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What to Watch on Friday: 'Chuck' series finale and Animal Planet in NC

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - Two new episodes tonight close out a great show that a lot of people (but not enough!) will miss. First, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski, left) keeps a secret from Chuck (Zachary Levi, left) in order to successfully pull off a perilous mission, and Ellie and Awesome are presented with a new and potentially life-changing opportunity. Then Chuck embarks on his final mission in the series finale at 9. He must revisit his past in order to save his future, and teams up with friends, family, and unlikely allies to vanquish the sinister villain Nicholas Quinn. 

Shark Tank (8pm, ABC) - Ideas a cat-portrait business (yes!) and there's a follow-up on a potty-training product for cats (no!) from Season 2.

Fringe (9pm, Fox) - Olivia is preoccupied by a warning from the Observers, while Peter helps with the search for a girl with mysterious powers to see the future.

On Freddie Roach (9:30pm, HBO) - The second episode in this documentary series following boxing trainer Freddie Roach focuses on a routine day at Roach's Wild Crd Gym as it's suddenly thrown into chaos.

Confessions: Animal Hoarding (10pm, Animal Planet) - Tonight's episode features a dog hoarder from Garland, North Carolina, who gets help from the Wake County SPCA. The Vietnam veteran and former minister had 35 dogs chained up around his home, living in some pretty horrible conditions.  Read more about the episode and the Wake SPCA's involvement. Also in this episode, a woman (not from North Carolina) who has more than 100 cats, which have made her current home uninhabitable. Another North Carolina episode airs on February 10.

Portlandia (10pm, IFC) - Michelle and Brendan pull out all the stops to see that their son gains admittance to a prestigious preschool.

What to Watch on Friday: 'Shark Tank' returns, new series from HBO

Shark Tank (8pm, ABC) - Mark Cuban, owner of the 2011 NBA champions Dallas Mavericks, returns as a judge for Season 3 of this highly addictive show in which inventors and entrepreneurs pitch ideas to wealthy business people. Cuban, left, did some guest judge spots last season and he's pretty cutthroat. One of the pitches tonight comes from NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton and triathlete Dave Meyer, who have designed a new type of water bottle. There's also an update on the customized speakers venture from Season 2.

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - A mission in Japan gets derailed when Chuck and Sarah face off against menacing evildoer Nicholas Quinn on a speeding bullet train. Elsewhere, Casey must make a monumental decision. Only one more episode left -- next week's two-hour show will be the series finale.

Grimm (9pm, NBC) - A gruesome homicide may be linked to a man's troubling childhood. Meanwhile, Monroe receives a disturbing message from the creature community.

Fringe (9pm, Fox) - The alternate Fringe division confronts a powerful new adversary during Peter's visit to the other side.

JB Smoove Stand-Up Playlist (9pm, Comedy Central) -  Smoove features performances from his favorite comedians.

On Freddie Roach (9:30pm, HBO) - The first episode in a six-part series looking at the life of Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach. The series is described as part documentary and part reality show. Roach, right, lives with Parkinson's, an ailment that is likely linked to his life as a boxer.

Portlandia (10pm, IFC) - Irys and Spyke plan an unconventional wedding, and Candace and Toni hold an in-store book signing.

The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (10:30pm, IFC) - Under the influence of morphine, a hospitalized Todd mistakes a teddy bear for Alice's ex-boyfriend, whom he thinks might be trying to reconcile with her.

What to Watch on Friday: 'Home Makeover' series finale aids families in Joplin

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (8pm, ABC) - For the show's series finale, two hours are devoted to showing the rebuilding of seven homes in Joplin, Missouri, where families suffered great losses during an October 2011 tornado. The Makoever gang also refurbished a local park, created a new playground, and built a memorial site to volunteers who came to the aid of others after the storm.

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - A mission in Vail, Colorado, involves Morgan facing fallout from being the Intersect and the gang receiving help from an unlikely source: Bo Derek, who plays herself.

Grimm (9pm, NBC) - A prison escapee seeks revenge against those who put him behind bars, and his strength and tolerance for pain makes Nick suspect the fugitive is a monster.

Fringe (9pm, Fox) - Peter takes a dangerous journey to the alternate universe to confront Walternate, while Olivia hears an ominous prediction from an Observer.

Blue Bloods (10pm, CBS) - Danny and Jackie investigate a murder at a diner, and the chief suspect is a fellow officer who was seen fleeing from the crime scene shortly after shots were fired.

America's Most Hated Family (10pm, National Geographic Family) - When I read the title of this show, I was skeptical there could possibly be a broad consensus on this dubious distinction. But yep, I concur. Louis Theroux profiles the Phelps family and the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, infamous for protesting at military funerals (and at the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards).

What to Watch on Friday: A new season of 'Merlin' begins

A Gifted Man (8pm, CBS) - Michael's clinic colleagues rush to operate on him after he exhibits signs of a dire condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - Chuck and Sarah mull over the next phase of Carmichael Industries, while Casey gets  more deeply involved in his forbidden romance with Gertrude Verbanksi. Also, an intellectually elevated Jeff begins to scrutinize some of the crazy happenings at the Buy More.

Supernatural (9pm, CW) - Sam helps a teen girl search for her missing father, who is also a supernatural hunter. Meanwhile, Dean tries to take down Dick Roman (James Patrick Stuart).

Merlin (10pm, Syfy) - In the Season 4 premiere, Morgana summons Callieach to rip apart the fabric between the worlds of the living and the dead, unleashing creatures that kill anyone they touch. It's up to Arthur and the knights to save the kingdom while Merlin attempts to restore order to the world.

Blue Bloods (10pm, CBS) - Erin's informant is murdered and she blames herself for his death. So she teams up with Danny to find out who killed him.

Confessions: Animal Hoarding (10pm, Animal Planet) - A former rock musician's dogs may be more important to him that his own daughters, and a woman refuses to choose between her family and her 99 pets.

What to Watch on Friday: Liza Minnelli cooks with Paula Deen

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - Sarah goes solo on a mission to face up to a haunting secret from her past. She encounters her original handler (Tim DeKay, "White Collar") and fears he might harm those she loves, including her mother (Cheryl Ladd).

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (8pm, ABC) - The 2005 version of C.S. Lewis' novels about four British children who enter a magical world where they befriend creatures and battle a witch.

Paula's Best Dishes (9pm, Food) - Kathy Griffin stops by for ladies' night at Paula Deen's. They make mac-and-cheese and chocolate-espresso cupcakes. On a second episode at 9:30, Paula is joined by Liza Minnelli. They make German chocolate cake, creamy lobster toast rounds, and New York strip steaks. Word on the street is that Liza holds a live chicken.

Gold Rush Aftershow Special (9pm, Discovery) - Interviews with the cast and behind-the-scenes footage from the current season of "Gold Rush: Alaska."

Sanctuary (10pm, Syfy) - In the Season 4 finale, Henry and Tesla learn that the SCIU weaponized Tesla's work to use against Abnormals. Also, Bigfoot and Kate investigate Caleb's rise to power while Will and Abby look into Magnus' past.

What to Watch on Friday: Wait wait ... don't bug Shrek at Christmas!

Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me! (8pm, BBC America) - For the first time, the popular NPR news quiz radio show hits television with a panel of American and British guests. Guests include Paula Poundstone, Alonzo Bodden and Phill Jupitus. Neil Gaiman participates in the "Not My Job" segment. Hosted by Peter Sagal and judged by Carl Kasell.

Shrek the Halls (8pm, ABC) - Shrek, Fiona and the kids try to celebrate the holidays as a family, but visits by Donkey, Puss in Boots, and the Gingerbread Man make their cozy gathering chaotic. Voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and Antonio Banderas. "Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation" airs after this at 8:30, "Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice" airs at 9, and "Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special" is on at 9:30.

Olive the Other Reindeer (8pm, CW) - In this 1999 animated tale, a dog sets out for the North Pole believing she's the reindeer Santa needs to sub for an injured Blitzen. Features voices of Drew Barrymore and Ed Asner.

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - The holiday season turns frosty when past secrets and old threats haunt Chuck and Sarah while they hunt for an evil schemer who is trying to destroy Carmichael Industries. Comic book creator Stan Lee guest stars.

Gold Rush (9pm, Discovery) - A behind the scenes look at the series following folks in search of treasure. Followed by a new episode of "Flying Wild Alaska." If you like these shows, check out today's dvd giveaway!

20/20 (10pm, ABC) - Barbara Walters makes a Christmas visit to the White House.

What to Watch on Friday: Rebecca Romijn gets ruthless on 'Chuck'

The Bishop's Wife (8pm, Turner Classic Movies) - I adore this movie. A dapper angel (Cary Grant) tries to solve the social and domestic problems of a  bishop (David Niven) at Christmastime. Loretta Young stars as the bishop's wife.

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - Chuck and Sarah race against time to take down a dangerous computer virus, pitting them against Robyn Cunnings (Rebecca Romijn, right), a ruthless spy who will stop at nothing to get what she needs. Meanwhile, Ellie and Awesome’s date night takes a dangerous turn and Morgan is sent on a special mission to recover Chuck’s P.A.N.T.S.  Adam Baldwin also stars.

Grimm (9pm, NBC) - A murder investigation in the woods leads to the reopening of a missing-person case, and Nick asks Monroe to make contact with a feral creature.

The Life and Times of Tim (9pm, HBO) - In the Season 3 premiere, Tim finds work as an assistant to a women's professional-basketball player and decides he needs a haircut for a job interview.

20/20: Million Moms Challenge (10pm, ABC) - A special on ABC's initiative to raise awareness and funds to address pregnancy issues and children's health issues.

Sanctuary (10pm, Syfy) - A quest to capture a legendary Abnormal in Bolivia leaves Will and Magnus injured and trapped in a cave-in, where they confront truths about themselves and their relationship.

What to Watch on Friday: 'Frosty' rocks a two-hour Christmas block

Frosty the Snowman (8pm, CBS) - Jimmy Durante narrates this animated tale of a warmhearted snowman who comes to life and must then make his way to the North Pole before temperatures warm the rest of him. "Frosty Returns" airs just after this, followed by "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," and "Elf on a Shelf: An Elf's Story."

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - An undercover mission spins around an extreme computer virus, an oddball cult and Chuck's hacker past. Meanwhile, a new Buy More staff arrives and adds a new dynamic to Jeff and Lester's bond. Zachary Levi, who plays Chuck, directed the episode.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (8pm, ABC) - The team travels to Maryland to help the family of a teen who lost his hand in an accident, and who is someone who has given to his family and community in many selfless ways. Two hours.

Grimm (9pm, NBC) - In an episode called "The Three Bad Wolves," an arson case exposes a family feud, and Monroe confronts people from his troubled past.

Boss (10pm, Starz) - In tonight's first season finale, the governor's race is a tight one, with Mayor Kane (Kelsey Grammer) trying to work his political magic. Also, Emma's world is rocked and Meredith tries to prove her loyalty to her husband. Glad this show is getting a second season despite disappointing ratings. It's definitely worth checking out.

Starving Secrets with Tracey Gold (10pm, Lifetime) - Tracey tries to help a woman whose battle with anorexia threatens to end her marriage, and a woman struggling with bulimia who turned to crime to support her eating disorder.

What to Watch on Friday: 'Grimm' monsters and 'Banjo' history

Nikita (8pm, CW) - Ryan has secrets to give Nikita regarding how Oversight is funded, but Amanda intercepts the messages between Ryan and Nikita, and Nikita and Michael race to get Ryan out of prison.

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - Chuck tries to get his freelance spy business off the ground as the team search for a vanished person and compete with a crafty business rival (Carrie-Anne Moss).

Grimm (9pm, NBC) - Nick and Hank investigate a breaking-and-entering case that leads them to a mysterious family with a cultural heritage of blurring the line between right and wrong. Nick also asks his blutbad buddy Monroe to help safeguard Aunt Marie.

Fringe (9pm, Fox) - An electrical engineer (Stephen Root) and his wife (Romy Rosemont), a theoretical physicist, pitch in during a frantic search for a pattern between time-loop anomalies.

Give Me the Banjo (10pm, UNC-TV) - Steve Martin narrates the history of the banjo, which dates back to colonial times. Includes comments and performances by Earl Scruggs, Pete Seeger, Mike Seeger, the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Abigail Washburn. Roseanne Cash hosts and talks with fellow country star (and former husband) Rodney Crowell about the influence banjo music has had on their musical styles.

Sanctuary (10pm, Syfy) - The team tracks an Abnormal fugitive, and discovers that Tesla is the head of a secret research lab for a Homeland Security agency that conducts tests on Abnormals.

Note: A Gifted Man, CSI:NY, and Blue Bloods are all new tonight, but I don't know if CBS will show the episodes they aborted last Friday in deference to the final game of the World Series, or if they'll show the ones they have listed currently online. Just tune in and you'll get new stuff.

What to Watch on Friday: NBC shines with 'Chuck' and 'Grimm'

A Gifted Man (8pm, CBS) - Michael is surprised to see an ex-football star whom he once treated now getting help at the clinic because he's homeless.

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - The fifth and final season opens with Chuck (Zachary Levi, left) adapting to changes, such as dealing with an unlikely new Intersect and fronting his freshly minted spy-for-hire business. Carmichael Industries takes on a wealthy thief (Mark Hamill) and a sly investor (Craig Kilborn). Meanwhile, Morgan and Chuck team up to give Sarah a special surprise, and Jeff and Lester launch yet another scheme.

Grimm (9pm, NBC) - In the first episode of this strong new series following a detective who tracks fairy tale monsters, a university student is savagely attacked while jogging, and a mysterious woman visits her nephew to tell him a family secret. Read more in Adrienne's review.

Supernatural (9pm, CW) - Sam and Dean are cloned by two Leviathans who go on a killing spree as the two brothers, which lands the real Sam and Dean on the FBI's most wanted list. Meanwhile, Bobby tries to find a way to kill the Leviathans.

Fringe (9pm, Fox) - The threatening return of the translucent shape-shifters coincides with the reemergence of a former Massive Dynamic scientist (Arye Gross). Meanwhile, Walter gets a visit in the lab from Nina Sharp.

Blue Bloods (10pm, CBS) - Frank deals with a political crisis after Jamie and Renzulli are injured by a church security team that refuses to let them enter a religious center in response to a 911 call.

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