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What to Watch on Wednesday: Finales for 'Modern Family,' 'L&O:SVU' and others

MasterChef (8pm, Fox) - Season 4 begins with amateur cooks representing 26 states (including ours!) arriving in Los Angeles for a chance to impress judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Eliot, who rate signature dishes based on flavor, creativity and presentation. Tune in to see Shaun Jay, a local magician who works at Casa San Carlo restaurant in Raleigh. Or head down to the restaurant and watch along with him!

The Middle (8pm, ABC) - In the fourth season finale, Axl gets ready to graduate but dodges Frankie's questions about a party, creating friction between them. Also, Sue takes her driving test for the sixth time.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - In the Season 4 finale, the Pritchett clan join Phil in Florida after his mother passes away, but his grief takes a backseat to his surprise at her dying wish. Meanwhile Mitchell helps Gloria deal with a legal problem, and Cameron warms up to a group of elderly women in Frank's retirement community.

Criminal Minds (9pm, CBS) - The eighth season closes out with two new episodes in which The Replicator returns and targets a member of the BAU and Hotch's estranged brother is caught in the middle of the investigation into a string of drug overdoses.

Law & Order: SVU (9pm, NBC) - In the 14th season finale, a man exposes himself in a park and is arrested, but it turns out to be more than a routine arrest. The mysterious criminal hides his true identity and outwits the detectives, eventually putting Benson's life in jeopardy.

Nashville (10pm, NBC) - In the Season 1 finale, Rayna performs at the CMA Awards with Brad Paisley, but the night may not end well as Deacon confronts her about a buried secret. Meanwhile, Juliette finds a revealing letter from her mom, and Gunnar tries to win back Scarlett.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Season 1 concludes with the squad facing a dangerous, unstable situation at Cook County Jail. Also, Hermann's wife goes into labor, while Dawson and Mills deal with major decisions.

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'Supernatural' and 'Arrow' close out seasons

Arrow (8pm, CW) - Season one ends with Oliver and Diggle trying to stop the Dark Archer from carrying out his vengeance on the Glades. Meanwhile, Thea races to find Roy and inadvertently puts herself in danger from Malcolm's evil plan.

American Idol (8pm, Fox) - The final two singers battle for the title in part one of the two-part season finale. Tune in tomorrow night for the winner.

Supernatural (9pm, CW) - Season 8 ends with Crowley (Mark Sheppard) poised to undo all the good that Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) have accomplished as hunters. But the Winchester brothers try one final play against the Demon King.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Phil hopes his new RV will be the perfect vehicle for a family road trip, but Claire lets her husband find out for himself why it might not be such a good idea.

Psych (10pm, USA) - Shawn and Gus go undercover at a radio station to investigate the murder of their favorite DJ.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Lamar takes Rayna's side against Teddy concerning the girls, and Jolene attempts to help Juliette.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Oh Casey. Casey, Casey, Casey. We are all so sorry, bro. You made us cry last week. But now it's time for some justice. Go on and team up with the Intelligence Unit to avenge Hallie's death, even though it's headed by your enemy, Sgt. Voight.

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'L&O: SVU' gets a hand from 'Criminal Intent' detective

Arrow (8pm, CW) - With the Undertaking only days away, Malcolm dons his black hood to conclude business with seismologist Dr. Brion Markov and his team.

Nature: The Private Life of Deer (8pm, UNC-TV) - Night-vision cameras and GPS tracking equipment provide glimpses into the lives of white-tailed deer, of which some 30 million live in the U.S.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Mitch's ex-boyfriend Teddy (a successful doctor) invites the Pritchett clan to a fundraiser at a roller rink, where Phil gives Gloria skating lessons. Haley gives Alex tips on meeting boys and Cam tries to act relaxed.

Law & Order: SVU (9pm, NBC) - A sniper attacks the NYPD twice, and the shootings appear to be linked to one of Fin's old cases in narcotics. Fin contacts his former partner and Lt. Eames (Kathryn Erbe from "Law & Order: Criminal Intent") assists with the investigation. NBC didn't have any photos of Erbe from tonight's episode, so this is Detective Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Detective Amaro (Danny Pino) being shot at by snipers.

Secrets of the Dead: Death on the Railroad (10pm, UNC-TV) - An investigation into the 1832 deaths of 57 Irish laborers who were laying railroad tracks in Pennsylvania. Cholera was blamed at the time, but modern forensic science sheds light on what really happened.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Both Rayna and Juliette score CMA award nominations so Edgehill Records throws them a party. Meanwhile, tension mounts between Gunnar and Will.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Severide pushes back in the criminal case against him, antagonizing Chief Boden and gaining an unlikely ally in the process.

What to Watch on Wednesday: Season finales for 'Whitney' and 'The Neighbors'

Whitney (8pm, NBC) - Two back-to-back episodes close out Season 2 tonight. In the first episode, Whitney asks Alex to be Lily's male pal. In the season finale, Whitney catches sight of her psychiatrist frantically eating a birthday cake by herself, and confronts her.

The Neighbors (8:30pm, ABC) - In the Season 1 finale, the Weavers take the Bird-Kersees to Atlantic City, where Marty is amazed to find out that Larry Bird can count -- and see through -- cards, and Jackie expresses a desire for a human wedding. Meanwhile, back home, Dick Butkus gets an ominous call from his grandfather, played by George Takei, left. Will the Zabvronians have to go back home? (Please, no.) "The Middle," "Modern Family" and "Suburgatory" are all new tonight.

Nova: Meteor Strike (9pm, UNC-TV) - "Nova" crews and impact scientists head to Siberia to search for debris from the Feb. 15, 2013 meteor strike in order to ascertain the meteor's origin and makeup.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Rayna appears on Katie Couric's talk show to discuss her failed marriage. Meanwhile, Deacon becomes enamored with his dog's veterinarian.

Southland (10pm, TNT) - John desperately tries to save Hicks while facing dark truths from his own past. Also, Sammy is haunted by a lie he told, Lydia and Ruben search for a John Doe, and Ben takes his relationship with Elena to the next level (which I can only assume means he breaks up with his girlfriend so that he's not two-timing both women).

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'American Idol' returns with new judges

Arrow (8pm, CW) - Oliver loses confidence in himself and tries to take a step back from his heroic adventures, but Laurel needs his help looking into a firefighter's death.

American Idol (8pm, Fox) - Part 1 of the two-part Season 12 premiere features preliminary auditions and brand new judges. Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban join Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest. And Mariah and Nicki are just wild about each other! I'm betting seconds after this photo was taken, blood was shed (or at the very least, fingers were wagged).

The Neighbors (8:30pm, ABC) - The Weavers all get sick with the common cold, an ailment unknown to Zabvronians, so Larry Bird decides to quarantine their house after learning there is no cure. I am totally in favor of this quarantine practice, by the way.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Jay and Gloria plan a surprise party for Manny's 14th birthday. Also, Haley's interest in an older man is a concern for her parents.

CSI (10pm, CBS) - A local news anchor is killed during a live broadcast.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Rayna and Juliette prepare to share billing in a concert in San Diego, but Rayna struggles to perform without Deacon.

American Horror Story: Asylum (10pm, FX) - A new inmate creates problems for Sister Jude, and Grace's alien obsession becomes violent. We also learn more about Bloody Face Jr. tonight.

What to Watch on Wednesday: ABC sitcoms return, '60 Minutes Sports' debuts

Stars in Danger: The High Dive (8pm, Fox) - This weak show is just a bunch of D List celebrities diving into pools. Terrell Owens, Antonio Sabato Jr and JWoww are the only people you've probably heard of here.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - Jay plans for the family to ring in the New Year at a Palm Springs hotel, but it's not a very happy one when the accommodations leave something to be desired. But his luck may change when he runs into actor Billy Dee Williams. All of the ABC sitcoms are new tonight.

60 Minutes Sports (10pm, Showtime) - On the show's premiere episode, Bob Simon travels to Spain for a rare interview with Lionel Messi (left), the record-breaking soccer player considered by many to be the best of all time. Also, Scott Pelley investigates the case against Lance Armstrong and Lara Logan updates her "60 Minutes" story on free solo climber Alex Honnold, who climbs rock walls using only his hands and feet.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Severide tells Chief Boden about his injury and makes some difficult choices about his future. Meanwhile, Dawson goes on a rescue call and finds only one survivor -- a young girl.

People's Choice Awards (10pm, CBS) - Kaley Cuoco hosts the 39th annual event that recognizes fan favorites in movies, TV and music. Christina Aguilera, Jason Aldean and Alicia Keys perform.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Lamar brings up some deeply buried family secrets when Rayna considers taking her daughters on tour.

American Horror Story: Asylum (10pm, FX) - Dr. Thredson receives an unexpected visitor, and Monsignor Howard attempts to silence Sister Jude.

What to Watch on Wednesday: Hey look, a new worry -- doomsday volcanoes

Nova: Doomsday Volcanoes (9pm, UNC-TV) - A look at the damage that could be done by three Icelandic volcanoes (Katla, Hekla and Laki) that may already be ready to erupt. At 10, a new series about volcanoes called "Life on Fire" begins with a look at these same Icelandic volcanoes, with experts attempting to gauge the likelihood that one will erupt in the near future.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (9pm, NBC) - Fin's former brother-in-law gets arrested for assaulting a priest prior to Christmas, and Fin wants to help him by finding evidence that will vindicate him. As the detectives assist Fin, they uncover a hidden church scandal.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Cruz is overcome with guilt over Flaco's death (no regrets, Cruz!) and turns to Casey. Meanwhile, Shay recovers from head trauma received in last week's cliffhanger moment, and Severide (finally!) asks for help with his injury.

American Horror Story: Asylum (10pm, FX) - Monsignor Howard confronts the devil, and Dr. Thredson arranges a reunion for Kit.

Nashville: The Whole Story (10pm, ABC) - This is just a clip show of the highlights of Season 1 so far, but it's a great way to do a quick catch-up on the show if you've missed anything (or everything).

Happily Divorced (10:30pm, TV Land) - Fran is fed up with rowdy behavior next door while Elliot's out of town, but her frustration only grows when her noisy neighbors share shocking news about her flower shop.

What to Watch on Wednesday: Santa Claus is comin' to Briarcliff

Arrow (8pm, CW) - Oliver trains the Huntress to be his ally, but Diggle disapproves and believes she can't be trusted. Later, Helena's thirst for revenge leads her to kill the head of the Triad.

American Horror Story: Asylum (10pm, FX) - It's the episode I've been waiting for all season: Ian McShane (the incomparable Al Swearengen from "Deadwood") surfaces at Briarcliff, and with a little encouragement from the devilish Sister Eunice, believes he's Santa Claus. Santa, knowing who's naughty and who's nice, wreaks havoc at the asylum before coming face to face with Sister Jude. Also, Arden has a surprising encounter in "the Death Chute" and Dr. Thredson returns to Briarcliff in search of Lana.

Grammy Nominations Concert Live (10pm, CBS) - Nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards are announced, with LL Cool J and Taylor Swift hosting. Performances by the Who, Maroon 5 and Ne-Yo. Also, The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley pay tribute to Johnny Cash.

Duck Dynasty (10pm, A&E) - It's Christmas time, which means Si crashes a church party and Phil and Miss Kay host a holiday get-together.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Peter begins to have doubts about this future as a firefighter after he comes across a young victim's body at the site of a train accident. Elsewhere, Dawson and Shay deal with an abusive mother, and Severide saves a heart-attack victim, aggravating his own injury in the process.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Rayna examines her priorities after listening to Teddy explain his situation with Peggy, while Juliette enjoys the bond she's forming with Sean's family.

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'Whitney' returns, 'American Horror Story' terrifies

Whitney (8pm, NBC) - Season 2 opens with Whitney and Alex celebrating their unofficial wedding day. Whitney's mother arrives but then abruptly departs, leaving Whitney in tears. Meanwhile, Lily and Roxanne butt heads trying to purchase the perfect wedding gift for their friend.

Nova: Ultimate Mars Challenge (9pm, UNC-TV) - A look at NASA's Curiosity Mission to Mars. Included are remarks from Mars Science Laboratory personnel, including chief engineer Rob Manning.

Suburgatory (9:30pm, ABC) - Tessa wants to spend Thanksgiving in New York City with her mother, who is en route from Berlin, and her grandmother. Of course, the holiday doesn't turn out like she planned. Meanwhile, Dallas asks George to prepare a feast, but he resorts to help from a professional. All ABC comedies are new tonight (and Matthew Broderick guest stars on "Modern Family."

American Horror Story (10pm, FX) - Sister Jude digs up dirt on Dr. Arden and Kit makes a surprising confession. And in what is perhaps the most terrifying sequence of events I've watched on TV all year, Bloody Face is unmasked.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Rayna wants her music to have a fresh sound, so she contacts a producer with a solid track record in that department. Meanwhile, Juliette tries to get good publicity by dating an NFL player with a pristine reputation.

Eddie Murphy: One Night Only (10pm, Spike) - Celebrities like Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, Arsenio Hall, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Martin Lawrence pay homage to comedian Eddie Murphy.

What to Watch on Wednesday: Juliette's image suffers a blow on 'Nashville'

Arrow (8pm, CW) - Arrow asks Laurel to help him prove that an innocent man is being framed for murder. Meanwhile, Walter investigates a $2.6 million withdrawal that Moira made without his knowledge.

The Neighbors (8:30pm, ABC) - The Bird-Kersees learn more about humans when Jackie helps Debbie plan a birthday party for her daughter Abby, and Larry sees first-hand what Marty does at work.

Nashville (10pm, ABC) - Rayna's marriage faces a challenge when a woman from Teddy's past surfaces, and a humiliated Juliette (Hayden Panettiere, right) works on improving her public image after the embarrassing shoplifting video goes viral. Also, Gunnar bonds with his publisher's assistant.

American Horror Story: Asylum (10pm, FX) - In another OMGOMG episode, a group of patients attempt to escape from Briarcliff during a violent storm, and Sister Jude is haunted by an event from her past.

CSI (10pm, CBS) - A police dog is blamed for a cop's death, but the CSIs discover there is more to the case. Meanwhile, Finlay and Morgan investigate the murder of a high-profile divorce lawyer.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Chief Boden is plagued by bad press and low morale in the department after being accused of leaving a homeless man to die in a warehouse blaze. Also, Severide helps an elderly woman, Det. Voight continues to intimidate Casey and Hermann gets angry during a Halloween rescue call.

Face Off (10pm, Syfy) - Viewers choose the Season 3 winner in a live finale in Los Angeles.

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