By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, filed Dec. 26, 2014
As 2014 turns into 2015, the TV options remain relatively modest outside of all the college bowl games.
On New Year's Eve, the usual array of musical acts hosted by the likes of Ryan Seacrest (ABC), Pitbull (Fox) and Carson Daly (NBC) will keep you entertained if you choose not to go out and party yourself. And yes, one of them is Taylor Swift, the most ubiquitous musical force out there this year.
Otherwise, on Sunday, Donald Trump is back on NBC with his umpteenth edition of "Celebrity Apprentice," including folks like Gilbert Gottfried, Ian Ziering, Vivica A. Fox ("Sharknado" reunion!) and Geraldo Rivera. On the same night, ABC hopes fans like medieval musicals with the goofy new comedy "Galavant."
On a more serious note, GPB brings back the fifth season of "Downton Abbey" on Sunday as well.
This covers Monday, Dec. 29, 2014 through Sunday, January 4, 2015.
MONDAY
"It Takes a Choir" noon-8 p.m. USA (new series) —This is new: USA is burning off a series in one day. Eight episodes, eight hours, one full season about a choir director.
"Happy New Year Charlie Brown" 8 p.m. ABC — While other members of the Peanuts gang plan a holiday celebration, Charlie Brown reads.
"Mike & Molly " 8:30 p.m. CBS — Mike is dismayed when Carl invites Victoria on their guys-only fishing trip.
"Rudolph's Shiny New Year " 8:30 p.m. ABC — The red-nosed reindeer sets out in a midnight fog to find Happy, the New Year baby.
"Major Crimes " 9 p.m. TNT — Tensions flare when Flynn talks down a jumper, only to discover that he is a sex offender.
" Branson Famous " 10 p.m. truTV (new series) — Big hair is the name of the game, where sequins rule and the drama is best served country fried.
TUESDAY
"Bye Felicia!" 9 p.m. VH1 — Deb and Missy push their clients' limits; Carissa cannot find a husband.
"The 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors" 9 p.m. CBS — Honorees include Al Green, Tom Hanks, Patricia McBride, Sting and Lily Tomlin.
"Killing Lincoln " 9 p.m. Fox News — This docudrama, based on Bill O'Reilly's best-selling book, originally aired on National Geographic in 2013.
"Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce " 10 p.m. Bravo — After the disastrous date with Nate, Abby goes on a date with her young, handsome admirer, Will.
"The Real World " 10 p.m. MTV — Tension between the housemates rises over wild parties and scandalous hookups.
"Benched " 10:30 p.m. USA (first season finale) — Nina must make some hard choices after secretly reuniting with Trent; Morris calls out Phil.
WEDNESDAY
"All American New Year," 9-12:30 a.m. Fox News — Co-hosts Kimberly Guilfoyle, Bob Beckel, Lisa "Kennedy" Montgomery, Anna Kooiman and Jesse Watters will ring in 2015 live from Times Square in New York City.
THURSDAY
"The 126th Rose Parade" 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. NBC — Hoda Kotb and Al Roker host.
"The Biggest Loser" 8 p.m. NBC — A challenge features a lacrosse-inspired obstacle course; a contestant is eliminated.
"The Taste" 9 p.m. ABC — The cooks must create dishes with decadent ingredients that include caviar, champagne and shellfish.
"Bad Judge" 9 p.m. NBC — Rebecca finds that not everyone appreciates her making judgments on their decisions.
FRIDAY
"Undercover Boss" 8 p.m. CBS (new time slot) — When Maaco President Jose Costa goes under cover, he finds an employee is cutting corners.
"Whale Wars " 8 p.m. Animal (seventh season debut) — Peter takes the lead as The Sea Shepard launches its 10th anti-whaling campaign in the Antarctic.
"Hawaii Five-O " 9 p.m. CBS — A private detective helps solve the murder of a young woman who secretly worked as an escort.
"Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta " 9 p.m. TLC (eight season debut) — Bride Katie is determined to walk down the aisle with the help of her trainer.
"Wake Up Call " 9 p.m. TNT — Cutting through the tension in a caustic relationship between a mother and her daughter.
"Blue Bloods " 9 p.m. CBS — Frank looks for evidence against a suspected cop killer; a killer targets adult-film stars.
WEEKEND
"Damaged" 8 Saturday Lifetime — The life of a high-school teacher (Chris Klein) begins to fall apart when he becomes friendly with a new student (Merritt Patterson).
"Surprised By Love" 8 Saturday Hallmark — A young businesswoman falls for an old high-school flame.
"The Librarians" 8 p.m. Sunday TNT — The librarians travel to a town where fairy tales come to life and attack.
"Galavant" 8 p.m. Sunday ABC (new series) — Sir Galavant falls into a drunken despair after losing his true love to the evil King Richard.
"Madam Secretary" 8 p.m. Sunday CBS — Hooters and Twin Peaks have been featured. Now: Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill.
"The Apprentice" 9 p.m. Sunday NBC (14th season debut) — The latest celebrity edition features Keshia Knight Pulliam and Kenya Moore as the two Atlanta respresentatives on the new season. And believe me, Kenya will not go quietly in the night.
"Downton Abbey" 9 p.m. Sunday GPB (fifth season debut) — Attitudes change when a working class prime minister is elected; Robert is snubbed by the village.
"The Good Wife" 9 p.m. Sunday CBS — Cary works with a prison consultant; Alicia starts debate preparation
"Oprah Prime" 9 p.m. Sunday OWN — Actor David Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay discuss the upcoming film "Selma."
"Worst Cooks in America" 9 p.m. Sunday Food (sixth season debut) — Fourteen recruits, nominated by family and friends for their lack of cooking skills, are selected.
"Resurrection" 9:01 p.m. Sunday ABC — Jacob and Margaret go missing during a violent storm that knocks out the power.
"Life Itself" 9 p.m. Sunday CNN — A wonderful documentary about the late great film critic Roger Ebert.
"Revenge" 9 p.m. Sunday ABC — Victoria and Emily reunite against a common enemy; David takes action to protect the ones he loves.
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