A cultural constant that’s adapted with the times are the cartoons of The New Yorker, which largely reflect the oddball taste of one man, a cartoonist there himself, Bob Mankoff. He explains his process and we meet quite a number of classic cartoonists there, from George Booth and Mort Gerber to George Booth, as well as some great new ones, from Emily Flake to Liana Fincck in the documentary “Very Semi-Serious: A Partially Thorough Portrait of New Yorker Cartoonists” (HBO, 9 p.m.).
The can’t miss music special of the season is “Adele Live in New York City” (NBC, 10 p.m.), a Radio City Music Hall appearance last year from the woman whose new album, “25,” has already sold more than 5 million copies in its three weeks of release.
The final, crazy run by Ed and Peggy marks the finale of the remarkable season of “Fargo” (FX, 10 p.m.).
Arthur C. Clarke’s sci-fi classic “Childhood’s End” (Syfy, 8 p.m.), about an invasion of seemingly benevolent aliens, is adapted into a three-night miniseries.
It accompanies a new series “The Expanse” (Syfy, 10 p.m.), about a detective 200 years in the future on a missing person case in the newly colonized solar system. Thomas Jane (“Hung”) stars.
Finalists sing their final numbers as another season winds up on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
A winner is named across the pond in the finale of “The X Factor UK” (AxsTV, 8 p.m.) with guest appearances from One Direction and Adele.
That great documentary about Muscle Shoals, Ala., and its recording legacy is rerun on “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings).
I suppose there’s no lack of possible trees; it’s buying decorations that are the problems for the off the grid people in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, whose traditions are revealed in “The Last Alaskans: Holiday Memories” (Animal Planet, 9 p.m.).
There is sorrow among the breakfast pastries on “The Great Holiday Baking Show” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
And global warming ticks up a degree or two by the excesses of “The Great Christmas Light Fight” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Cat’s been hacked on “Supergirl” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
The baby is already one on “Jane the Virgin” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
The month-long Monday-night series of girlfriend movies continues on Turner Classic Movies with “Old Acquaintance” (8 p.m.), “The Women” (10:15 p.m.), “Swing Shift” (12:45 a.m.) and “Tender Comrade” (2:45 a.m.).
Monday Night Football has Giants at Miami (ESPN, 8:15 p.m.).
Hockey has Washington at Pittsburgh (NHL, 7 p.m.). In basketball, it’s Phoenix at Dallas (NBA, 8:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Mark Wahlberg, Gwendoline Christie, Sara Bareilles. The View: Nick Cannon, Stacy London. The Talk: Anjelica Huston, Chi-Lan Lieu. Ellen DeGeneres: Idina Menzel. Wendy Williams: Dr. Gadget, Ereka Vetrini. The Real: Lacey Chabert, Dr. Drew Pinsky. Meredith Vieiera: Justin Long, Donny Deutsch.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Jennifer Lawrence, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Sleater-Kinney. Jimmy Kimmel: Oscar Isaac, Misty Copeland, Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Jimmy Fallon: Tina Fey, Dane DeHaan, Kenny Rogers. Seth Meyers: Bradley Cooper, Jermaine Clement, the Struts, Ilan Rubin. James Corden: Josh Groban, Justin Long, Data. Carson Daly: Michelle Beadle, Melanie Martinez, Courtney Scheuerman. Tavis Smiley: Eli Broad, Brian McKnight. Trevor Noah: Andy Cohen. Conan O’Brien: Andy Serkis, Krysten Ritter, Drennon Davis, Karen Kilgariff.