The effort of a team of lawyers to reform harsh condition at the Mississippi State Penitentiary known as the former plantation Parchman Farm comes in the three hour documentary “Exposing Parchman” (A&E, 8 p.m.). It comes from Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, who helped fund the effort as well, so that company’s Jay-Z and Yo Gotti appear in the film along with Rep. Bennie Thompson, activists, lawyers and and family members of prisoners.
The birdwatcher who once was called out by a Central Park racist for reminding her to leash her dog is now star of his own show, extolling the virtues of amateur ornithology in the new “Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper” (Nat Geo Wild, 10 p.m.).
“John Early: Now More Than Ever” (HBO, 10 p.m.) is a new standup comedy special with music, recorded in Brooklyn.
The second movie from the singer-turned-movie producer in as many weeks, “Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman” looks at the couple who romanced in last week’s “Real Love” 15 years into their marriage. Anion Alexus and Da’Vinchi return to star.
Mothers interfere in the panning of a Jewish wedding in the made-for-TV romance “The Wedding Contract” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.). Becca Tobin and Jake Epstein star.
The fifth season premiere of “Homicide for the Holidays” (Oxygen, 8 p.m.) looks into the case of a woman gone missing after July 4.