I’ve been liking “Community” (NBC, 8 p.m.) more and more this season; its writers are increasingly bold in turning out special episodes or trying out different points of view.
While every comedy has been turning out Christmas episodes, the one on “Communty” tonight is also a delicious parody of “Glee.” The Greendale glee club has been busted by ASCAP, the leader (Teran Gillam of “SNL,” right, with Danny Pudi) needs a new group as soon as possible.
The study group at the heart of the show is naturally skeptical of the cult-like hold of glee-club members, yet one by one they get sucked into the spontaneous singing, turning out some pretty funny seasonal songs at the same time, even as they keep asking why everyone is always talking about regionals.
“The Office” (NBC, 9 p.m.) stays in its dark place, with Ed Helms’ Andy Bernard determined to fulfill every office wish even as Ellie Kemper’s Erin can’t quite handle seeing his new girlfriend at the office party.
And the holiday season is only an incidental part of “Parks & Recreation” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.), where Leslie proves herself an expert gift-giver but has a tough time not working during her suspension. Good to see Jean-Ralphio back in action, though
Peter Gallagher and Jane Kaczmarek guest star as the visiting parents on another utterly conventional, largely unfunny episode of “Whitney” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.).
One is eliminated on “The X-Factor” (Fox, 8 p.m.), leaving the final four. Before then, Mary J. Blige and Lenny Kravitz perform.
The gang from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (FX, 10 p.m.) attends the high school reunion, in part one of the season finale. High school days haunt Leonard, too, on ‘Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
In “The Great Big American Auction” (ABC, 10 p.m.), Ty Pennington auctions off collectibles. Is this entertainment, or just a weird variation of “Antiques Roadshow” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings)?
The death of a storm chaser is investigated on “Bones” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Taraji P. Henson’s character is featured (and targeted) on a new “Person of Interest” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
A pied piper episode of the Friday night show “Grimm” (NBC, 10 p.m.) appears suddenly in the place where “Prime Suspect” used to be.
A trio of old holiday specials play: “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.), “Year Without a Santa Claus” (ABC Family, 9 p.m.) and “Miser Brothers’ Christmas” (ABC Family, 10 p.m.).
The monthlong Thursday night William Powell festival on Turner Classic Movies includes “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney” (8 p.m.), “High Pressure” (10 p.m.), “My Man Godfrey” (11:30 p.m.), “Double Harness” (1:15 a.m.), “Ziegfeld Follies” (2:30 a.m.) and “The Youngest Profession” (4:30 a.m.).
A couple of Jim Henson classics play, “The Great Muppet Caper” (Flix, 8 p.m.) and the much less successful “Dark Crystal” (Flix, 9:45 p.m.).
If you missed it on network TV a few weeks ago, “Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.).
Holiday movies tonight include “Undercover Christmas” (Lifetime Movie Network, 8 p.m.), “Elf” (Syfy, 9 p.m.), “The Christmas Card” (Hallmark, 10 p.m.) and “Recipe for a Perfect Christmas” (Lifetime Movie Network, 10 p.m.).
In college basketball, it’s West Virginia at Kansas State (ESPN, 9 p.m.).
In football, it’s Browns at Steelers (NFL, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Jessica Biel, Anne Burrell, Josh Groban. The View: Martha Stewart. The Talk: Vicki Lawrence, Jason Priestly, Sara Leibowitz. Ellen DeGeneres: Paris Jackson, Pierce Brosnan, Betheny Frankel. Wendy Williams: Ivanka Trump, cast of “The A-List: Dallas.” Rosie O’Donnell: Elle Fanning.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Charlize Theron, Kevin Nealon, Blitzen Trapper. Jay Leno: Katie Couric, Chris D’Elia, Matisyahu. Jimmy Kimmel: Jeremy Renner, Judy Greer, Chevelle. Jimmy Fallon: Ralph Fiennes, Shailene Woodley, Gym Class Heroes. Craig Ferguson: Pierce Brosnan, Laura Lippman. Tavis Smiley: Juan Gonzalez. Carson Daly: Ziggy Marley, Greg Nicotero, Fun. Jon Stewart: Ed Gillespie. Stephen Colbert: Jack Abramoff. Conan O’Brien: Jeremy Piven, The Miz, Blink 182. Chelsea Handler: Chloe Moretz, Jo Koy, Louis Virtel, Josh Wolf.