Racist homophobe? Outspoken patriot? Probably just a crank in beard and camo with way too many people listening to him. Either way, Phil Robertson survives his recent, ever-brief chastisement to star in the fifth season start of “Duck Dynasty” (A&E, 9 p.m.), which had been shot way before his interview in GQ raised a fuss, and whose fuss raised a bigger fuss.
“Suburgatory” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) returns for its third season, in which George adopts a dog to improve his relationship with Tessa.
“Arrow” (The CW, 8 p.m.) begins its midseason with Sean Maher playing Shrapnel.
Gloria confronts a bully and Mitchell encounters an enemy on a new “Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.) in an episode that includes Jane Krakowski, Jesse Eisenberg and John Benjamin Hickey as guest stars.
They’re promising a shocking death on “Nashville” (ABC, 10 p.m.), which always inspires a good song. Kelly Clarkson guest stars, playing herself. Not to be confused with “Crazy Hearts: Nashville” (A&E, 11 p.m.), a new reality show following musicians trying to make it big in Music City.
Dann Florek’s Cept. Donald Cragen takes his leave from “Law & Order: SVU” (NBC, 9 p.m.) after 15 seasons; threagening to go to are the characters of Mariska Hargitay and Danny Pinto, though it seems less likely.
Cordelia makes a sacrifice on “American Horror Story: Coven” (FX, 10 p.m.).
There’s an inhospitable island on “Survivorman” (Discovery, 9 p.m.) but nothing like “Sinkholes: Swallowed Alive” (Destination America, 10 p.m.). The people on “My Strange Addiction” (TLC, 10 p.m.) seriously need help.
There’s probably some good stuff from the Golden Globes to be reported on “The Soup” (E!, 10 p.m.). Like the caption that came up on Red Carpet coverage, stating Michael J. Fox’s contracting Parkinson’s Disease as a “fun fact.”
Joey Lawrence and Melissa Hart are finally approaching romance on “Melissa & Joey” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.). Likewise Ben and Riley want to move it to the next level on “Baby Daddy” (ABC Family, 8:30 p.m.).
Neal decides to propose on “Men at Work” (TBS, 10 p.m.). The father, played by J.K. Simmons, doesn’t make it easy.
George Clooney abounds, with screenings of “Syriana” (MoreMax, 1:45 p.m.), “Oceans Twelve” (HBO, 6:45 p.m.) and two Coen Brothers movies, “Intolerable Cruelty” (Flix, 6:15 p.m.) and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (IFC, 8 p.m.).
“The Long Arm of the Law” is theme tonight on Turner Classic Movies with “The Talk of the Town” (8 p.m.), “The Paper Chase” (10:15 p.m.), “Philadelphia” (12:15 a.m.), “12 Angry Men” (2:30 a.m.), “State’s Attorney” (4:15 a.m.) and a 1939 short with an enticing title, “Public Jitterbug No. 1” (5:41 a.m.).
NBA action includes Jazz at Spurs (ESPN, 8 p.m.), and Nuggets at Warriors (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.). Men’s college hoops includes Notre Dame at Maryland (ESPN2, 7 p.m.).
In hockey, it’s Capitals at Penguins (NBC Sports Network, 8 p.m.).
And early round action continues in the Australian Open (ESPN2, 3 and 11 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Kevin Hart, Ana Gasteyer, Dr. Ian Smith. The View: Mariska Margitay, Jennifer Nettles, Diane Farr. The Talk: David Boreanaz, A.J. Hammer, Justin Klosky, Paul Bartolotta. Ellen DeGeneres: Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, Loni Love, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Wendy Williams: Cheryl Hines, Ana Gasteyer.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Kevin Hart, the Orwells. Jay Leno: Vanessa Hudgens, Mark Cuban, Foreigner. Jimmy Kimmel: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kenneth Branagh, Jonny Lewis. Craig Ferguson: Tig Notaro, Juie Delby. Carson Daly: Tame Impala, Lily Kremlin. Tavis Smiley: Bruce Dern. Jon Stewart: Robert Gates. Stephen Colbert: Gabriel Sherman. Arsenio Hall: John Leguizamo, Tika Sumpter, Fiveology. Conan O’Brien: Damian Lewis, Moon Taxi. Chelsea Handler: Kendall & Kylie Jenner, Jeff Wild, Jen Kirkman, Jo Koy.