Van Jones was one of the most articulate voices of resistance following the election. Tonight he goes to the heartland to try and discuss what voters were thinking in “The Messy Truth” (CNN, 9 p.m.), particularly why those who voted for Obama twice switched to Trump this time. T’s the kind of reporting that networks like his should be doing — outside of the Beltway and without panels of pundits. But talking heads are still involved: Michael Moore, Rick Santorum and Ana Navarro take part.
The spacey comedian and James Corden bandleader takes center stage in the special “Reggie Watts: Spatial” (Netflix, streaming).
The new “Knocked Up” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.) follow three women who find out they are pregnant.
“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) return for a seventh season, with Lisa Vanderpump bringing in her friend Dorit Kelsey, whose permanent house guest is Boy George.
“Barbara Walters Presents American Scandals” (Investigation Discovery, 8 p.m.) is back for a second season. They haven’t run out of scandals yet. Tonight they revisit the story of Gary Hart and Donna Rice.
“Drunk History” (Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.) recreates Chicago’s anti-disco riot.
“60 Minutes Sports” (Showtime, 8 p.m.) reports on women’s soccer in Iran and NBA All Star Jayson Williams.
Lefty escapes the mess she made in her hometown on “Good Behavior” (TNT, 9 p.m.).
“This is Us” (NBC, 9 p.m.) has its Christmas episode as does “The Flash” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” (A&E, 10 p.m.) had 2.1 million viewers in last week’s premiere, and nobody got sued, so it’s on to episode two.
“Frontline” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) replays its history of ISIS. Apparently it differs from the history from the president elect, who named Obama as its founder.
“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC, 10 p.m.) joins forces with Ghost Rider.
Then there are Ghost Riders coming after the lacrosse team on “Teen Wolf” (MTV, 9 p.m.).
Jessica has jury duty on “Fresh Off the Boat” (ABC, 9 p.m.).
A new patient checks in on “Scream Queens” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Ophelia goes undercover on “Sweet/Vicious” (MTV, 10 p.m.) to deal with sorority hazing.
Holiday fare is on the menu on “Chopped Junior” (Food, 8 p.m.).
Sierra and Kate clash on the season four finale of “Below Deck” (Bravo, 8 p.m.).
Terry wants Gina to get rid of her space heater on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
An entrepreneur has a crack addiction on “Intervention” (A&E, 8 p.m.).
A congresswoman is threatened on “NCIS” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
Rita and Frankie go on a road trip on “The Middle” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Votes are counted and singers eliminated in the semifinals of “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
“Kate Plus 8” (TLC, 10 p.m.) goes to New Orleans.
A wildlife photographer purchases 100 acres of Peruvian rainforest in order to stop illegal logging on the special “I Bought a Rainforest” (Animal, 9 p.m.).
On “American Housewife” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) Oliver plans to go to the Westport Cotillion.
Jess and Robby try to be in a casual relationship on “New Girl” (Fox, 8:30 p.m.).
“Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations” (Travel, 9 p.m.) goes to Tuscon and, at 9:30 p.m., Seoul.
Kenny wrestles on “The Real O’Neals” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.).
“Bad Girls Club” (Oxygen, 8 p.m.) begins the first of a two part reunion.
The ex-wife of “Bull” (CBS, 9 p.m.) goes to death in a wrongful death suit.
“Chicago Fire” (NBC, 10 p.m.) reaches its 100th episode.
“Hunting Hitler” (History, 10 p.m.) travels to Spain and Argentina.
Abby makes big changes on “Dance Moms” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
Andy Samberg is guest on “Billy on the Street” (truTV, 10:30 p.m.).
A secret destroys Xavier’s world on “No Tomorrow” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
Here’s a biker customizing show has a name cribbed from a rock band: “Wrench Against the Machine” (Esquire, 9 p.m.).
Holiday movies tonight include “The Polar Express” (Freeform, 7 p.m.), “Holiday High School Reunion” (FYI, 8 p.m.), “Home Alone: The Holiday Heist” (Disney, 8 p.m.), “Every Christmas Has a Story” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.), “The Santa Clause” (Disney, 9 p.m.), “Recipe for a Perfect Christmas” (FYI, 10 p.m.) and “I’m Not Ready for Christmas” (Hallmark, 10 p.m.).
Old folks! They make for some good movies sometimes. Turner Classic Movies presents a few of them with “Make Way for Tomorrow” (8 p.m.), “A Trip to Bountiful” (9:45 p.m.), “I Never Sang for My Father” (11:45 p.m.), “Tokyo Story” (1:30 a.m.) and “Judge Hardy and Son” (4 a.m.).
Lots of men’s college basketball tonight with Villanova vs. Lasalle (ESPN2, 7 p.m.), Purdue vs. Arizona State (ESPN, 7 p.m.), Youngstown State at Michigan State (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Brown vs. Providence (Fox Sports 2, 7 p.m.), California vs. Princeton (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), Fresno State at Marquette (CBS Sports, 7:30 p.m.), Florida vs. Duke (ESPN, 9 p.m.), Texas at Michigan (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Fort Wayne at Notre Dame (ESPNU, 9 p.m.) and Hawaii vs. Seton Hall (Fox Sports 1, 9:30 p.m.).
Pro basketball includes San Antonio at Minnesota (NBA, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Kate McKinnon, Riz Ahmed, Ilana Glazer. The View: Queen Latifah, Andy Cohen. The Talk: Valerie Bertinelli, Ashley Graham. Harry Connick: Tim Tebow, Jordan Smith, Buddy Valastro. Ellen DeGeneres: Amy Schumer, Milo Ventimiglia. Wendy Williams: Leah Remini, Dave Koz & Valerie Simpson. The Real: Lee Daniels, Evelyn Lozada.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Vice President Joe Biden, DJ Khaled. Jimmy Kimmel: Ryan Seacrest, Zoey Deutch, James Vincent McMorrow. Jimmy Fallon: Chris Pratt, Katie Holmes, John Mayer. Seth Meyers: Shaquille O’Neal, Abbi Jacobson, Miranda Lambert, Abe Cunningham. James Corden: Billy Crystal, Taron Egerton, CRX. Carson Daly: Anna Camp, Banks & Stelz, Josh McDermitt. Trevor Noah: John Legend. Conan O’Brien: Molly Shannon, Joe Buck, Dinosaur Jr.