If anyone wonders why the time-travel series “Timeless” (NBC, 8 p.m.) was canceled, it might all be there in the three minute summary that starts tonight’s two-hour final movie / holiday special. It shows just how convoluted, confusing and un-fun everything had become.
Now, responding to the remaining fans saddened by the sudden cancellation last spring, there’s a rare chance to wrap everything up. But even two hours can’t begin to cover all the loose ends, dead comrades to resurrect, couples to entwine while, yes, throwing in Christmas as well. So the final trips to 1848 California and 1950 North Korea are imbued with holiday mentions and nostalgic looks past (and a bit forward). It’s clear that saving interpersonal relationships is suddenly a lot more important to saving history — and that cancellation was the right call.
Max Jobrani, Lil Rel Howery, Garfunkel and Oates, Laurie Kimlartin and Amanda Seales are among the comics performing in “The 4th Annual Howie Mandel Stand-Up Extravaganza” (CW, 8 p.m.) from the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal.
Network holiday fare is led by a reprise of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (ABC, 8 p.m.). In the absence of a new live musical this season, here’s a rerun of last year’s “A Christmas Story Live!” (Fox, 8 p.m.) with Maya Rudolph and Matthew Broderick.
New online, though, is “Aggretsuko: We Wish You a Metal Christmas” (Netflix, streaming), a special about Retsuko, the fluffy red panda who likes to thrash. and deals with a social media addiction during the holidays.
A second season starts for “Ex on the Beach” (MTV, 8 p.m.), in which singles in paradise are suddenly joined by their exes.
“The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” (ABC, 9 p.m.) reaches its finals.
But “Top Chef” (Bravo, 9 p.m.), in its third episode is just starting up, but having a traditional French Christmas dinner.
“Murphy Brown” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.) wraps up its revived season with a celebration at Phil’s Bar.
The last person you might expect on the “WWE Tribute to the Troops” (USA, 9 p.m.) might be former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart. But here he is, alongside country singer Morgan Wallen and a number of wrestler for the annual event.
“Floribama Shore” (MTV, 9 p.m.) goes to Mexico.
A jaguar mating gets the focus on “The Secret Life of the Zoo” (Animal Planet, 9 p.m.).
“The Dead Files” (Travel, 10 p.m.) goes to Asbury Park, N.J.
The Thursday salute to Dick Powell on Turner Classic Movies concludes with “Hard to Get” (4:30 p.m.), “Hollywood Hotel” (6 p.m.), “Christmas in July” (8 p.m.), “You Never Can Tell” (9:30 p.m.), “The Singing Marine” (11:15 p.m.), “Cowboy from Brooklyn” (1:15 a.m.), “Varsity Show” (2:45 a.m.), “Going Places” (4:15 a.m.) and “Naughty But Nice” (5:45 a.m.).
Earlier on TCM, the focus is on Irene Dunne, born this day in 1898, featured in “Stingaree” (6 a.m.), “Show Boat” (7:30 a.m.), “No Other Woman” (9:30 a.m.), “My Favorite Wife” (10:30 a.m.), “A Guy Named Joe” (noon) and “Anna and the King of Siam” (2:15 p.m.).
NBA action includes Houston at Miami (TNT, 8 p.m.) and Dallas at Clippers (TNT, 10:30 p.m.).
Men’s college basketball includes Texas Tech vs Duke (ESPN2, 7 p.m.) and Coe College at Creighton (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.).
And it’s Marshall vs. South Florida (ESPN, 8 p.m.) in the Gasparilla Bowl.
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Hailee Seinfeld, Lawrence Zarin, Andy Cohen. The View: April Ryan, John C. Reilly (rerun). The Talk: Faith Ford, Jodie Sweetin (rerun). Ellen DeGeneres: Sandra Bullock, Blake Shelton. Wendy Williams: The Lox. The Real: Jennifer Lopez, Leah Remini, Milo Ventimiglia, Vanessa Hudgens, Amara La Negra.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: John C. Reilly, Sen. Jeff Flake. Jimmy Kimmel: Beastie Boys, Jonathan Van Ness, Mitsuki. Jimmy Fallon: Felicity Jones, Jimmy Carr, Bebe Rexha. Seth Meyers: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Colin Quinn, Richard Danielson. James Corden: Will Ferrell, RuPaul, She & Him. Carson Daly: Beth Behrs, Lawrence, Richard Cabral (rerun).