At a time when it seems local newspapers are in dire straits, it’s heartening to see the work going on in a small northern Iowa town, where the local biweekly is doing serious journalism, making a difference and winning prizes, while barely keeping afloat. Art Cullen and his team get their due in the documentary “Storm Lake,” named after their community, making its debut on “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings).
It runs opposite another worthy documentary about a groundbreaking photographer, novelist and filmmaker in “A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks” (HBO, 10 p.m.).
Jesse Palmer hosts the latest Christmas kitchen competition, “Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown” (Food, 8 p.m.). If judges eat too much, they may wind up on “1,000-lb. Sisters” (TLC, 10 p.m.), making its season premiere.
Reality talent shows get closer to their ends as the Top 13 perform on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) and “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.) reaches its semifinals, after Jimmie Allen and Olivia Jade got eliminated last week.
The detective drama “Dalgiesh” (Acorn TV, streaming) ends its first season with a two part episode.
Making its debut is the new “The Madame Blanc Mysteries” (Acorn TV, streaming), starring creator Sally Lindsay as an antique dealer investigating the sudden death of her husband.