Live from Lincoln Center: Bernstein and Gershwin (8pm, UNC-TV) - A New Year's Eve gala with the New York Philharmonic, music director Alan Gilbert and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet features works by Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin.

New Year's Rockin' Eve: 40th Anniversary Party (8pm, ABC) - Jenny McCarthy and Fergie celebrate 40 years of "Rockin' Eve" history.

New Year's Eve with Carson Daly (10pm, NBC) - Carson Daly hosts with scheduled performances from Drake, Jessie J, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green, the Roots, and Tony Bennett. Also, a comedy performance by Jimmy Fallon, a 2011 music recap by Brian Williams, and sideline reports from J.B. Smoove. Those last three names mean this is the one I'm probably watching.

Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve ... (10pm, ABC) - The full title of this show is a paragraph long, but it's just the usual New Year's show with Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest (mostly Seacrest). From Times Square in New York with performers Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Pitbull, Florence and the Machine, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Beyonce, and many more.

New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin (11pm, CNN) - Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin host CNN's coverage, which has reporters in New York, Key West, and Nashville.

American Country New Year's Eve Live (11pm, Fox) - New Year's from Las Vegas with performances by Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, and Toby Keith.

Coldplay New Year's Eve: An Austin City Limits Special (11pm, UNC-TV) - Coldplay plays old hits and songs from their 2011 album "Mylo Xyloto."

All American New Year (11pm, Fox News) - All Americans, all the time! Look for Americans Trace Adkins and Big & Rich.

Note: It looks like the NBC and ABC shows take a break at 11 p.m. for local news and then resume at 11:30. WRAL's 11 o'clock newscast will run until 12:05 a.m. to cover the dropping of the acorn in downtown Raleigh.

RED FLAG WARNING: Shark Week begins tonight!
 

Same Name (9pm, CBS) - This might actually be really interesting: Comedian Kathy Griffin trades places with a working mother from Fayetteville, Georgia.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - Sookie hunts for Jason under a full moon while Arlene and Terry wonder about the cause of a strange fire. Also, Eric gives in to a higher authority and Marnie has contact with her supernatural predecessors.

Masterpiece Mystery: Zen (9pm, UNC-TV) - Zen is assigned to the kidnapping of a wealthy industrialist and political party funder whom the Ministry of Justice wants returned alive at any cost.

Bachelorette: The Men Tell All (9pm, ABC) - Six rejected bachelors gather to confront Ashley and each other, and comment on the behavior of Bentley. I guess that means Bentley was smart enough not to show his face there.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Jesse's downward spiral continues and things at his house begin to get out of control. Also, Skyler reluctantly decides she better call Saul for help with the car wash, Marie reverts back to an old habit, and Hank hears from an old friend who needs help.

Heidi Fleiss: Prostitutes to Parrots (10pm, Animal Planet) - A profile of former "Hollywood Madam" Heidi Fleiss as she tries to maintain legitimate business interests, stay sober, and care for her menagerie of exotic birds.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - Larry challenges the rules of dating and rethinks a decision regarding a new workplace neighbor.

Against the Wall (10pm, Lifetime) - A new pilot about Chicago Internal Affairs detective Abby Kowalski (Rachael Carpani) who investigates crimes in the department. In the opener, Abby, a beat cop, accepts a promotion to detective in IA, which doesn't sit well with her family of cops. Also stars Kathy Baker and Treat Williams. Here's Adrienne's review.

Falling Skies (10pm, TNT) - Weaver turns more and more erratic, stirring up trouble while on a reconnaissance mission with Tom and Hal. Meanwhile, Pope constructs a potent weapon and Anne makes a startling discovery while performing an autopsy on a Skitter cadaver.

Marriage Ref (10pm, NBC) - Maybe worth tuning in for just to hear JB Smoove and Larry Miller goof on the couples' disputes. Rachael Ray is also a judge.

Community (8pm, NBC) - After a few weeks of reruns, new NBC sitcoms are back tonight (except for 'The Office,' which is still a repeat). On 'Community,' Annie plans a baby shower for Shirley, who is desperate to keep Senor Chang at a distance. Elsewhere, a new guy in Britta's life offers a glimpse into his dark past through his poetry. Also noteworthy, 'Parks & Recreation' (9:30pm). The fate of the Parks Department rests on the success of the Harvest Festival (depicted at left), which is plagued by last minute problems, including a Wamapoke tribal leader who threatens to put a curse on the event. Also, Susan Sarandon shows up on '30 Rock.'

American Idol (8pm, Fox) - One singer is eliminated. The Black Eyed Peas and former Idol Lee DeWyze perform.

Destination Truth: Live from Ireland - Search for the Banshee Ghost (8pm, Syfy) - Josh and the team go to Ireland's Duckett's Grove Castle in search of a banshee, a supernatural being said to wail within a dwelling before someone inside is going to die.

Kathy Griffin: 50 and Not Pregnant (9pm, Bravo) - Comedian Kathy Griffin bashes celebs in a Milwaukee stand-up show.

Fairly Legal (10pm, USA) - Kate's engaged friend arranges for a prenup, but the woman's father remains suspicious of her finance. Kate decides to investigate and uncovers something surprising.

Archer (10pm, FX) - Sterling has breast cancer. But before his surgery, he tries to bond with young Seamus, even though he isn't actually the baby's father. Also on his bucket list: a Vegas vacation.

Glee (8pm, Fox) - The glee kids face stiff competition from the Warblers and Aural Intensity (coached by Sue Sylvester) at the Regionals, so to impress judges Tammy Jean Albertson (Kathy Griffin, left) and Sister Mary Constance (Loretta Devine), they decide to perform original material. 'Glee' spoilers indicate Griffin will play a "Sarah Palin-inspired character," whatever that means.

V (9pm, ABC) - In the Season 2 finale, Erica and Diana try to get Lisa to usurp Anna before she decimates humanity, but the attempted coup yields devastating results.

Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? (9pm, WeTV) - Joan considers removing Lynne from her updated in the Season 1 finale. Meanwhile, Melissa vists her doctor to investigate strange stomach pains, and Jason makes an announcement.

Detroit 1-8-7 (10pm, ABC) - While the slaying of a young graffiti artist is investigated, Fitch's ex-wife brings his 12-year-old son (Michael Imperioli's son Vadim Imperioli) -- and some shocking news -- to Detroit.

The Game (10pm, BET) - Malik plans to end his affair with Parker, and Tasha's lie about her relationship with Dante is exposed.

Lights Out (10pm, FX) - Lights' setback wins him little sympathy from either Death Row Reynolds or Barry Word. Meanwhile, Theresa makes a career decision as her graduation from medical school approaches.

NAACP Image Awards (8pm, Fox) - Wayne Brady and Holly Robinson Peete host the 42nd annual gala, which honors achievements in the arts by people of color. Tyler Perry leads the field with 19 nominations. General Colin Powell (left) receives the President's Award for public service in the cause of civil rights. Fayetteville, N.C., native Affion Crockett is scheduled to appear.

Who Do You Think You Are (8pm, CBS) - Lionel Richie tracks his family history, focusing on his maternal grandmother's ancestry.

The Defenders (8pm, CBS) - Nick and Pete defend the son of a hotel owner who is accused of strangling a casino host in a hot tube. Meanwhile, a comic (Kathy Griffin) is sued for insulting an audience member.

Supernatural (9pm, CW) - Sam and Dean search for a deadly monster created by the Mother of All and are assisted in their hunt by Bobby and Samuel.

Ricky Gervais Show (9pm, HBO) - Topics include Karl's ideal height, a poem from Karl's diary about a bout with kidney stones, and Stephen's evening at a club in London.

Real Time with Bill Maher (10pm, HBO) - Guests are T.C. Boyle, Gloria Steinem, Gavin Newsom, Ezra Klein.

Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On (9pm, HBO) - Bette Midler performs in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, accompanied by singing trio the Staggering Harlettes, the dancing Caesar Salad Girls, and a 13-piece band.

Tom Arnold: That's My Story and I'm Sticking To It (9pm, Showtime) - Tom Arnold, most famous for his marriage to and divorce from Roseanne Barr, performs a new stand-up set talking about his path from Iowa to Hollywood, his four marriages, and the friends he's made while working on more than 70 movies and TV shows.

Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest (10pm, ABC) - Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest host from Times Square in New  York City with correspondent Jenny McCarthy, while Fergie hosts in Los Angeles. Performers include Ke$ha, Taio Cruz, Willow Smith, and Train.

New Year's Eve with Carson Daly (10pm, NBC) - Carson Daly rings in 2011 with Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and My Chemical Romance.

New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin (11pm, CNN) - Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin host coverage from Times Square and across the country. This telecast is usually the one to watch if you want to see Kathy Griffin say inappropriate things on live television.

WRAL News (11pm, WRAL) - WRAL will have an extended news broadcast tonight to cover the dropping of the giant acorn in downtown Raleigh. And they'll have a special in-studio guest answering questions from viewers: North Carolinian Jane Bright, a contestant on this past season's "Survivor: Nicaragua." 

One Tree Hill (8pm, CW) - Brooke attempts to bond with her future mother-in-law while Julian searches for his best man. Meanwhile, Skills arrives back in town and Nathan faces problems with his new career.

Election coverage (9pm) - Election coverage begins at 9pm on NBC and Fox, 9:30pm on ABC, and 10pm on CBS. Of course, on the cable news networks (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CSPAN, etc), coverage will be wall-to-wall. For non-election programming, get over to cable.

Kathy Griffin: Whores on Crutches (10pm, Bravo) - Comedian Kathy Griffin's latest stand up special filmed in Temecula, California. Her targets: Bristol Palin on "Dancing with the Stars," her exchanges with Elizabeth Hasselbeck on "The View," and her mother's red carpet experience at the Emmys.

Running Russell Simmons (10pm, Oxygen) - A new reality series following hip hop and fashion mogul Russell Simmons and his band of assistants as they help manage his business dealings, family life, and party planning.

Sons of Anarchy (10pm, FX) - SAMCRO club members set out on a protection run unlike any they have been on before.

HawthoRNe (9pm, TNT) - Tom recuperates from his car accident injuries but still faces surgery, and a sick child makes a wish to meet a famous athlete. Former NBA star John Salley makes an appearance.

Make It or Break It (9pm, ABC Family) - The gym presents its coveted Rocky Awards and Lauren wants to win Miss Congeniality so badly she stoops to dirty tactics.

Deadliest Catch (9pm, Discovery) - Josh tells the other crews about the passing of his dad, Captain Phil Harris. There's a separate tribute to Capt. Phil at 10pm.

Covert Affairs (10pm, USA) - Annie's new girl status has her stuck doing the undesirable jobs in the office, until she gets a tip about an active IRA cell in the U.S. that will go to great lengths to remain hidden.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (10pm, Bravo) - Last week Kathy went to Washington to speak out for gays in the military by calling Rep. Jim Clyburn "a big queen" (she was joking; he's not). Tonight, in an effort to raise awareness of women's health issues, Kathy gets a public pap smear. Joy Behar is featured (hopefully in a separate segment).

Louie (11pm, FX) - Louis C.K. goes on the road, playing club dates in the South. Here we go.

Hell's Kitchen (8pm, Fox) - The remaining chefs compete in a blind taste test, then must devise their own menus for the first dinner service. For the second dinner service, Chef Ramsey combines the teams.

Law & Order: Criminal Intent (9pm, NBC) - L&O:CI wraps up their season tonight with two new back-to-back episodes. In the first episode, an up-and-coming boxer's career tanks when his involvement in a dogfighting ring is discovered by police, and then his partner turns up dead. In the finale episode (10pm), Nichols turns to his famous psychologist father, played by F. Murray Abraham, for help sorting through three suspects implicated in the murder of a real estate agent.

Deadliest Catch (9pm, Discovery) - Capt. Phil Harris fights for his life as his sons clash.

Warehouse 13 (9pm, Syfy) - In the second season premiere, McPherson absconds with his prize from the warehouse's bronze sector, a car crash puts Mrs. Frederic in the hospital, and Pete and Myka set off for London to gather clues about McPherson's scheme.

Keep reading for more good stuff...

Biography: Andy Griffith (8pm, Bio) - The BIO channel salutes "The Andy Griffith Show" tonight starting with the Andy Griffith "Biography" episode at 8, and then an "Andy Griffith Retrospective" at 9pm, in which Andy and the cast reminisce about working on the classic sitcom. At 10pm, is the Don Knotts "Biography" episode. BIO is channel 266 or 1266 (HD) on Time Warner Cable.

Deadliest Catch (9pm, Discovery) - At the end of last week's very emotional episode, Capt. Phil Harris suffered a stroke in his stateroom and was discovered by the crew. That story resumes tonight as Capt. Phil is flown to Anchorage for medical treatment.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (10pm, Bravo) - Kathy goes to Wasilla, Alaska, to hang out with Levi Johnston.

Rescue Me (10pm, FX) - Season 6 begins tonight in the aftermath of Tommy's shooting, which he obviously survives. But things aren't looking good for Tommy (Denis Leary, right), who is still a pretty miserable human being (why do people watch this show!?!?!). Those around him try to keep him on the right path, but you can tell they wonder if he's even worth it. Also, budget cuts combined with constant bad publicity threaten the future Truck 62.

Louie (11pm, FX) - Comedian Louis C.K. debuts his very funny (and pretty R-rated) new sitcom tonight, but unlike his HBO sitcom ("Lucky Louie"), the off-color stuff is well balanced with the comedy. Still, it's definitely not for everyone. Read our review.