It’s all sports figures among the finalists of “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 9 p.m.) with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe and former NFL wide receiver Calvin Johnson Jr. battling for the glitter ball trophy on the 23rd season finale. Hernandez has the edge, though it will never match her Olympic gold. Two eliminated dancers, Vanilla Ice and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, will also perform, as will Andy Grammar.
Eric Holder, Shonda Rimes and DeRay McKesson contribute thoughts on where racial advances have occurred on the elusion of Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s top notch “Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings), which I hope has been updated to include the latest glaring setbacks.
The influence of MTV in the 80s is weighed on the seventh chapter of “Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) with a look at the work of David Bowie, Devo, Madonna, Eurythmics and Nirvana.
The Boston molasses crisis is covered on a food-centric episode of “Drunk History” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.).
Jimmy Smits guest stars as Amy’s father on a Thanksgiving-themed “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox,, 8 p.m.). Peter Gallagher is Schmidt’s dad on the Thanksgiving episode of “New Girl” (Fox, 8:30 p.m.). Katie’s mom shows up for the holiday on “American Housewife” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.).
Agent Bisop goes to Gitmo on a Thanksgiving episode of “NCIS” (8 p.m.).
They are already making their Christmas photo, though, on “The Middle” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
A second season starts for Tilman J. Fertitta, an investor on “Billion Dollar Buyer” (CNBC, 10 p.m.).
Seth Rogen helps out on “Billy on the Street” (TruTV, 10:30 p.m.).
Eliminations are held on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
“Kate Plus 8” (TLC, 10 p.m.) marks its 10th anniversary. Or: How reality TV helped ruin a family.
Investigators on “Hunting Hitler” (History, 10 p.m.) travel to Denmark and Argentina.
A sailor is murdered during a motorcycle ally on “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Bikers are an issue, too, on “Aftermath” (Syfy, 10 p.m.).
As winter descends it may be fitting to watch “Continent 7: Antarctica” (National Geographic, 10 p.m.).
“Chicago Fire” (NBC, 10 p.m.) hits a pedestrian on the way to a fire.
“Window Warriors” (GSN, 9 p.m.) is a competition involving retail window dressers.
Kickers might get some attention on “Inside the NFL” (Showtime, 9 p.m.).
“Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations” (Travel, 9 p.m.) goes to San Diego and, at 9:30 p.m., Dubai.
The saga continues on “Search Party” (TBS, 11 and 11:30 p.m.).
Chocolate ravioli is a thing on “Chopped Junior” (Food, 8 p.m.).
A woman who retreats to a swamp is threatened on “Dead Silent” (Investigation Discovery, 9 p.m.).
Caitlin saves Barry on “The Flash” (The CW, 8 p.m.), which unleashes her inner Killer Frost.
“Bull” (CBS, 9 p.m.) uncovers a conspiracy involving a corrupt assemblyman.
They celebrate a first anniversary on “Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After?” (Freeform, 8 p.m.).
The elite team goes against Abby’s team on the season six finale of “Dance Moms” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
The most amazing discovery are counted down on “How the Universe World” (Science, 10 p.m.).
A hatch is found on “The Curse of Oak Island” (History, 9 p.m.).
“Intervention” (A&E, 9 p.m.) takes a whiff of synthetic pot. Then, on the new “Codependent” (A&E, 10 p.m.) an A-student and former basketball player get help.
They do a lot of bold adventures, but Evie and Xavier still struggle to express love on “No Tomorrow” (The CW, 9 .m.).
Kelley faces consequences for stranding Dean on an island on “Below Deck” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
On “The Profit” (CNBC, 9 p.m.), George Lopez helps promote a failing Mexican restaurant in Port Chester, N.Y.
A secret Randall’s mother kept from him is revealed on the Thanksgiving episode of “This is Us” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
It’s been a long series for “Little People, Big World” (TLC, 8 p.m.), starting its 12th season.
“Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness” (Esquire, 8 p.m.) starts a second season.
Dean Munsch starts a blood drive on “Scream Queens” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service with films where the parks were prominently featured: “The Big Sky” (8 p.m.), “The Long, Long Trailer” (10:30 p.m.), “Grand Canyon, Pride of Creation” (12:15 a.m.), “3 Godfathers” (1 a.m.), “King Solomon’s Mines” (3 a.m.) and “Spencer’s Mountain” (5 a.m.).
Men’s college basketball today includes Tennessee vs. Oregon (ESPN2, 1:30 p.m.), Texas vs. Colorado (ESPNU, 3:30 p.m.), Connecticut vs. Chaminade (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.), Notre Dame vs. Northwestern (ESPN2, 6 p.m.), Auburn vs. Texas Tech (CBS Sports, 6 p.m.), IUPUI at Marquette (Fox Sports 1, 7:30 p.m.), Georgetown vs. Wisconsin (ESPN2, 8 p.m.), Purdue vs. Utah State (CBS Sports, 8:30 p.m.), Oregon State at Tulsa (ESPNews, 9 p.m.), Kansas vs. Georgia (ESPN2, 10 p.m.) and Oklahoma State vs. North Carolina (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
College football has Akron at Ohio (ESPNU, 7 p.m.).
Pro basketball has Chicago at Denver (NBA, 9 p.m.).
Hockey has St. Louis at Boston (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Kristin Davis, Wendy Bazilian, Max Greenfield. The View: Kathy Griffin. The Talk: Anna Camp, Cameron Mathieson. Harry Connick: Lily Collins, Cirque Du Soleil, Ta’Rhonda Jones. Ellen DeGeneres: Lauren Graham, Sting. Wendy Williams: Caitlyn Becker, Mary Alice Stephenson. The Real: Timon Kyle Durrett, Angela Simmons.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: James Marsden, John Waters. Jimmy Kimmel: Bono, Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum, Kristen Bell, DJ Khaled, Neil Patrick Harris, Halsey, the Killers. Jimmy Fallon: Sarah Jessica Parker, Frank Pellegrino Jr. Seth Meyers: Gayle King, Ben Platt, performers from “Dear Evan Hansen.” James Corden: Aaron Eckhart, Trevor Noah, Green Day. Carson Daly: Jack Osbourne, Elliphant, Sasha Lane (rerun). Trevor Noah: Desus Nice & the Kid Mero (rerun).