Holidays are a big thing in the UK — not just a time for reruns, as they seem to be around here. So long after the finale of the first season of the English import “Call the Midwife” and before the second begins, here is the “Call the Midwive Holiday Special” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings)
There are more harrowing stories of midcentury poverty in East London, where nurses and nuns labor on bicycles to aid with the births and in this episode, help a destitute elderly woman. It’s all underscored this time by carols and the staging of a Christmas pageant in a standalone episode gives a good opportunity for those who haven’t seen the show to see what it’s about — on a night when there’s basically nothing else on.
It accompanies a replay of last season’s “Downtown Abbey” Christmas episode that also served as a finale on “Masterpiece Classic” (PBS, 9 p.m.,checklocal listings), setting the stage for next Sunday’s third season premiere.
It’s a big one on Sunday Night Football: Dallas at Washington (NBC, 8:30 p.m.). Earlier NFL showdowns have Baltimore at Cincinnati (CBS, 1 p.m.), Philadelphia at New York Giants (Fox, 1 p.m.), Green Bay at Minnesota (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) and Miami at New England (CBS, 4:35 p.m.).
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (ABC, 8 p.m.) takes over prime time on broadcast TV, which is chock full of reruns.
“United States of Bacon” (Destination America, 10 p.m.) is a travelogue of pork. It comes after a new episode of “BBQ Pitmasters” (Destination America, 9 p.m.).
Can’t decide who’s more repellant, the gang on “Sister Wives” (TLC, 8 p.m.) or the women on “Sin City Rules” (TLC, 10 p.m.).
“Ax Men” (History, 9 p.m.) reaches a season finale. Then they all go back to reading history.
A double play of “The Lion King” (ABC Family, 8 and 10 p.m.) constitutes the circle of life.
“Curiosity” (Discovery, 9 p.m.) looks at the power of sunstorms.
When “Finding Bigfoot” (Animal Planet, 9 p.m.) travels to Australia, they learn there isn’t a Bigfoot per se down under, but they do have what they call Yowie, who I believe was a son of David Bowie.
The season five winner of “Iron Chef America” (Food Network, 9 p.m.) takes on Judy Joo of “Iron Chef UK.”
A falling tree on “Bamazon” (History, 10 p.m.) nearly kills a few members of the crew.
Flooding from a storm surge occupy the “Alaska State Troopers” (National Geographic, 10 p.m.).
Seeking the origin of yurts? look no further than “How It’s Made” (Science, 10 p.m.).
“The Art of the Collaboration” (TCM, 8 and 11 p.m.) is a replay of the AFI Master Class of how director Steven Spieberg has had with composer John Williams. In between, an example of their work together in the 1997 “Amistad” (TCM, 9 p.m.).
In men’s college hoops, it’s Tulane at Alabama (ESPNU, 6 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Sens. Chuck Schumer and Jon Kyl, Reps. Chris Van Hollen and Raul Labrador, Howard Dean, Tim Pawlenty. CBS: Sens. Dick Durbin and Tom Coburn. NBC: President Barack Obama. CNN: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Sens. John Barrasso and Debbie Stabenow, Reps. Donna Edwards and Darrell Issa. Fox News: Sens. Dianne Feinstein and former Sen. Evan Bayh.
ABC: Sens. Chuck Schumer and Jon Kyl, Reps. Chris Van Hollen and Raul Labrador, Howard Dean, Tim Pawlenty. CBS: Sens. Dick Durbin and Tom Coburn. NBC: President Barack Obama. CNN: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Sens. John Barrasso and Debbie Stabenow, Reps. Donna Edwards and Darrell Issa. Fox News: Sens. Dianne Feinstein and former Sen. Evan Bayh.