The two top selling Christmas albums this season are from the products of two different reality shows. But only one of them is really known for singing. Both have specials opposite one another tonight.
The first “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, whose new Christmas collection “Wrapped in Red” has produced the hit single “Underneath the Tree,” is the subject of her own oddly titled TV special, “Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale” (NBC, 10 p.m.), with special guests Heidi Klum, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Ken Jeong, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Matt Lauer, Trisha Yearwood and more.
A more cautionary tale may be in taking in the second “Duck Dynasty: Christmas Special” (A&E, 10 p.m.). Never expect experts on duck calls to know anything about singing. But there you go, with the help of some Nashville ringers, their “Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas” has even outsold Clarkson. Tonight, they going shopping for wild hog for the holiday table and take part in a live nativity scene.
Elsewhere, the new reality series “Rodeo Girls” (A&E, 11 p.m.) follows women on the barrel racing circuit, on and off their horses. Its regular timeslot will be Thrsdays at 10.
The sitcom “The Exes” (TV Land, 10:30 p.m.) returns for a fourth season.
There’s a new witch leader to find on “American Horror Story: Coven” (FX, 10 p.m.).
While “The Voice” has reduced its episode time in its semifinals to match the reduced number of singers, there’s no such luck on “The X Factor” (Fox, 8 p.m.) which stretches out two hours to allow songs from just four acts: Carlito Olivero, Jeff Gutt, the duo Alex & Sierra and the group Restless Road. One will be cut Thursday.
Every year’s Christmas episode of “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.) is worth a watch. More than the Christmas episode of, say, “Melissa & Joey” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.) or “Baby Daddy” (ABC Family, 8:30 p.m.).
Like a live action Beavis & Butt-head, Shaggy 2 Dope and Violent J critique music videos as the second season begins for “Insane Clown Posse Theater” (Fuse, 11:30 p.m.).
The season finale of “South Park” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) is called “The Hobbit.” It’s followed by a new “Key & Peele” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.).
The month-long Wednesday night Fred Astaire showcase on Turner Classic Movies continues with the musicals “You’ll Never Get Rich” (8 p.m.), “You Were Never Lovelier” (9:45 p.m.), “The Band Wagon” (11:30 p.m.), “Silk Stockings” (1:30 a.m.), “Three Little Words” (3:45 a.m.) and “The Belle of New York” (5:30 a.m.).
NBA action tonight includes Chicago at New York (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Dallas at Golden State (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
In hockey, it’s Philadelphia at Chicago (NBC Sports Network, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Emma Thompson, Guy Fieri, Katie Brown. The View: Julianne Moore, Giada De Laurentiis, Rosemary Watson, Trista Sutter. The Talk: Patti LaBelle, Carrie Keagan, Chi-Lan Lieu. Ellen DeGeneres: Tom Hanks, Andrew McCutchen. Wendy Williams: Kirstie Alley, Laurie Schacht.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Emma Thompson, Andy Cohen, Josh Groban, Nick Lowe. Jay Leno: Tyler Perry, Ken Jeong, the Head and the Heart. Jimmy Kimmel: Ryan Seacrest, Bradley Whitford, Mac Miller. Jimmy Fallon: Joaquin Phoeni, Candice Bergen, Iron & Wine and Calexico. Craig Ferguson: Jim gaffigan, Ariel Tweto. Carson Daly: Steve McQuen, Jenny O, Srsly. Tavis Smiley: Hans Zimmer. Jon Stewart: Reza Aslan. Stephen Colbert: Elizabeth Gilbert. Arsenio Hall: Kelly Rowland, Dan Bucatinsky, Luenell. Conan O’Brien: Benedict Cumberbatch, George Takei, John Legend. Chelsea Handler: Kathy Griffin, Moshe Kasher, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Whitney Cummings. Pete Holmes: Moshe Kasher.