Erik Nelson’s documentary “A Gray State” (A&E, 10 p.m.) is about an Iraqi veteran in Minnesota who was trying to make his own dystopian film (named “Gray State”) about an encroaching police state. Paranoid right wingers embraced his violent trailer enough to help fund it. But before he could get it made he was found dead in an apparent double murder suicide that killed his wife and daughter as well.
The resulting documentary is about the descent into madness, in a film produced by Werner Herzog, who worked with Nelson previously on another documentary about the delusions and tragedy, “Grizzly Man.”
The 22nd season of rose distribution and ritual date removal doesn’t start until New Year’s Day. But in till then there is “The Bachelor: A Countdown to Arie” (ABC, 10 p.m.), a preview of the future bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. You may need the refresher: the race car driver was a runner-up in Emily Maynard’s season more than five years ago.
Similarly, the second season of “Better Late Than Never” (NBC, 10 p.m.) doesn’t start for a while, but there’s a one hour preview tonight of the agreeable travel show that features Henry Winkler, William Shatner, George Foreman and Terry Bradshaw. Looks like they’ll be the ugly Americans in Europe this season.
There’s no need to drill for oil in the Alaskan wildlife refuge with all of the new clean energy technology happening, as enumerated in the documentary “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution” (HBO, 8 p.m.) from filmmaker Jamie Redford, son of actor Robert Redford.
Filmmaker Bob Poole finds himself a “Man Among Cheetahs” (Nat Geo Wild, 9 p.m.) in a new nature film about a female cheetah and her cubs in Brazil.
The top eight perform on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
Think of it as a combination holiday special and infomercial for getting married at theme parks. Stephen “tWich” Boss and Allison Holker host “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic” (Freeform, 8 p.m.). The Tenors sing at one ceremony.
There’s another two hour of lighting competition on “The Great Christmas Light Fight” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Vanessa wants a date with a personal trainer on “Kevin Can Wait” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
Sinnerman is in custody on the midseason finale of “Lucifer” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Sexism is debated on “Man with a Plan” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.).
After the bar fight on “MTV Floribama Shore” (MTV, 10 p.m.), its cast should be in jail.
Four remaining bakers make Hanukkah jelly doughnuts and a fruitcake on “Holiday Baking Championship” (Food, 9 p.m.). And “Christmas Cookie Challenge” (Food, 10 p.m.) reaches its display round.
Loving the weirdo tone to the new animated “Tarantula” (TBS, 10 and 10:30 p.m.).
The competitors of “Scared Famous” (VH1, 9 p.m.) are in it for the money. One wins $100,000 in the season one finale.
Comedian Gary Owen goes to “The Healer” (TLC, 10 p.m.).
There’s a Christmas episode of “Superior Donuts” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
Jace is forced to hand over something valuable to Dr. Campbell on “The Gifted” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
There’s another big mission on “Valor” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
Cabe’s trial nears the verdict on “Scorpion” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Shep looks for someone to date on “Relationshep” (Bravo, 10 p.m.), since that is the title of the show.
On “9JKL” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.), the parents visit Josh on the set of his movie and get background roles.
Monday Night Football has New England at Miami (EPN, 8:30 p.m.).
Men’s college basketball includes Bryant at Louisville (EPNU, 7 p.m.), Chicago State at Northwestern (Fox Sports 1, 7 p.m.) and Alabama A&M at DePaul (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.).
Pro bakes have New Orleans at Houston (NBA, 8 p.m.) and Toronto at Clippers (NBA, 10:30 p.m.).
Matt Walsh of “Veep” is guest programmer on Turner Classic Movies tonight and his choices are pretty good: “Being There” (8 p.m.), “My Favorite Year” (10:30 p.m.), “Withnail & I” (12:15 a.m.) and “Horse Feathers” (2:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Zendaya, Bernadette Peters. The View: Anthony Anderson, Tig Notaro. The Talk: Andrea Barber, Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Tweetin, Carnie Wilson. Harry Connick: Jenna and Barbara Bush, Nikki Ross. Steve Harvey: Joey Lawrence, Danielle Brooks. Ellen DeGeneres: Jennifer Hudson. Wendy Williams: Jamie Krell, Sharon Carpenter. The Real: Aisha Hinds.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Matt Damon, Rahm Emanuel, Juanes. Jimmy Fallon: Zendaya, Billy Crudup, Big Sean and Metro Boomin. Seth Meyers: Anthony Anderson, Hong Chau, Amanda Seales, Mark Giuliana. James Corden: James Franco, Dave Franco, Hanson. Carson Daly: Chris Miloni, Best Coast. Trevor Noah: Pete Souza. Jordan Klepper: John Della Volpe. Conan O’Brien: Ed Helms, Fareed Zakaria, Electric Guest.