The live broadcast musical is practically a fixture of holiday programming , and this year’s stab, “Hairspray Live!” (NBC, 8 p.m.) may actually succeed in part because of its starry cast. Harvey Fierstein reprises the role of Edna Turnblad originated by Divine in the original John Waters film. Cast members include Ariana Grande in a surprisingly small part, Martin Short, Derek Hough and Jennifer Hudson.
It is a newcomer, however, Maddie Baillio, however, who plays the starring Tracy Turnblad, who does her part as a 60s teen to overturn prejudice in Baltimore. Hope the performance has a little more life than the slice they did during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Two cast members — Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes, host “The Countdown to Hairspray Live!” (NBC, 7:30 p.m.).
Are TV critics preparing their 10 best lists too soon? They might overlook “Shut Eye” (Hulu, streaming) which is a tough series that looks into the syndicate behind storefront psychics. Jeffrey Donovan of “Burn Notice” stars, but Isabella Rossellini turns in a strong performance as the mob’s boss and KaDee Strickland is just as tough.
One episode to go and Daniel is still adjusting on “Rectify” (Sundance, 10 p.m.).
Conan O’Neal visits another international location in search of laughs in his latest special “Conan Without Borders: Berlin” (TBS, 10 p.m.).
Two more castaways become the members of the jury as “Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.) nears its finale.
A murder dims the holiday party on “Lethal Weapon” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
The 20th season of “South Park” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.) has a finale.
The “Designated Survivor” (ABC, 10 p.m.) tries to crack down on leaks.
Andre tries to get Tiana some stardom on “Empire” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
Fareed Zakaria interviews the president as part of looking at “The Legacy of Barack Obama” (CNN, 9 p.m.).
Bodies are found in Yakima on “Criminal Minds” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
Frank is betrayed on “Frequency” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
On “The Goldbergs” (ABC, 8 p.m.), Adam discovers the Globetrotters.
Bjorn’s dream of exploring the Mediterranean gets closer on “Vikings” (History, 9 p.m.). The season’s first episode is on at 8. Then there’s a kind of reality check on the documentary “Real Vikings” (History, 10 p.m.).
On “Speechless” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.), JJ wants to play sled hockey.
Tim Gunn pops up on “Traci from Nightcap” (Pop, 8 p.m.).
Zoey gets her foot in the door at Teen Vogue on “Blackish” (ABC, 9:30 p.m.).
Campbell’s daughter has a seizure on “Code Black” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
“Modern Family” (ABC, 9 p.m.) is the only comedy on ABC that’s a rerun tonight – they replay the season premiere.
A traitor is exposed on “Salem” (WGN America, 9 p.m.).
Josh Gates counts down his 10 greatest treasure hunts on “Expedition Unknown” (Travel, 9 p.m.).
Brichelle tries to apologize on “Little Women: Dallas” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.).
Liza and Josh have a near miss on “Younger” (TVLand, 10 p.m.).
Schmidt’s engagement party goes awry on “Impastor” (TVLand, 10:30 p.m.).
There’s a holiday celebration up north on “Alaskan Bush People: A Browntown Christmas” (Discovery, 9 p.m.).
Christmas fare tonight includes “The Best Man Holiday” (FXX, 8 and 10:30 p.m.), “Broadcasting Christmas” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.), “The Santa Clause” (Freeform, 7 p.m.), “Elf” (Freeform, 9 p.m.) and “Crown for Christmas” (Hallmark, 10 p.m.).
A look inside the sunken USS Arizona in “Pearl Harbor – Into the Arizona” (PBS, 10 p.m.) and the overview “Ghosts of Pearl Harbor” (National Geographic, 11 p.m.) are two of the surprisingly few programs about today’s anniversary.
But the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor brings 24 hours of films on the event on Turner Classic Movies with “Cry of Battle” (6 a.m.), “Salute to the Marines” (7:45 a.m.), “Bombardier” (9:45 a.m.), “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (11:30 a.m.), “From Here to Eternity” (2 p.m.), “They Were Expendable” (4 p.m.), “December 7th” (6:30 p.m.), “Tora! Tora! Tora!” (8 p.m.), “Air Force” (10:45 p.m.), “The Revolt of Mamie Stover” (1 a.m.), “Task Force” (2:45 a.m.) and “1941” (4:45 a.m.), Steven Spielberg’s film with Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi.
And yes, the 2001 “Pearl Harbor” (AMC, 8 p.m.) is also on.
Men’s college hoops includes Georgia Tech at VCU (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), California vs. Seton Hall (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.), George Washington at Temple (CBS Sports, 7:30 p.m.), TCU at SMU (ESPNews, 8 p.m.), Howard at Maryland (ESPNU, 9 p.m.), Davidson at North Carolina (ESPN2, 9 p.m.), Hawaii vs. Princeton (Fox Sports 1, 9:30 p.m.) and Washington at Gonzaga (ESPN2, 11 p.m.).
In women’s games, it’s Connecticut at Notre Dame (ESPN2, 7 p.m.).
Pro basketball has Cleveland at New York (ESPN, 8 p.m.), San Antonio at Minnesota (NBA, 8 p.m.) and Golden State at Clippers (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Hockey has Boston at Washington (NBC Sports, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Annette Bening, Rita Ora, Sarah McLachlan, Scott Wolf. The View: Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber. The Talk: Lori Laughlin, Lindsay Miller, Grace Vanderwaal. Chelsea Handler: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garrett, Gael Garcia Bernal, Miley Cyrus. Harry Connick: Jonathan & Drew Scott, Bellamy Young. Ellen DeGeneres: Will Smith, Macklemore. Wendy Williams: Laurie Schacht. The Real: Pitfall, Evelyn Lozada.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Octavia Spencer, Travis Scott. Jimmy Kimmel: Jennifer Aniston, Tom Ford, Frenship. Jimmy Fallon: Robert De Niro, Pharrell Williams. Seth Meyers: Taraji P. Henson, Lola Kirke, Bret Baier, Abe Cunningham. James Corden: Stephen Fry, Lukas Graham. Carson Daly: Damien Gazelle, Black Lips, Sean Teale. Trevor Noah: DJ Khaled. Conan O’Brien: T.J. Miller, Anna Camp, the Lemon Twigs.