British drama is likely to pop up all over the dial these days – not just on PBS or BBC America but now on a Starz offshoot channel.
“The Take” (Encore, 9 p.m.) is like an East End London version of the mob series. Tom Hardy, far left, plays Freddie, just released from a four year stint in jail, who has designs on taking over the local underworld, though the old dons are not keen on the takeover. The four-part miniseres begins in the mid-80s, adding a retro feel to the usual violence, drugs, cursing and sex.
A much more wholesome offering comes in the network feature “Game of Your Life” (NBC, 8 p.m.). It’s the latest in a series of TV family movies, underwritten by Procter & Gamble and Walmart, making the airwaves safe for their commercials.
This one about a quartet of college freshman at a school of game design, hoping to do the right thing. Lea Thompson stars and the cast includes Titus Makin Jr. of “Glee”Nathan Kress of “iCarly” and Adam Cagley of “Good Luck Charlie,” which happens to have its own original movie tonight, “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas” (Disney, 8 p.m.). Those who think it has something to do with Charlie Brown may be disappointed.
“Starving Secrets with Tracey Gold” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.) is an unusual reality show about eating disorders, hosted by the “Growing Pains” actress that had her own battle with anorexia 20 years ago.
It comes alongside the Lifetime debut of “America’s Most Wanted” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.), where John Walsh’s cases, we presume, will now all involve women in peril.
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (ABC, 8 p.m.) helps out the family of a child who committed suicide after being bullied at school in Springfield, Mass. Another plus: It involves the Karsashians.
Despite the end of sweeps, there’s a lot of new stuff on network TV tonight, including episodes of “A Gifted Man” (CBS, 8 p.m.), “CSI: NY” (CBS, 9 p.m.), “Nikita” (The CW, 8 p.m.), “Supernatural” (The CW, 9 p.m.) and “Blue Bloods” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Kelsey Grammer roils and growls as he tries to regain control of office on a new “Boss” (Starz, 10 p.m.).
Andrea Bocelli may be out on his Christmas tour, but his spotlight on “Great Performances” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) is from his free concert in Central Park from September, which featured among its special guests Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Bryn Terfel, Chris Botti and David Foster. Paula Zahn hosts the carol-free evening.
Let a special on the “Pickpocket King” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.) steal some of your time tonight.
The episode of “The Soup” (E!, 10 p.m.) is actual a rerun from the show on Wednesday, the first since the clip show changed its premiere timeslot.
Right in prime-time is the Pac-12 college football championship of UCLA at Oregon (Fox, 8 p.m.). In the MAC championship, it’s Northern Illinos vs. Ohio (ESPN2, 8 p.m.).
College basketball includes Florida at Syracuse (ESPN, 7 p.m.), Cincinnati at Georgia (ESPNU, 7 p.m.), Vanderbilt at Louisville (ESPN, 9 p.m.) and Auburn at Seton Hall (ESPNU, 9 p.m.).
A number of films directed by Lloyd Bacon play on Turner Classic Movies with “Knute Rockne All American” (8 p.m.), “Boy Meets Girl” (9:45 p.m.), “Don’t Trust Your Husband” (11:15 p.m.) and “The Good Humor Man” (1 a.m.). Then comes a pair of John Carpenter movies: “They Live” (2:30 a.m.) and “The Fog” (4:15 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa: Maya Rudolph, Matt Czuchry, Neil Patrick Harris. The View: Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer. The Talk: Larry King, John Michael Higgins, the Bangles. Ellen DeGeneres: Sting. Wendy Williams: Mekhi Phifer, Victoria Gotti, Ben Lyons. Rosie O’Donnell: Brett Butler.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Salma Hyek, Keith Olbermann, Jane’s Addiction (rerun). Jay Leno: Hilary Swank, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Dia Frampton. Jimmy Kimmel: J.R. Martinez, David Beckham, Dana Delany, Nickelback (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Maya Rudolph, Damian Lewis, John Besh. Craig Ferguson: Ana Gasteyer, Beth Behrs. Tavis Smiley: Carey Mulligan, Shelby Lynne. Carson Daly: Lisa Ling, Anamana Guchi, Goldheart Assembly (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Brad Wollack, Natasha Leggero, Josh Wolf, Heather McDonald, Jen Kirkman, Sarah Colonna (rerun).