Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The second season opens during World War I with Matthew and Thomas in the trenches in France, and Robert and William longing to join the action. Also, Mary struggles with her feelings for Matthew when he returns from the war and attends a concert at the estate with a new companion.

The Firm (9pm, NBC) - NBC's newest drama series is based on the John Grisham novel and motion picture "The Firm," but set ten years after the action in the original work. In tonight's premiere, Mitchell McDeer (Josh Lucas, right) and his family work to reclaim their lives after ten years in the Witness Protection Program. Also stars Juliette Lewis ("Cape Fear"), Tricia Helfer ("Battlestar Galactica"), Molly Parker ("Deadwood"), Callum Keith Rennie ("The Killing"), and Shaun Majumder ("Detroit 187").

Shameless (9pm, Showtime) - In the Season 2 premiere, Fiona lands a job tending bar at a popular local joint and meets a new guy. Meanwhile, Frank uses his son Liam as collateral for a gambling debt. And that is why I can't make myself like this show.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - A couple whose divorce was overseen by Lockhart/Gardner brings a multimillion dollar lawsuit against the firm after the pair accuse them of encouraging their breakup for financial gain. F. Murray Abraham guest stars.

House of Lies (10pm, Showtime) - A new dark comedy about a top-dollar management consultant and his ethically challenged team. In the premiere episode, the consultants head to NY with a plan to help bankers justify their big bonuses while their customers suffer from a financial crisis the bankers helped cause. I'm not sold, but here's my review. Stars Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell.

Californication (10:30pm, Showtime) - Season 5 opens a after the end of Season 4, with Hank living in New York but hoping to relocate. He may get his chance when Charlie invites him to LA to write a screenplay for a project starring a rapper-turned-actor. In LA, he meets up with Karen and her new husband, and meets Becca's new boyfriend.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The conclusion of the first season reveals a surprising possible heir alternative to Matthew, and Mary meddles in Edith's romantic plans. Season 2 starts next week!

Leverage (9pm, TNT) - The sting is on when Nate's high-tech squad infiltrates the cash-for-gold industry. They zero in on a crooked brother-and-sister team by leading them through an intricate treasure hunt.

Angry Boys (10pm, HBO) - Australian comedian Chris Lilley plays six characters in this mockumentary series about the lives of 21st century males, which opens on a farm with twins and a guard at a youth detention center. A second new episode airs at 10:30. Check out the "Angry Boys" trailer. (Note: A marathon of Lilley's 2008 series "Summer Heights High" begins at 6 p.m. on HBO2).

Hell on Wheels (10pm, AMC) - Elam and Cullen are assigned a mission of vengeance by Durant. Meanwhile, Lily tries to settle in at the settlement. This show just got renewed for a second season.

Finding Bigfoot (10pm, Animal Planet) - In the Season 2 premiere, the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization team head to New York to check out reports of a baby Bigfoot based on video evidence taken in the forest.

Chef Roble & Co (10pm, Bravo) - Chef Roble presides over two overblown events in the Hamptons. One is a dog wedding and the other is a naked-statue unveiling featuring a medieval twist and a full-size pig roast.

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade (10am, ABC) - Scotty McCreery, Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, and Christina Aguilera headline this holiday extravaganza at Disney's Florida and California theme parks.

The Polar Express (8pm, ABC Family) - The animated story of an 8-year-old boy who's whisked to the North Pole by a mysterious train conductor. Features the voices of Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8pm, ABC) - The animated Dr. Seuss tale abut the Whos and the evil Grinch with a plan to steal their beloved Christmas holiday. Boris Karloff narrates.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (8:30pm, ABC) - The live-action version of the original classic, starring Jim Carrey as the coldhearted Grinch trying to thwart Whoville's Christmas celebration.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (9pm, Disney) - Don't get excited, it's the 2005 remake with Johnny Depp, not the 1971 Gene Wilder classic. But it's still not bad.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - In part 3 of 4 parts, the rivalry between Mary and Edith reaches a fever pitch, and Thomas and O'Brien plot against Mr. Bates while Anna's fondness for him grows.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (10pm, ABC Family) - Family man Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) tries for a fun-filled family Christmas at home, but things don't work out quite the way he hopes.

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.

Rogue Justice (8pm, CNN) - A new documentary examining trouble in the North Carolina state justice system. This repeats at 11pm.

Screen Actors Guild Awards (8pm, TNT and TBS) - Outstanding film and TV performances are honored in the 17th annual gala from Los Angeles. Ernest Borgnine will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. And for you sensitive types, no snarky Brits will be hosting.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The conclusion of the first season of this excellent Masterpiece Theatre series finds a surprising heir alternative to Matthew (Dan Stevens, right) coming to the fore. Also, Sybil's secret political life causes her harm, Anna investigates Mr. Bates' past while in London with Mrs. Patmore, Mary meddles with Edith's romantic plans, and Thomas plans his exit strategy.

Big Love (9pm, HBO) - Christmas becomes a trying time for the Henricksons in the face of shocking disclosures from Barb, Margene, and Adaleen. Meanwhile, Cara Lynn digs deeper into the disappearance of her father, and Lura goes to extremes to avoid Alby's purification measures at Juniper Creek.

The Lost Valentine (9pm, CBS) - A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie about a dogged TV reporter (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who finds her own love life changed when she profiles a World War II widow (Betty White) who continues to honor the memory of her Navy pilot husband 65 years after he was declared missing in action. Also stars Billy Magnussen, a 2007 graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts. See our review.

Californication (9pm, Showtime) - Hank learns from his attorney that his statutory rape case is going to trial. Meanwhile, Karen and Marcy buy a home-pregnancy test to see if Marcy is with child.

Episodes (9:30pm, Showtime) - Beverly and Sean rescue a drunken Matt from a bar outside of LA and attempt to shield him from the paparazzi.

NFL Playoffs - We usually leave the sports programming to the sports pages, but these games are big. At 3pm on Fox, the NFC Championship game pits the Bears vs. the Packers. Then at 6:30pm on CBS, the AFC game has the Jets vs. the Steelers. That means a lot of repeats on the broadcast networks tonight.

The Simpsons/Bob's Burgers/etc (8pm, Fox) - Except on Fox, where they hope you'll stick around for new episodes after the NFC game. On "The Simpsons," Homer learns about parenting from a 1980s sitcom. James Lipton and David Mamet have voice cameos. On "Bob's Burgers," a documentary filmmaker tries to make a statement by leaving a live cow outside the burger joint, but Bob treats the cow like part of the family. "Family Guy" and "Cleveland Show" are also new.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - I find myself waiting all week for the next installment in this excellent Masterpiece Theatre series. Tonight, in part 3 of 4, the rivalry between Mary and Edith reaches a fever pitch, and Thomas and O'Brien plot against poor Mr. Bates while Anna's (and my) fondness for him grows.

Big Love (9pm, HBO) - Now that his private life is public, Bill tries to bring more polygamists into the open. Ellen Burstyn guest stars.

Californication (9pm, Showtime) - Hank is pleasantly surprised when Karen invites him to stay with her following his accidental overdose, and Becca is invited to join a band. "Episodes" is after this at 9:30.

Shameless (10pm, Showtime) - The family must come up with a plan when the feds come searching for "Aunt Ginger," whose social security checks are getting cashed in town despite the fact that she supposedly lives in another state. Also, Ian angers the brothers of a girl whose advances he rejects.

Golden Globe Awards (8pm, NBC) - Maybe the best awards show of the season, mostly because the attendees sometimes get a little drunk before making their speeches. In addition to awards in movies and television, Robert DeNiro will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Raleigh native Michael C. Hall (left) is nominated for his starring role in "Dexter" (Hall won the award last year). Hosted by Ricky Gervais, who promises after tonight, the Globes will never invite him back. We'll be live-blogging here, so check in.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - In part two (of four) of this excellent Masterpiece series, Mary continues to entertain suitors, including a Turkish diplomat. Also, much to his dismay, the former life of Mr. Carson is revealed, and Mr. Bates risks his health in order to keep his post as valet.

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - Lynette tries to stop her mom (Polly Bergen) from marrying an odious man (Larry Hagman). Also, Bree learns some trouble things from Keith's ex-girlfriend, Carlos worries about Gaby's obsession with a doll, and Susan befriends a depressed and curmudgeonly dialysis patient.

Californication (9pm, Showtime) - Hank's efforts to mend things with Becca by taking her to a guitar store run by musican Zakk Wylde fail. Hank later takes a meeting with Oscar-winning actor Rick (Rob Lowe, doing his best Brad Pitt), who is set to play him in the film of his novel.

Big Love (9pm, HBO) - In the fifth season premiere, which picks up in the ugly aftermath of Bill's election victory and his revelation of polygamy, the Henrickson family suffers indignities and scorn wherever they go. Also, Alby returns to Juniper Creek from his exile in the desert.

Episodes (9:30pm, Showtime) - Sean and Beverly are wined and dined at Merc's elegant house party, and Sean is flattered by a very smooth Matt LeBlanc. Matt also flirts a little with Beverly, who discovers too late that it's better to be on the star's good side than be his enemy.

Ted Haggard: Scandalous (10pm, TLC) - TLC continues its examination of the sordid with a profile of disgraced pastor Ted Haggard, founder of Colorado's New Life Church who left the ministry in 2006 following a sex and drugs scandal. The TLC show follows Haggard as he tries to start a new life and new church.

Denis Leary & Friends: Douchebags and Donuts (10pm, Comedy Central) - Leary performs at New York City's Town Hall with help from comedians Whitney Cummings, Lenny Clarke, and Adam Ferrara.

Bob's Burgers (8:30pm, Fox) - A new animated series about a family man who opens a burger joint. Read Adrienne's review here.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The "Masterpiece" season premiere features the engrossing four-part drama that begins in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanic   punctures the succession plans of Lord Grantham, the father of three daughters, and inspires his wife (Elizabeth McGovern) and mother (Maggie Smith) to push him to separate his title from his estate, which are legally entailed to pass only to a man.

The Cape (9pm, NBC) - The pilot of a weak new action drama from NBC about an ex-cop (David Lyons) who takes on a superhero persona and fights crime.

Californication (9pm, Showtime) - Season 4 finds Hank getting bailed out of jail and discovering he's the toast of the town thanks to his involvement in the literary sex scandal. On the downside, he's facing a lawsuit and Karen and Becca want nothing to do with him.

Episodes (9:30pm, Showtime) - The premiere of a new sitcom which stars former "Friends" star Matt LeBlanc as himself, landing a role in a sitcom and hoping to make a comeback. British comedy veterans Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig, who play the married screenwriting team, are wonderful. Definitely check it out (read more in our review).

Shameless (10pm, Showtime) - A strange new drama (?) with William H. Macy as a shiftless alcoholic who lets his six motherless children fend for themselves while he drinks away all their money and treats them like crap. Here's my conflicted, somewhat rambling review.

Louis C.K.: Hilarious (10pm, Comedy Central) - Louis C.K.'s latest stand-up act offers reflections on his divorce and life as a single father in his forties.