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What to Watch on Monday: 'Bored to Death' finale, 'The Closer' returns

The Sing-off (8pm, NBC) - The winner of the $200,000 prize and a recording contract is announced in the third season finale.

Terra Nova (8pm, Fox) - Zoe faces a tough choice concerning the dinosaur she's been caring for.

Bored to Death (9pm, HBO) - In the Season 3 finale, George celebrates Emily and Bernard's wedding, and Ray is comforted by his son, Spencer. Meanwhile, Jonathan considers breaking up with his new girlfriend, but when he's kidnapped, an army of Super Ray fans spring into action.

The Closer (9pm, TNT) - The second half of the final season resumes tonight as Brenda and her squad investigate the shooting death of a high school principal whose school is entangled in a scandal.

Enlightened (9:30pm, HBO) - Amy is reported to HR for unsatisfactory performance related to personality clashes in the department, so she appeals to Krista to speak to Damon about finding another position.

Rizzoli & Isles (10pm, TNT) - Also back for the second half of their season, Jane and Maura investigate the shooting of a community activist. Before long, a witness emerges to testify against a notorious gang member and TV host Bill O'Reilly (playing himself) arrives and voices on-air disapproval of the police department.

What to Watch on Monday: Diane Sawyer gets first interview with Gabby Giffords

The Sing-Off (8pm, NBC) - The groups collaborate to perform a medley of James Brown's "I Feel Good," the Jackson 5's "ABC," and Beyonce's "Crazy in Love." Later, the acts perform R&B tunes individually.

2 Broke Girls (8:30pm, CBS) - Max and Caroline are hired by Johnny's jealous girlfriend to make cupcakes for an art show featuring his work, but she has an ulterior motive in mind.

Bored to Death (9pm, HBO) - George (Ted Danson) and Ray (Zach Galifianakis) tag along when Jonathan is hired by an old college flame (Casey Wilson) and her father (Rene Auberjonois) to guard her family's wedding jewels. Meanwhile, the bursting of Ray's romantic bubble forces him to move in with George.

Gabby and Mark: Courage and Hope (10pm, ABC) - In a special edition of "20/20," Diane Sawyer interviews Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. In the report, Giffords talks about her rehabilitation following a shooting outside a grocery store near Tucson, Arizona, where six people were killed. The special includes video taken of Giffords in the hospital during her recovery process, archival footage, and interviews with her mother.

Hawaii Five-0 (10pm, CBS) - An unidentified body is found in the trunk of a stolen car following a high-speed chase, and homeless Danny settles in on Steve's couch.

What to Watch on Monday: Your favorite fall shows are back!

Dancing with the Stars (8pm, ABC) - Season 13 opens with 12 new celebrities competing, including Chaz Bono, Ricki Lake, Ron Artest, Nancy Grace, David Arquette, and Hope Solo.

How I Met Your Mother (8pm, CBS) - The seventh season opens with two new back-to-back episodes. The mystery wedding prompts the friends to reminisce about things. Also, Marshall gets his dream job but is terrified videos from his past will crush his hopes.

The Sing-off (8pm, NBC) - In the Season 3 premiere, 8 a cappella groups perform. Sara Bareilles joins Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman on the judging panel.

Two and a Half Men (9pm, CBS) - In part one of Season 9's two-part opener, Ashton Kutcher joins the cast as brokenhearted billionaire Walden Schmidt. It is widely rumored that tonight's show will also kill off Charlie's Sheen's character.
 
2 Broke Girls (9:30pm, CBS) - A new series about two struggling waitresses at a Brooklyn diner who are trying to save enough money to open their own cupcake shop. Adrienne has more info.

Roast of Charlie Sheen (10pm, Comedy Central) - After you finish watching the sitcom Sheen was fired from, you can tune in for the star's scathing "salute." Roasters include Jeffrey Ross, Anthony Jeselnik, Steve-O, Harvey Levin, and Mike Tyson.

Castle (10pm, ABC) - Are we really worried that Beckett didn't survive last season's gunshot cliffhanger? No. What we really want to know is if she heard Castle tell her he loves her after she was shot. In addition to the personal drama, there's the hunt for the sniper who tried to kill her. Also, there's a new by-the-book captain in charge (Penny Johnson Jerald, "24"), and she's not too fond of Castle hanging with the cops.

The Playboy Club (10pm, NBC) - A new series set in the legendary Playboy Club in 1960s Chicago. Tonight, high-powered attorney and club key holder (Eddie Cibrian) comes to the aid of a new Bunny after she's assaulted by the leader of a the Bianchi crime family. Worth checking out?

Hawaii Five-O (10pm, CBS) - The second season begins with McGarrett in prison awaiting trial for the governor's murder. Meanwhile, Kono is suspended from the force, pending an internal investigation for allegedly stealing department money.

What to Watch on Monday: NBC has 'Sing-Off' finale and new sitcom debut

The Sing-Off (8pm, NBC) - The  two-hour finale (featuring judge Ben Folds) reveals the winning group and also features some surprise performances.

Million Dollar Money Drop (8pm, Fox) - The series debut of a game show in which contestants first receive $1 million in cash, then must answer seven questions correctly to keep the money from dropping down a chute. Hosted by Kevin Pollak.

The Closer (9pm, TNT) - In part one of a two-part episode, the team's holiday plans are potentially ruined when a long-standing feud results in a stabbing on Christmas Eve and the death of a patriarch. Brenda is especially irritated, as her parents have arrived bearing special news.

Men of a Certain Age (10pm, TNT) - Joe dates two women at the same time and is at odds with how to handle the situation, and Owen tries to stop his father from undermining his authority at the dealership.

Perfect Couples (10:00pm, NBC) - NBC moved up the premiere date of his new sitcom pilot to cash in on the popularity of "The Sing-Off." The series follows the experiences of three couples trying to figure out what makes the perfect relationship.

Black Ops Brothers: Howe & Howe Tech (10pm, Discovery) - A Ripsaw demonstration for the Army is a success, and a firefighting robot is almost broken ahead of a test for a fire department.

What to Watch on Wednesday: It's a Wonderful 'Psych'

The Sing-Off (8pm, NBC) - The groups perform medleys of songs from a single artist and collaborate on the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends."
 
Let's Spend the Night Together: Confessions of Rock's Greatest Groupies (8:30pm, VH1) - Pamela Des Barres, former groupie and author of two books about being a groupie, goes on the road to hear rock groupies tell their stories.

Psych (9pm, USA) - A two-hour block of new "Psych" episodes tonight. In the first, Shawn bumbles a high-profile case against a crime lord, resulting in the Psych team and Henry's firings. Then Shawn has dreams that show him what Santa Barbara would be like if he had never returned (hence the bizarre shot of Gus, Dule Hill, at right). In the 10pm episode, an animal trainer's death is pinned on a polar bear, but Shawn suspects foul play and takes it upon himself to find the real killer and save his furry friend.

Hell's Kitchen (9pm, Fox) - In the Season 8 finale, the final two "chefs" must prepare five-course meals to be judged by five L.A. - area executive chefs and food service executives.

The Defenders (10pm, CBS) - Nick and Pete defend a trouble former football player arrested for assault, and Pet's father (James Brolin) unexpectedly arrives in town and is charged with grand theft auto.

What to Watch on Monday: Fa-la-la-la-la with 'Sing Off' and a Mariah Carey's Christmas

Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood (8pm, TCM) - The series finale examines the change in the cinema-scape from 1960 to 1969 as old studio heads died and maverick new filmmakers addressed controversial topics such as drugs and changing political attitudes.

The Sing-Off (8pm, NBC) - The groups perform rock songs and guilty pleasures, and collaborate to sing Green Day's "21 Guns."

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You (9pm, ABC) - Mariah Carey performs songs from her second holiday album, "Merry Christmas II You," including "Oh Santa!" Taped at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

Marry Me (9pm, Lifetime) - The conclusion of the two-part Lifetime movie starring Lucy Liu.

The Closer (9pm, TNT) - Did you read that 'The Closer' is ending after next season? Savor the eps while you can! Tonight, new Chief of Police Tommy Delk (Courtney B. Vance) enlists the team to investigate thefts at various medical-marijuana dispensaries. The seemingly inconguous assignment takes a perilous turn when one robbery results in murder. The cases tests Brenda's readiness to rise to a higher departmental post.

Men of a Certain Age (10pm, TNT) - Joe tries to open his schedule to practice golf, and Owen's new job as manager puts stress on his marriage, while coworkers pull a prank on Terry after they dig up video of one of his old commercials.

What to Watch on Monday: Ben Folds and TNT dramas return

American Country Awards (8pm, Fox) - It honestly feels like country music has about a hundred awards shows every year. Here's another one. This one is hosted by Trace Adkins and the winners are voted on by fans. All your favorites are slated to perform and/or present.

The Sing-Off (8pm, NBC) - In the Season 2 premiere, 10 a cappella groups collaborate to sing "I've Got Music in Me" before performing songs of their choice. Ben Folds (left) returns as a judge.

How I Met Your Mother (8pm, CBS) - Ted befriends Zoey's husband "The Captain" (Kyle McLachlan), and invites him to hang out with him and Zoey, hoping they can all be friends.

The Closer (9pm, TNT) - One of Brenda's colleagues is ambushed on the street, so she and the gang hunt for the culprit, while also trying to clear the colleague of a false witness tampering accusation.

James Patterson's Sundays at Tiffany's (9pm, Lifetime) - A successful businesswoman (Alyssa Milano) engaged to a handsome actor is visited by her imaginary friend (Eric Winter) from childhood, whom she realizes is real and could be her true soul mate. It's based on a novel by James Patterson, so where's the part where someone gets murdered???

Men of a Certain Age (10pm, TNT) - Season 2 opens with Joe (Ray Romano) eager to sharpen his golf skills, but teed off about practicing at dawn and discovering that his new home is in his bookie's neighborhood. Meanwhile, Owen (Andre Braugher) ascends as manager of the family auto dealership, but regrets hiring Terry (Scott Bakula) as a salesman.

Castle (10pm, ABC) - An investigation into a dockworker-turned-bartender's death leads Beckett and Castle to the city's underground tunnels, where they discover a Prohibition-era secret. The probe's focus on New York's bar history inspires Castle to open one.

What to Watch on Monday: "Closer" short season ends

The Sing-Off (8pm, NBC) - The winner of NBC's a cappella competion is announced and awarded $100,000 and a recording contract. Smokey Robinson, Boyz II Men, Bobby McFerrin, and Natasha Beddingfield perform.

The Closer (9pm, TNT) - "The Closer's" super-short winter season ends tonight (after three episodes) with the return of the tough Internal Affairs captain, played by Mary McDonnell. Captain Raydor asks Brenda for help investigating a female officer who is being abused by her husband. Also, Fritz is tired of Brenda neglecting him. Finally. 

Men of a Certain Age (10pm, TNT) - Joe tries to help his son deal with some personal issues, and Owen the car salesman is tired of being hated by customers and decides to change that. 

For a complete guide to holiday TV programming, check our What to Watch Santa Edition.

What to Watch on Wednesday: Adam Lambert performs on SYTYCD finale

New Adventures of Old Christine (8pm, CBS) - Christine attends the neighborhood Christmas block party, where she learns a surprising secret about one of her neighbors (Molly Shannon).

Sing Off (8pm, NBC) - The five remaining groups perform and two of them are eliminated. 

So You Think You Can Dance (8pm, Fox) - The winner is chosen in tonight's finale, and Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis each perform. 

Dwarf Adoption Story (9pm, TLC) - This new show from TLC, about a dwarf couple who try to adopt a 2-year-old dwarf from Albania, reminds me of "The Soup's" recent spoof on the network's insane programming: a show called Fertile Little Tattooed Pageant Parents Who Enjoy Baking.

Ben Folds talks about his role on NBC's "Sing Off"

Check out Ben Folds explaining the concept of NBC's new singing competition show, "Sing Off," which premiered last night and continues tonight and tomorrow night with a finale on December 21. Folds, who is from North Carolina, is a judge on the show, and Time Magazine's TV critic James Poniewozik calls him the "greatest reality judge." In the video below, Folds talks about what he's looking for from performers and says he's not there to "tear them down," though he recognizes artists "can't move along unless they know what their problems are."

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