Look out for these new/returning seasons, series premieres and specials as the days get shorter and the temperature drops lower.
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (9 p.m. Jan. 1, PBS) – This 90-minute special sends Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman) back in time to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original setting in the 1890s.
New Girl (Season 5 Premiere, 8 p.m. Jan. 5, Fox) – Cece and Schmidt plan their wedding and later, with Jess out for jury duty (aka Zooey Deschanel gone on maternity leave), the guys rent out her room to traveling pharma-rep Reagan (Megan Fox).
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 11 Premiere, 10 p.m. Jan. 6, FXX) – Will The Gang ever give up? This season promises more Chardee MacDennis, liver-abusing behavior and McPoyle/Ponderosa family fun.
The Golden Globes (8 p.m. Jan. 10, NBC) – Ricky Gervais returns to host — his fourth time in six years. Nominations will be announced Thursday.
Baskets (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Jan. 21, FX) – Created by Louis C.K., Zach Galifianakis and Portlandia’s Jonathan Krisel, this new comedy stars Galifianakis as an aspiring professional clown.
The X-Files (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Jan. 24, Fox) – Mulder and Scully are back.
American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Feb. 2, FX) – The latest from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk — not to be confused with companion series American Horror Story or John Ridley’s unrelated ABC drama anthology American Crime — offers an in-depth look at the quintessential ’90s criminal case… with Selma Blair as Kris Jenner (then Kardashian).
Vinyl (Series Premiere, 9 p.m. Feb. 14, HBO) – The timeworn trio of sex, drugs and Rock & Roll dominate the 1970s music scene in this new drama from Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger and Terence Winter, starring Bobby Cannavale.
Girls (Season 5 Premiere, 10 p.m. Feb. 21, HBO) – Marnie’s getting married, Shosh moves to Japan and Hannah’s still just trying to keep it together.
WEDNESDAY 09
The Goldbergs (8:30 p.m., ABC) – Beverly tries to get the family in the holiday spirit by creating Super Hanukkah.
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) – The family rents a mountain-top cabin to celebrate a Norman Rockwell-worthy Christmas. But that’s not happening.
Taraji and Terrence’s White Hot Holidays (9 p.m., Fox) – Facing Empire withdrawals? This is the closest thing to a real-life Christmas concert with Cookie and Lucious.
The League (Series Finale, 10 p.m., FXX) – In this 45-minute final episode, the guys (and Jenny) compete for the Shiva, Sacko and Snip.THURSDAY 10
Nathan for You (Season Finale, 10 p.m., Comedy Central) – In his final challenge, Nathan tries to prove his heroism.
SUNDAY 13
Bar Rescue (10 p.m., Spike) – Taffer takes over a failing Detroit strip club, which has to be the saddest type of strip club there is.
MONDAY 14
Fargo (Season Finale, 10 p.m., FX) – Unfortunately, a show this great can’t last forever. After successfully transforming into two of the least likely criminal masterminds of the Midwest, Ed and Peggy make a break for it.
TUESDAY 15
Uncorked (Season Finale, 10 p.m., Esquire) – After much preparation, the crew heads to Aspen, Colo., to take the Master Sommelier Exam.
CONTACT JAC KERN: [email protected] or @jackern
