Stars lead groups in ‘Clash of the Choirs’
Tonight’s must-see
“Clash of the Choirs” debut, 8-10 p.m., NBC. Even in a year bloated with reality shows, this might stand out. It has a quick conclusion (six hours over four nights), a feel-good mood and the soaring sound of massed voices.
We’ll see clips of stars forming choirs in their home towns. There’s country’s Blake Shelton, plus rock-or-pop stars Nick Lachey, Patti LaBelle, Michael Bolton and Kelly Rowland.
Each choir performs one number, in any genre. Then viewers vote and learn on Thursdaywhich group won.
Tonight’s must-see II
“Duel” debut, 8-9:30 p.m., ABC. Here’s another quick series, covering six nights this week.
There are 24 people, including a lawyer, an umpire and an alligator wrestler. Each starts a round with 10 markers and a multiple-choice question.
They can mark all four choices, but the wrong markers will be swept away. They can take a chance, but if they don’t mark the right answer, they’re out.
Other choices include:
“Everybody Hates Chris,” 8 p.m. CW. In a rerun, Caruso quits bullying Chris, but lots of other kids take over.
“House,” 8 p.m., Fox. In a rerun from last season, Vogler is enraged by House’s speech and wants him fired.
“Hard as Nails” (2007), 8 p.m., HBO. This documentary focuses on Justin Fatica, an intense, 28-year-old lay preacher.
“Olive the Other Reindeer” and “Holidaze,” 8 and 9 p.m., MyNetwork TV. Here are reruns of two holiday cartoons aimed at kids and grown-ups. Drew Barrymore and Fred Savage star.
“Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m., CBS. This rerun pairs two former “Roseanne” kids, Sara Gilbert and Johnny Galecki. She plays a fellow scientist, trying to distract him from his attractive neighbor.
“Two and a Half Men,” 9 p.m., CBS. Janeane Garofalo guests as someone acting strangely after sex with Alan.
“Great Performances: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny,” 8 p.m., KSPS. Here is an opera for people who don’t think they like opera. The plot is red-blooded, as a sin city emerges in the desert. The words (in crisply enunciated English) emerge from the amazing voices of Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone and Anthony Dean Griffey.
“Nimrod Nation” finale, 9 and 9:30 p.m., Sundance Channel. This terrific documentary series ends passionately. We’ve been spending a winter in Watersmeet, Mich., where people focus on the tiny high school (with only 20 seniors) and its basketball team. Now the tournament starts; the final minutes compare to “Fargo” for understated emotional power.
“Journeyman,” 10 p.m., NBC. In a new episode, Dan’s sister-in-law visits and concludes that he needs help.
“Saving Grace,” 10 p.m., TNT. Tonight’s story is overwrought, with Grace’s sex life possibly becoming an issue in a trial. The season finale, on Tuesday, is much better.