama, "Homeland," which is filmed in Charlotte. Claire Danes are Damien Lewis are both terrific in that show. There's always next year.

The SAG Awards Show will be broadcast on January 29, on TBS and TNT.

See more SAG television nominations below:

What to Watch on Sunday: 'Boardwalk Empire' finale and new 'Luck' for HBO

The Christmas Pageant (8pm, Hallmark) - A hot-tempered theater director (Melissa Gilbert) from New York City reluctantly takes a job directing a small-town Christmas pageant. During her stay, she runs into an old flame (Robert Mailhouse) and begins to warm up to the townspeople and their traditions.

Amazing Race (8pm, CBS) - The final three teams finish the race in Atlanta, and one team claims the $1 million prize.

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - Someone in Storybrooke dies while another resident begins to remember the fairy tale past.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter develops a macabre scheme to apprehend the Doomsday Killers.

Real Deal (9pm, History) - Up for grabs tonight: a Harry Houdini autograph and "The Last Waltz" album autographed by Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Features Raleigh auctioneer Jason McCoon, Another episode airs at 9:30.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - In the Season 2 finale, Nucky's trial approaches and a broken Jimmy starts thinking about reconciling with his old mentor. Meanwhile, Margaret mulls an offer from Esther Randolph that will have momentous consequences. Last week's episode was crazy intense (and just plain crazy!), and tonight's season-ender should be as well.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - After the explosion, Saul finds a manic Carrie hospitalized and realizes there may be merit to her wild theories.

Luck (10pm, HBO) - A sneak peek at a new HBO drama series about the world of horse racing, focusing on owners, jockeys, trainers, and gambler. Stars Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, and Dennis Farina.

Hell on Wheels (10pm, AMC) - Durant challenges the Cheyenne to a competition in an effort to bring a halt to ongoing negotiations, while Elam and Cullen try to prevent bloodshed in town.

What to Watch on Sunday: A family crisis on 'The Good Wife'

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - David (aka Prince Charming) must make a choice between Mary Margaret or Kathryn. Last week's backstory on Jiminy Cricket was crazy dark, right? Yikes.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Jimmy recalls his time at college, and Nucky and Margaret discuss how to make the best of a potentially bad situation.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - A routine arbitration turns into a battle between Alicia and Louis Canning (Michael J Fox), but when Alicia's daughter Grace goes missing, she and Louis find they have more in common than they believed. A tense episode with lots of Chris Noth camera time. Jennifer Carpenter ("Dexter") guest stars as Alicia's new client.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter races to identify the Doomsday Killers' next victim, while Debra's surprising reaction to a crime scene makes her wonder if she depends too much on her brother.

Neverland (9pm, Syfy) - A gang of young pickpockets snatches a magical orb that transports them into a fantastical realm in the debut of the miniseries set before Peter Pan met Wendy and Hook became a captain. Part one of two parts.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - Walker's Washington contact is identified by Carrie and Saul, but the target is protected via diplomatic immunity.

All-American Muslim (10pm, TLC) - The Fordson High football team plays its season opener during the holy month of Ramadan, when most of the team is still fasting.

Chef Roblé & Company (10pm, Bravo) - A new culinary reality series based on the experiences of Brooklyn-based chef Roblé Ali as he tries to launch a catering business with this commanding big sister.

What to Watch on Sunday: Bonding with a bunch of turkeys

2011 American Music Awards (8pm, ABC) - Scheduled performers include Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Marc Anthony, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Pitbull, and LMFAO.  Winners for the show are determined by fan voting.

Nature: My Life as a Turkey (8pm, UNC-TV) - "My Life as a Turkey" chonicles a yearlong experiment of naturalist-writer Joe Hutto, portrayed here by wildlife photographer Jeff Palmer, who raised a dozen wild turkey hatchlings to adulthood. For one year deep in the wilds of Florida, Hutto spent each day out and about as a "wild turkey" with his family of chicks, until the day came when he had to let his children grow up and go off on their own -- something that was harder than Hutto ever imagined.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - Glenn becomes the keeper of a pair of secrets (SERIOUSLY -- HOW CAN HE KEEP "THE BARN" A SECRET!?!?), and Andrea develops a new skill and is forced to rely on it during a life-or-death confrontation.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Lessons learned from Brother Sam prove instrumental in Dexter's case, while Debra and Capt. LaGuerta clash over an investigation into the death of a call girl.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - While Carrie and Saul are left reeling by the news that Walker is still alive, the intelligence organizations squabble over how to capture him. The FBI leans toward using the public's help, but Carrie thinks they should use his family to draw him out. Elsewhere, Brody sets out to find a mysterious man who has surprising info about his years as a captive.

Hell on Wheels (10pm, AMC) - An unexpected obstacle impedes Cullen's search for the sergeant, and Durant convenes a search party to track down Lily (and her maps) in the wilderness.

Woody Allen: A Documentary (10:30pm, UNC-TV) - The first part of a two-part documentary by Robert Weide documents the life and career of filmmaker Woody Allen. Part two airs tomorrow night at 10 p.m.

What to Watch on Sunday: 'Once Upon a Time' there was a great new show...

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - A great new show! The destiny of a woman (Jennifer Morrison, "House") unfolds as the only hope for a Maine town where fairytale characters live under a spell, unaware of their true identities. Ginnifer Goodwin (left, "Big Love") plays Snow White. Read my review and then watch it!

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - Rick possibly stumbles upon another safe spot while looking for help for someone injured in their group. Later, Shane heads off on a dangerous mission for medical supplies.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia is forced to rely on testimony from convicted killer Colin Sweeney (Dylan Baker) when the key witness in a case commits suicide. Meanwhile, Eli makes some big political moves on Peter's behalf.

Masterpiece Mysteries: Case Histories (9pm, UNC-TV) - The second episode finds Jackson the lone witness to a possible drowning in the Firth of Forth, but has little to go on beyond the victim's earrings.

Against the Wall (9pm, Lifetime) - Two new episodes close out the first season. In the first episode, Abby and Linda investigate allegations of dangerous hazing at a Chicago police-recruitment facility. In the second episode, the wife of Don's former partner is shot dead and the husband is the chief suspect.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - After introducing a surprise speaker at a Memorial Day event, Nucky senses his opposition starting to crumble. Also, Richard has a soul-searching experience in the woods before going back to work with Jimmy.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Gellar and Travis' latest disturbing tableau has Dexter questioning matters of faith. Meanwhile, Homicide uncovers that the killings are motivated by religion, and Debra gives her first press briefing.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - Political powers make big plans to promote Brody as a national hero, but erratic behavior on his part threatens his media image.

What to Watch on Sunday: Mysteries, histories, and zombies

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - In tonight's 90-minute Season 2 premiere, Rick and the group leave Atlanta and encounter a zombie threat on a highway, the likes of which they have never seen. Shortly after, the group must search for a missing person. Here's my full review of tonight's episode.

Masterpiece Mystery: Case Histories (9pm, UNC-TV) - The first of three "Case Histories" adapted from the popular Kate Atkinson novels finds Edinburgh, Scotland, private investigator Jackson Brodie (Jason Isaacs, left) looking into a 30-year-old missing persons case, investigating the murder of a young woman, and locating the niece of a seductress.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia takes a pro bono case in which a witness becomes the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Will and Diane plot the firm's direction and their futures.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Philadelphia gangsters may prove to be more important middlemen for rival factions to get booze into and out of Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Nucky's lawyer hatches an idea to expand the scope of his election-fraud case, and Chalky still feels like a prisoner, even though he's out of jail.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - A serial killer from Dexter's past makes a shocking reappearance, and Debra has problems settling into her new job.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - An exclusive television interview will thrust the Brody family into the national spotlight, unless Dana pulls off her plan to sidetrack the whole bogus process. Elsewhere, Carrie's embedded operative in Prince Farid's camp gets trapped in a chilling situation.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - A last-minute change sends the crew to exotic Rangoon, where Maggie takes Laura under her wing, showing her the wilder side of the city.

What to Watch on Sunday: Ken Burns' 'Prohibition' and Showtime premieres

Prohibition (8pm, UNC-TV) - Part 1 of Ken Burns' three-part history of the prohibition era (1920-33) opens with the start of the temperance movement in the 19th century under the stewarship of such leaders as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances Willard and Carry Nation. Also, the Anti-Saloon League, which pushed for a constitutional amendment that would ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol. Timing for this is great, with the popularity now of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire."

The Hunt for the I-5 Killer (8pm, Lifetime) - A movie based on the true story of a detective (John Corbett) who connects numerous murders and sexual assaults along Interstate 5, which runs through California, Washington, and Oregon.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia navigates the finer points of English law when she tries a civil case in a British court via satellite and goes up against a queen's councilman, played by Eddie Izzard.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Things are getting crazy and tonight's episode is a real adreneline kick. A homebound Hank leans on Gomez to explore one final lead on Gus, as Walt scrambles to protect his family. Meanwhile, Jesse gets some disturbing news and races to confront Walt. Next week's episode is the season finale and I can't even make a guess about what might happen. Is this the greatest television show ever?

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Despite being publicly embarrassed by legal trouble, Nucky's biggest concern may be holding on to his private army in the battle for control over Atlantic City.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - In the sixth season premiere, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) shows up at his 20th high school reunion with the intention of confronting the former prom king. Elsewhere, an investigation into a heinous murder with religious overtones leads Dexter to ponder spiritual matters and wonder about his son's legacy. And an unexpected situation results in Debra becoming a hero. More info on Season 6 and tonight's episode.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - In the pilot for this new political thriller (filmed in Charlotte), a marine (Damian Lewis) is rescued after eight years as a POW in Afghanistan returns home a war hero. But CIA operative (Claire Danes) suspects he may actually be an enemy agent with a connection to Al Qaeda and part of a plan to commit a terrorist act on U.S. soil. Here's my review.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - Kate and Laura are surprised when their mom boards the plane on a flight headed to Paris. Meanwhile, Maggie deals with the unwanted attentions of an aggressive passenger, and Dean tries to track down some leads on Bridget.

Hung (10pm, HBO) - In the Season 3 premiere, Ray and Tanya get creative to find financing when they hatch an idea to relaunch a proven product. Watch the Season 3 trailer.

How to Make it in America (10:30pm, HBO) - In the second season premiere, Ben and Cam look for a way to market their CRISP attire in New York after a promising debut in Tokyo. If you need to get in the mood, a special mixtape for the show is streaming here.

'Dexter' ponders a higher power in Season 6 premiere

Season 6 of Showtime's "Dexter" returns tonight with a fresh and freaky theme and a compelling new list of guest stars.

I don't think I'll ever get tired of this show. Even when I think I've grown ambivalent, it only takes one episode to pull me back into serial killer Dexter Morgan's (Michael C. Hall) tense and exhausting life of baby-raising, blood spatter analysis, and bad guy-killing.

The new season adds Colin Hanks and Edward James Olmos as religious zealots who are trying to ... actually, I watched three episodes and I'm still not sure what they are trying to do, but they are most definitely up to no good.

Also in the cast this season is Mos Def, who is credited on the show simply as Mos (when did that happen?). Mos plays Brother Sam, an ex-con who has supposedly found religion, but Dexter is skeptical. Is Brother Sam "tending his flock" to keep them out of trouble or running some kind of scam? (The part brings to mind Walton Goggins as Boyd in FX's "Justified.")

What to Watch on Sunday: 'Dexter' and 'Amazing Race' finales

Amazing Race (8pm, CBS) - The final three teams race to the finish line to claim the $1 million top prize.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - After Homer is jailed on New Year's Eve for bribery, he agrees to go undercover as an informant against mobster Fat Tony (voiced by Joe Mantegna) to reduce his sentence. Jon Hamm does the voice of the FBI investigator.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - In the fifth-season finale, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) smells a trap being set for him and Lumen (Julia Stiles, left) and pulls out all the stops in an effort to avoid getting caught in it. Elsewhere, personal feelings get in the way of Debra's investigation into the Barrel Girls, and Quinn gets in a bind from which only Dexter can extricate him.

Wishful Drinking (9pm, HBO) - Carrie Fisher's autobigraphical stage production chronicles her life in and out of show business as the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds. Here's our review.

Hot in Cleveland (9pm, TV Land) - Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, and Wendie Malick look back at the best moments (and bloopers) of their inaugural season. They also preview Season 2, which begins in January.

Marry Me (9pm, Lifetime) - In part one of a two-part movie, a social worker (Lucy Liu) with aspirations of a fairy-tale romance is torn between three suitors, all of whom propose to her. Steven Pasquale and Bobby Cannavale also star. Adrienne reviews it.

Sarah Palin's Alaska (9pm, TLC) - Palin takes fellow reality star Kate Gosselin and her brood on a camping trip.

Brothers & Sisters (10pm, ABC) - The Walkers are without their matriarch for Christmas when Nora takes off for a last-minute vacation with Karl. Meanwhile, Saul runs into a former lover (Richard Chamberlain).

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