At its heart, “Dirty John” (Bravo, 10 p.m.), a true crime story about meeting Mr. Wrong, is an elongated Lifetime movie. But because of the participation of Connie Britton, and to a lesser extent, Eric Bana as the weird guy, it’s much more engrossing.
What Britton’s character can’t see is plain to her suspicious daughters, who hire investigators to prove his unsavory past. But will it be in time? Listeners of the podcast, based on an L.A. Times story, know already.
Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold host the Soul Train Awards (BET, VH1, 8 p.m.), taped from Las Vegas a week ago, which is heavy on performances from 90s stars, from Faith Evans to Bell Biv DeVoe, with Carl Thomas and Jon B.
Angela Bassett narrates “The Flood” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.), a two-hour natural history special about animals living in Africa’s Okavango wilderness.
Lifetime continues to pour out the original holiday movies with “Jingle Belle” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.) about a musical duo who reunite for the holidays, with Tatyana Ali, Cornelius Smith Jr., Tempestt Blandesdoe and Keshia Knight Pullman. It’s followed by “Christmas Perfection” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.), about a mannequin in a window display who comes to life, with Caitlin Thompson and James Henri-Thomas. Hallmark just has one new holiday movie tonight, “A Shoe Addict’s Christmas” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.), but it stars the Queen of Hallmark Movies, Candace Cameron Bure about a woman trapped in a department store and is led away from her cravings by a guardian angel (Jean Smart).
And yet another cable network gets into the act with “The Truth About Christmas” (Freeform, 9 p.m.) in which a political consultant has a run in with a toy store Santa, with Kali Hawk and Damon Dayoub.
But does there need to be a baking competition called “Holiday Wars” (Food, 8 p.m.)? Seems like an escalation from “Holiday Gingerbread Showdown” (Food, 9 p.m.).
“Doctor Who” (BBC America, 8 p.m.) goes back to a 17th century Witch trial and meets King James 1.
Elena and Lila are now teens on “My Brilliant Friend” (HBO, 9 p.m.) — which means a new set of actresses: Margherita Mazzucco and Gaia Grace. Catch up with the first two episodes at 7 and 8 p.m. on HBO2.
The second episode of the four-part “Enemies: The President, Justice & The FBI” (Showtime, 8 p.m.) looks into Reagan’s Iran-Contra scandal.
The separation of migrant children from families is explored on “60 Minutes” (CBS, 7:30 p.m.).
Just five are left on “Dancing with the Stars Juniors” (ABC, 8 p.m.) and two are named Brown.
Homer becomes a TV recapper on “The Simpsons” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
They are nowhere near an escape plan on “Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime, 10 p.m.).
Carleen returns on “Camping” (HBO, 10 p.m.).
On “Sally4Ever” (HBO, 10:30 p.m.) tries too hard to get a job on a movie set.
The Sphinx is the topic on “Mythical Beasts” (Science, 10 p.m.).
“America’s National Parks” (National Geographic, 10 p.m.) studies how animals adapt to winter.
Tracee Ellis Ross visits “Busy Tonight” (E!, 10 p.m.).
Haiti’s president refuses to step down after losing an election on “Madam Secretary” (CBS, 10:30 p.m.).
Gene loses a roller skating partner on “Bob’s Burgers” (Fox, 8:30 p.m.).
“Supergirl” (CW, 8 p.m.) goes looking for Agent Liberty.
A new portal to hell is found on “Charmed” (CW, 9 p.m.).
“Ray Donovan” (Showtime, 9 p.m.) hopes to spend a day with Conor before he ships out.
Life in colonial North Carolina ain’t easy on “Outlander” (Starz, 8 p.m.).
A hunt to find a missing comrade leads to a surprising threat on “The Walking Dead” (AMC, 9 p.m.).
The 2014 Christmas episode of “Downton Abbey” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) is rerun.
On “God Friended Me” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.), a request comes from a tennis star who has been missing.
“Paul Walker Behind Closed Doors” (Reelz, 9 p.m.) remembers the late actor.
Snapping turtles need a health check on “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” (Animal Planet, 8 p.m.).
On “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo, 8 p.m.), Porsha meets Dennis’ mother. “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (Bravo, 9 p.m.) begin their reunion episodes.
Kim bawls out Tristan on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” (E!, 9 p.m.).
“NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.) looks into a home invasion.
Turner Classic Movies has two classic musicals directed by Mark Sandrich, “Shall We Dance” (8 p.m.) and “Holiday Inn” (10 p.m.). Then comes the silent 1925 version of “The Wizard of Oz” (midnight), with Oliver Hardy as the Tin Woodsman; followed by the 1926 horror film “The Magician” (1:30 a.m.). Finally, two films from François Truffaut, “The Last Metro” (3 a.m.) and “Les Mistons” (5:30 a.m.).
Sunday Night Football has Green Bay at Minnesota (NBC, 8:20 p.m.). Earlier games include Oakland Baltimore (CBS, 1 p.m.), Giants at Philadelphia (Fox, 1 p.m.) and Pittsburgh at Denver (CBS, 4:25 p.m.).
Hockey has Anaheim at Nashville (NHL, 8 p.m.).
Men’s college basketball includes Canisius vs. Alabama-Birmingham (ESPNU, 10:30 p.m.), Villanova vs. Florida State (ESPN, 1 p.m.), Northwestern vs. Utah (ESPNU, 2 p.m.), Oklahoma State vs. LSU (ESPN2, 4 p.m.), Fresno State vs. Hawaii (ESPNU, 4 p.m.), Memphis vs. Charleston (ESPNU, 6:30 p.m.) and Miami vs. Seton Hall (ESPN2, 10:30 p.m.).
Auto racing has the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (ESPN2, 8 a.m.).
Women’s soccer includes Ghana vs. Mexico (Fox Sports 2, 2 p.m.) and Germany vs. Canada (Fox Sports 2, 5 p.m.).
Canadian Football has its Grey Cup with Ottawa vs. Calgary (ESPN2, 6:30 p.m.).
Sunday Talk
ABC: Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Sherrod Brown, Gov. John Kasich. CBS: Sens. Bernie Sanders and Angus King, Rep. Trey Gowdy. NBC: Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Elijah Cummings, Tom Steyer. CNN: Sen. Joni Ernst, Rep. Adam Schiff. Fox News: Sen. Ben Sasse.