No season of “American Idol” made as little noise as this year’s. But after two nights of premiere auditions, here’s something different, highlights from the American Voices festival hosted by Renee Fleming at the Kennedy Center in November with workshops led by Ben Folds, Alison Krauss, Sara Bareilles, Sutton Foster, Kim Burrell and Dianne Reeves capped by en evening concert with Kurt Elling, Josh Groban, Norm Lewis and the National Symphony Orchestra. It’s on “Great Performances” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
You might have thought it’s gone forever but “Glee” (Fox, 8 p.m.) returns for its sixth and final season in a bitt way, with a two hour premiere, with a lot of the original cast returning to aid their old high school.
Also back tonight is “Banshee” (Cinemax, 10 p.m.) with the third season opener.
A couple of shows tonight herald bigger events this weekend. “CMT’s Ultimate Kickoff Party” (CMT, 9 p.m.) with Toby Keith and Lady Antebellum performing as a prelude for the first college football championship playoff. And Meredith Vieira interviews Golden Globe nominees from Uzo Aduba to Benedict Cumberbatch on a “Countdown to the Globes” (NBC, 10 p.m.) in advance of Sunday’s ceremony.
He’s already made headlines this week with his reaction to the French massacre. Tonight, “Real Time with Bill Maher” (HBO, 10 p.m.) resumes its 13th season after a hiatus, with guests Chris Hardwick, Jay Leno, Paul Begala, Carly Fiorina and Salman Rushdie.
The sweet film “Philomena” (Showtime, 9 p.m.), with Steve Coogan and Judi Dench, makes its premium cable premiere. If you didn’t catch it Sunday, there’s a replay of the Roger Ebert bio film “Life Itself” (CNN, 9 p.m.), depending on what’s happening in the news.
“The Late Late Show” (CBS, 12:37 a.m.) after weeks of reruns following Craig Ferguson’s departure, is back to new shows, with Drew Carey sitting in as guest host.
Ty Burell is guest on the fourth season premiere of “Comedy Bang! Bang!” (IFC, 11 p.m.).
The series “Dark Angel” (El Rey, 8 p.m.) is subject of a marathon, with the series’ 40-plus episodes from 2000 to 2002, back to back, introduced by the series star Jessica Alba alongside network chief Robert Rodriguez.
“Blue Bloods” (CBS, 10 p.m.) marks its 100th episode with a story that has Army veterans involved in some robberies.
NBA action tonight includes Chicago at Washington (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Cleveland at Golden State (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
Men’s college hoops include Akron at Toledo (ESPNU, 7 p.m.) and Green Bay at Milwaukee (ESPN, 9 p.m.). In women’s games, it’s Butler at St. John’s (Fox Sports, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Lena Dunham, Chalene Johnson. The View: Patrick Stewart, Chelsea Peretti, Christela Alonzo. The Talk: Jeffrey Tambor, David LeFevre. Ellen DeGeneres: Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo. Wendy Williams: Kirstie Alley. Meredith Vieira: Molly Sims, Rachel Cruze. Queen Latifah: Carl Reiner, Jai Courtney (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Jeff Goldblum, Michael Somerville, Nicole Atkins. Jimmy Fallon: Don Cheadle, Kate Bosworth. Jimmy Kimmel: Kathy Griffin, Chris Fowler & Kirk Herbstreit, Priory (rerun). Seth Meyers: Amy Poehler, George R.R. Martin, Captain Sensible (rerun). Late Late Show: Sharon Osbourne, Penn & Teller, guest host Drew Carey. Carson Daly: Jena Malone, Broods (rerun). Tavis Smiley: Herbie Hancock (rerun).