You’ll be hard pressed to find a better music lineup than the one on the 2018 Americanafest (CMT, 9 p.m.) a Nashville event that finally makes it to television with performances from big winner Jason Isbell, above, as well as Rosanne Cash, John Prine, Irma Thomas, Buddy Guy, I’m With Her, Margo Price, k.d. lang, Brandi Carlile and more. And, taped in September at the 17th annual Americana Honors & Awards, there’s nary a Christmas song in the bunch.
For holiday cheer, there are always the standbys “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (ABC, 8 p.m.) and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (AMC, 8 and 10:15 p.m.) and “It’s a Wonderful Life” (USA, 8 p.m.) — where commercials stretch it to three hours.
“Top Chef” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) starts its 16th season in Kentucky, with 15 hopefuls competing at Churchill Downs.
More ovens are ignited as the fourth season starts for “The Great American Baking Show” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
“The Good Place” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.) was the only network comedy to score a Golden Globe nomination this year.
Adult Sheldon is inspired by an old VHS tape on “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.), while “Young Sheldon” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.) tries to act more like a kid.
On “Superstore” (NBC, 8 p.m.), Jonah and Amy go to a managers’ conference in Chicago.
Tammy prepares for her first post-prison date on “Mom” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
“Murphy Brown” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.) is pressured into adopting a dog.
Will tries to attract a TV anchor on “Will & Grace” (NBC, 9 p.m.).
“Baroness von Sketch Show” (IFC, 9 p.m.) addresses work friends vs. Facebook friends.
Heaven is under attack on “Supernatural” (CW, 8 p.m.).
On “Legacies” (CW, 9 p.m.), Lizzie and Josie prepare for their sweet 16 party.
Oh boy, another bar fight on “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” (MTV, 8 p.m.).
Gus and Nilsa’s hookup shocks “Floribama Shore” (MTV, 9 p.m.).
“S.W.A.T.” (CBS, 10 p.m.) tries to recover stolen DNA kits.
Tessia has a theory about alien life on “Nightflyers” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
“Expedition Unknown” (Discovery, 9 p.m.) looks for Amelia Earhart.
“The Dead Files” (Travel, 10 p.m.) goes international for the first time, traveling to Jamaica.
Turner Classic Movies begins a month-long Thursday salute to the actor Dick Powell with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (2:45 p.m.), “The King’s Vacation” (5:15 p.m.), “College Coach” (6:30 p.m.), “Blessed Event” (8 p.m.), “42nd Street” (9:30 p.m.), “Footlight Parade” (11:15 p.m.), “Gold Diggers of 1933” (1:15 a.m.), “Gold Diggers of 1935” (3:15 a.m.) and “Gold Diggers of 1937” (5 a.m.).
Earlier in the day are some goodies from Laurel and Hardy, “Bonnie Scotland” (6 a.m.), “The Flying Deuces” (7:30 a.m.), “Pardon Us” (8:45 a.m.), “Nothing but Trouble” (9:45 a.m.), “Our Relations” (11 a.m.), “Way Out West” (12:30 p.m.) and “Saps at Sea” (1:45 p.m.).
Thursday Night Football has Jacksonville at Tennessee (Fox, 8 p.m.).
NBA action has New York at Boston (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Houston at Utah (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Men’s college basketball includes Iowa State at Iowa (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.).
In women’s games, Texas A&M at Houston (ESPN2, 7 p.m.).
And here’s the curling world cup of U.S. vs. Canada (NBC Sports, 8:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Kate Bosworth, Eden Grinshpan. The View: Kerry Washington, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken. The Talk: Bonnie Hunt, Sean Valentine, Carrie Ann Inaba. Ellen DeGeneres: Jennifer Aniston, Dolly Parton. Wendy Williams: Ice Cube. The Real: Chris Harrison.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Sen. Bernie Sanders. Jimmy Kimmel: Gwen Stefani, Jimmy Tatro. Jimmy Fallon: Jason Momoa, J.K. Simmons, Joe Machi. Seth Meyers: Alec Baldwin, Bazzi, Nikki Glaspie. James Corden: Jennifer Aniston, Dolly Parton, Leon Bridges. Carson Daly: Gemma Chan, boygenius, Brenton Thwaites. Trevor Noah: Jay Rosen.