Tonight on American Masters Woody Allen is featured. Tuesday night on The X factor top 9 perform. Wednesday night on South Park the kids learn about Thanksgiving. Thursday night it's time for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Friday night it's time to move on to Christmas: The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story. Saturday night watch Bee Movie. Sunday night it's the timely Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith.
US television highlights for the week of November 21, 2011. Times are ET, shows are new unless noted as repeats. Tagged for your pleasure: tvtw .
Monday
American Masters, Woody Allen. PBS, check local listings for time.
With in-depth and personal interviews, the life and work of writer, actor and director Woody Allen is profiled, and as cameras follow him for more than a year and a half, a unique glimpse is provided into his past and creative process. 1½ hrs.
CBS Comedies, All New. 8pm - 10pm, CBS.
How I Met Your Mother, 2 Broke Girls, Two and a Half Men , and Mike & Molly are all new.
Terra Nova, Vs.. 8:00pm, Fox.
As Taylor rigorously searches for the "Sixer" mole within the realm of Terra Nova, Jim happens to stumble onto an old murder case that may have evidence which could implicate Taylor as the prime suspect in the investigation.
Dancing with the Stars. 8:00pm, ABC.
The three celebrity finalists and their professional dance partners return to the dance floor for one final round of dances, hoping to prove that they have the skill and charisma needed to claim the Mirror Ball trophy. 1 hr.
House, Dead and Buried. 9:00pm, Fox.
The team discovers that their 14-year-old patient is suffering from more than teenage angst; House becomes obsessed with solving a peculiar case of a decease four-year-old patient, which gets him into some serious trouble.
Hart of Dixie, Homecoming & Coming Home. 9:00pm, CW.
Zoe takes on hosting Lavon's annual homecoming party with her friend from New York, but run into trouble when their style of party doesn't match with Bluebell; George and Wade plan to get even with their high school nemesis and Lemon wants in.
Hawaii Five-O, Ki'lua. 10:00pm, CBS.
McGarrett finds himself in need of his team's help when he goes to North Korea with Jenna to deliver a ransom for her fiance who is being held by rebels; the Five-0 team investigates a murder of an investigative. reporter with ties to Jenna.
Castle, Kill Shot. 10:00pm, ABC.
New York City is under fire by a sniper with no clear reason for killing other than to instill fright; with time running out, the team struggles to locate the sniper and it becomes difficult as Beckett suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Rock Center with Brian Williams. 10:00pm, NBC.
Bob Costas returns to discuss the nation's reactions to the Penn State sexual abuse scandal and its latest developments; Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is interviewed by Harry Smith; American icon Betty White is in the studio.
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Tuesday
Frontline, A Perfect Terrorist. PBS, check local listings for time.
Correspondents examine the life of a Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley, including his confessions of terrorism, his ties to Lashkar-i-Taiba and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, and his work as an informant for the DEA.
The X factor, Top 9 Perform. 8:00pm, Fox.
After a shocking elimination last week, the remaining contestants look to gain control of the top; once performing takes place in front of the judges, viewers at home vote to keep their favorite acts in the competition. 2 hrs.
NCIS, Sins of the Father. 8:00pm, CBS.
The NCIS team must figure out if Tony's father is actually capable of murder after he is found in a car with a dead body in the trunk and no recollection of the night before; Tony goes against orders and tries to prove his father's innocence.
Dancing with the Stars, The Results Show. 9:00pm, ABC.
The three celebrity finalists and their professional dance partners return, hoping that their latest choreography and skills are enough to claim the coveted Mirror Ball trophy; country powerhouse duo Lady Antebellum performs their latest hits. 2 hrs.
NCIS: Los Angeles, The Debt. 9:00pm, CBS.
Deeks happens to make a critical error while on a stake-out assignment that forces Hetty to fire him and send him back to LAPD; an awkward goodbye between Kensi and Deeks leaves Kensi with unfamiliar emotions for her old partner.
Unforgettable, Trajectories. 10:00pm, CBS.
When a second murder suddenly takes place at the scene of an active crime investigation, Al and Carrie must wade through hundreds of bystanders to learn if it was an act of retribution or an unrelateds spontaneous attack.
Parenthood, Mr. Honesty. 10:00pm, NBC.
Adam and Kristina's marriage is disrupted by an inappropriate moment at work; Crosby and Jasmine reconnect after clearing up Jabbar's misunderstanding of their relationship; Julia and Joel's adoption plan may be jeopardized by Zoe's boyfriend.
Covert Affairs, Horse to Water. 10:00pm, USA.
After an asset is killed in Russia, the Central Intelligence Agency begins to suspect that an imprisoned CIA analyst is receiving assistance from his daughter, so Annie is tasked with following the woman and studying her actions.
Sons of Anarchy, Burnt and Purged Away. 10:00pm, FX.
The Sons of Anarchy fall short of their previous expectations, and since the future of their organization has fallen into chaos, the members of SAMCRO turn to the Irish Kings in order to guarantee the survival of their family.
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Wednesday
NOVA, The Fabric of the Cosmos: Universe or Multiverse?. PBS, check local listings for time.
With many scientists supporting a theory that suggests there are multiple universes, Brian Greene provides a detailed look at the theory, explains why some scientists believe it to be true, and reveals what the alternate realities may look like.
ABC Comedies, All New - Thanksgiving Specials. 8pm - 10pm, ABC.
The Middle, Suburgatory, Modern Family , and Happy Endings are all new.
The X factor, 1 of 9 Voted Off. 8:00pm, Fox.
With the remaining singers looking to make it even closer to the final round of performances, two acts are sent home after America's votes are revealed and the judges choose who they think deserves to stay in the competition. 1 hr.
Survivor: South Pacific, A Closer Look. 8:00pm, CBS.
Never-before-seen footage is shown of how this season's most intriguing and shocking events have played out; behind-the-scenes action is revealed with a closer look at the inner-workings and voting patterns of each tribe.
Criminal Minds, With Friends Like These.... 9:00pm, CBS.
When a gang of suspected murderers start targeting a new victim per night, the BAU team travels to Portland to stop them before they can strike again.
America's Next Top Model, Highlights. 9:00pm, CW.
A look back on all of the challenges, photo shoots and dramatic personalities that have occurred over the All-Star cycle of "America's Next Top Model."
MythBusters, Wheel of Mythfortune. 9:00pm, Discovery.
Adam, Jamie and the team have once again asked their viewers to send in letters and e-mails, and when the mailbox reaches capacity, they pick five random requests and attempt to answers their audiences' queries with science and experimentation.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Fracked. 10:00pm, CBS.
The CSI team looks into the murders of two men about to blow the whistle on a large natural gas company poisoning the water in a farming town.
Revenge, Suspicion. 10:00pm, ABC.
Emily turns to her mentor for advice when she finds out her most important ally has turned against her; Victoria finds herself all alone in her home as well as her life; the dangers of Tyler's negative influence continues to grow.
South Park, A History Channel Thanksgiving. 10:00pm, Comedy Central.
After viewing a television special on The History Channel, the boys begin to believe that extraterrestrials had some involvement in the original Thanksgiving feast, and they set out to find answers to all of their new questions. A recent repeat.
American Horror Story, Rubber Man. 10:00pm, FX.
Another piece of the puzzle is finally discovered when the secret identity of the unknown man in the rubber suit is revealed to the already-terrified residents of the eerie house, but the shocking unmasking only proves to bring about more questions.
Top Chef, Quinceanera. 10:00pm, Bravo.
In the Quickfire, the remaining chefs must create a delicious meal made from rattlesnake, and in the elimination challenge, they must cater to a Qinceanera party with a sweet and savory feast and are joined by guest judge Johnny Hernandez.
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Thursday - Thanksgiving
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, special, 1 hr., 8:00pm, ABC.
Charlie Brown's friends pull together to save the holiday when the luckless boy's plans for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration are nearly destroyed by some questionable menu selections on the part of his caterers, Snoopy and Woodstock.
Horton Hears a Who!, 2008 movie, 2 hrs., 8:00pm, ABC.
When a kindly elephant hears a cry for help coming from a speck of dust, he discovers a community of tiny creatures living inside it and attempts to find a safe place for them to live, while his neighbors refuse to believe that the creatures exist. Voices of: Jim Carrey, Charles Osgood, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, and Dan Fogler.
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas, special, ½ hr., 8:00pm, Fox.
Sid accidentally destroys Manny's holiday decorations, and Manny makes Sid believe that he's now on Santa's naughty list; Sid, Crash, Eddie and Peaches head to the North Pole to plead their case to Santa, but end up making things worse.
Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown, special, 1 hr., 8:30pm, Fox.
The stakes are high as Linus learns that his grandmother will be visiting soon, and he must decide whether or not to get rid of his most cherished possession, but Charlie Brown, Lucy, and even Snoopy pitch in to help him kick his habit.
A Very Gaga Thanksgiving, special, 1½ hr., 9:30pm, ABC.
An intimate look inside the life of Lady Gaga as she performs, in front of a small audience, eight songs including a duet with guest Tony Bennett; Katie Couric sits down with her to discuss her private life as well as her inspirations.
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Friday
hoops&yoyo Ruin Christmas, special, ½ hr., 8:00pm, CBS.
A pink cat and green rabbit stay up on Christmas Eve to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, but their curiosity soons lands them in his sleigh after he goes down the chimney and they must now travel the world with Santa for one night.
The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story, special, ½ hr., 8:30pm, CBS.
A scout elf from the North Pole whose sole job for Santa Claus is to determine who to put on the naughty and nice lists for the year is assigned to help out a young boy who struggles to believe in the magic of Christmas.
Iron Man, 2008 movie, 2½ hrs., 8:00pm, Fox.
After being abducted by terrorists in Afghanistan, a brilliant weapons designer pieces together a powerful armored suit to escape his captors, and he uses his creation as the basis of new technology that will allow him to secretly fight injustice. Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb, and Shaun Toub.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets, 2007 movie, 3 hrs., 8:00pm, NBC.
Modern-day treasure hunter-archeologist Benjamin Franklin Gates and his team attempt to unlock the mystery of Abraham Lincoln's assassination by using 18 missing pages from the diary of assassin John Wilkes Booth uncovering a world-wide conspiracy. Stars: Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Diane Kruger, Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel, and Bruce Greenwood.
Sanctuary, Fugue. 10:00pm, Syfy.
FBI Agent Abby Corrigan's life is endangered after she is suddenly attacked by an unfamiliar Abnormal during an investigation; Magnus and Will's heated debate over the best way to help Abby threatens to permanently alter their relationship.
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Saturday
Bee Movie, 2007 movie, 2 hrs., 9:00pm, NBC.
A young honeybee decides to venture outside the hive and meets a florist who teaches him that there is more to life than producing honey, but he soon finds himself fighting against humans and their mass honey consumption. Voices of: Jerry Seinfeld, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, Chris Rock, Renée Zellweger, and John Goodman.
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Sunday
60 Minutes. 7:00pm ET, CBS.
Scheduled: a look at the lives of kids and their parents living in cars in central Florida; the scientists behind the real and artificial flavors that makes food and beverages taste better; a profile on international film star Angelina Jolie.
Amazing Race, Release the Brake! (Brussels, Belgium). 8:00pm, CBS.
Contestants take a ride on the ultimate raceway in a thrilling test drive when the competition shifts into higher gear; situations get sticky and not-so-sweet when the teams must attempt to prepare Belgian waffles.
Once Upon a Time, That Still Small Voice 8:00pm, ABC.
Henry's life is in danger when he explores a giant sinkhole that has appeared at the edge of town in hopes of discovering a link between the residents of Storybrooke and the fairytale world; Jiminy Cricket thinks about leaving the family business.
The Simpsons, The Man in Blue Flannel Pants. 8:00pm, Fox.
After hosting a party to promote Krusty's own brand of liquor, Mr. Burns takes notice and offers to promote Homer to "account man" for the power plant; Lisa introduces Bart to the world of literature which sparks his interest in classic novels.
Sunday Night Football, Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs. 8:15pm, NBC.
Pittsburgh has lost three of its last four visits to Kansas City, including a 27-24 overtime loss in 2009, when Ryan Succop, who was the last player selected in the 2009 draft, kicked the game-winning 22-yard field goal for the Chiefs.
Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith, special, 2 hrs., 9:00pm.
A Detroit man has a pretty great life as a sportswriter, screenwriter, and TV broadcaster until he realizes something is missing when a pastor and a rabbi come into his life and show him that people can make a huge difference in others' lives. Stars: Bradley Whitford, Martin Landau, Laurence Fishburne, and Anika Noni Rose.
Family Guy, Amish Guy. 9:00pm, Fox.
After an adventurous day at the amusement park, the Griffins' car breaks down in Amish country where they are stranded with no way out; Meg falls for an Amish boy, leading the Griffins in a crusade against the conservative locals.
The Walking Dead, Pretty Much Dead Already. 9:00pm, AMC.
* Mid-Season Finale * As startling revelations are made, Hershel fails to admit that the world surrounding him is drastically changing; Andrea begins to feel more comfortable with herself; the shocking realities of life slowly hit everyone as hunger takes control.
The Next Iron Chef, New York on a Plate. 9:00pm, Food Network.
The finalists still in the competition travel to Grand Central Station in New York City, and the chefs are each assigned a specific location from which they must devise a unique culinary tale in the storytelling challenge.
Boardwalk Empire, Georgia Peaches. 9:00pm, HBO.
Jimmy and his business partners look for a new source of revenue after Nucky decides to get his alcohol from someone else; the commodore's men devise a plan to deal with the strike; Margaret approaches Father Brennan about absolving her sins.
Dexter, Get Gellar. 9:00pm, SHO.
Dexter attempts to stay ahead of the Homicide Division on his hunt for the Doomsday Killers and finds help from an unexpected source, while Debra visits her therapist once more and learns something new about her that she never knew.
Hell on Wheels, Jamais Je Ne T'oublierai. 10:00pm, AMC.
Cullen is close to completing an unexpectedly frustrating mission when he begins to close in on the Sergeant; the wellbeing of Lily is only an afterthought for Durant as he continues on with his secret plans while helping her get better.
Iron Chef America, Flay vs. Knibb. 10:00pm, Food Network.
Los Angeles, California executive chef Jason Knibb decides to put his cooking skills to the test and enter the extreme heat of Kitchen Stadium to challenge Iron Chef Bobby Flay in an intense seafood culinary competition.
Hung, A Monkey Named Simian. 10:00pm, HBO.
After finding out Charlie has violated his bail agreement, Tanya asks the mother of his child to help her find him; Lenore fights against the Wellness Center; Sandee tells Jason to steal Ray's spot; Ray worries he's lost his ability to please women.
Homeland, Crossfire. 10:00pm, SHO.
Brody finds himself back on track with his mission after he attempted to sever his ties with Abu Nazir, while Carrie is in a public relations situation she does not want to be in after the shooting at the mosque and would rather be tracking Brody.