It’s based on a Philip K. Dick novel from over a half century ago, but “The Man in the High Castle” (Amazon, streaming) has an uncomfortably contemporary chill to it, even as its second season starts, with a celebration of VA Day – Nazi Germany’s victory over America in World War II. As a result, Germans control the Eastern half of the U.S.; Japan the West. The country is not only occupied but stuck in a 40s/50s technology and style. Fighting the good fight in the underground might be fodder for dark drama, but really I have no appetite at the moment for Americans cheerily calling “Sieg Heil” to one another from the front lawn.
Also online, the new eight episode thriller “The OA” (Netflix, streaming) staring Brit Marling as blind woman who had been missing but comes home after seven years with her sight restored. Jason Isaacs also stars in the series directed by Zal Batmanglij, who previously worked with Marling on the film “Sound of My Voice.”
The bio pic “Barry” (Netflix, streaming) stars Devon Terrell as the future president Obama, back when he was struggling at Columbia University. Directed by Vikram Gandhi (“Kumare”).
The documentary “Running for His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story” (Showtime, 9 p.m.) looks at the football star who committed suicide while serving a prison sentence.
So far, there are more stars willing to participate in The 85th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (The CW, 8 p.m.) than there are for the Presidential Inaugural. The Hollywood Boulevard event, hosted by Erik Estrada, Dean Cain and Montell Williams, has performances by the Beach Boys, War, Kenny G, Cyndi Lauper and Olivia Newton-John, who is also the parade grand marshal.
After traveling to Cuba on a cultural exchange earlier this year, acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell invited some of their finest performers back to the states. Hence, “Live from Lincoln Center: Joshua Bell’s Seasons of Cuba” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) featuring performances with the Chamber Orchestra of Havana. Also involved are singers Carolos Varela, and Larisa Martinez, pianist Aldo Lopez-Gavilan, and Dave Matthews for some reason.
For nearly three decades she sang her classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” on David Letterman. But since then, Darlene Love has been singing it annually on “The View” (ABC, 11 a.m.). Today is that day.
One last chance to defeat that demon before the first season finale tonight of “The Exorcist” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
On “Hawaii Five-0” (CBS, 9 p.m.), Chin tries to rescue a kidnapped niece in Mexico.
Sliders are the challenge on this week’s “Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Car rescues and road rage are “Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Eve introduces her new boyfriend at Christmas dinner on “Last Man Standing” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
“Dr. Ken” (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) has a Christmas party.
God, more JonBenet on “20/20” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
The Myrna Loy salute on Turner Classic Movies continues with “Broadway Bill” (8 p.m.), “The Best years of Our Lives” (10 p.m.), “Third Finger, Left Hand” (1 a.m.), “Lucky Night” (2:45 a.m.) and “Too Hot to Handle” (4:15 a.m.).
NBA action includes Lakers at Philadelphia (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Dallas at Utah (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Hockey includes Los Angeles at Pittsburgh (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.)
In college football, it’s James Madison at North Dakota State (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) in the FCS playoffs semifinal.
And it’s Mary Hardin-Baylor vs. Wisconsin Oshkosh (ESPNU, 7 p.m.) in the Division III Championship.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Liam Neeson, Nick Cannon, Mark Consuls. The View: Patti LaBelle, Darlene Love. The Talk: Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Hilary Duff. Chelsea Handler: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Hardwick. Harry Connick: Tim Daly, Sarah McLachlan. Ellen DeGeneres: Jim Parsons, Cass McCombs. Wendy Williams: Michael K. Williams. The Real: Courtney B. Vance.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Liam Neeson, Shepard Smith, Jon Batiste. Jimmy Kimmel: Ryan Gosling, T.J. Miller, Pentatonic (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Reese Witherspoon, Andrew Rannells, Warpaint. Seth Meyers: Kate McKinnon, Benjamin Bratt, the Hold Steady, Abe Cunningham (rerun). James Corden: Anjelica Huston, Wilmer Valderrama, Shawn Mendes (rerun).