Elf | 9pm on USA

Adopted as a baby by one of Santa’s elves, a man leaves the workshop to search for his family in New York. Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhart

NBC’s People of the Year | 9pm on NBC

Some of the year’s newsmakers, including Chilean miner rescuer Brandon Fisher, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian and Justin Timberlake; Susan Boyle performs.

Cougar Town | 9:30pm on ABC

Jules tells Grayson she loves him, but when he fails to respond in kind she decides to force the issue with a romantic Thanksgiving dinner. Meanwhile, Bobby’s upset by a failure to communicate with the rest of the gang; and Ellie and Laurie take issue with Andy’s optimism.

The Family Guy | 9pm on Fox

One of Brian’s books becomes a best-seller after Stewie becomes his manager; Lois decides that she and Peter need separate beds, leaving him to look for a new cuddle buddy.

Boardwalk Empire | 9pm on HBO

Nucky prepares for war with a rival faction; Jimmy stands by his alibi; Margaret helps Madame Jeunet.

Notting Hill | 8pm on Lifetime

A man’s life changes when an international star walks into his bookshop. Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville, Emma Chambers, James Dreyfus

Rules of Engagement | 8:30pm on CBS

Jeff and Audrey finally settle on a surrogate. Meanwhile, Russell’s mother, Bunny (guest star Joan Collins, “Dynasty”) — who hasn’t really been much of a mother to him — comes to town. Sara Rue (“Less than Perfect,” “The Big Bang Theory”) begins a recurring role as Brenda, a member of Jeff’s softball team.

Childrens Hospital | Midnight on Adult Swim

First Season Finale: In a special “live” episode, a visiting sultan needs emergency surgery, Blake faces a crucial decision about his clown makeup and Glenn cuts off his finger for Valerie. In a surprise ending, the shocking truth about one of the doctors is revealed, shattering everyone’s perceptions.

Terriers | 10pm on FX

As Gretchen’s wedding nears, Hank learns disconcerting information about her fiancé, Jason. Meanwhile, Britt tracks down the hooker who ripped off a teenage boy.

Kathy Griffin: Whore on Crutches | 10pm on Bravo

In her new stand-up special, Kathy Griffin riffs on Bristol Palin, her exchanges with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on “The View” and her mother’s red-carpet experience at the Emmys.

Friday Night Lights | 9pm on DirecTV

Season Premiere: In the Season 5 opener, Landry prepares to leave for college; Julie spends some quality time with Coach; Billy Riggins enjoys a serious job prospect.

Melissa & Joey | 8pm on ABC Family | Mid-Season Finale

Joe wants to get back into the business world, so he creates his own web series giving out financial tips, with Ryder as his cameraman. Joe asks Mel to become an investor to help get the series off the ground, but she is not the silent partner he hoped for.

In Treatment | 9:00pm on HBO | Season Premiere

As Dr. Paul Weston continues to struggle with the aftermath of his divorce, he faces new emotional and physical challenges – including hand tremors that he fears might be the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, which killed his father. Meanwhile, he takes on three challenging new patients and turns to a new therapist of his own.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Now in the care of Dave Seville’s nephew Toby (Zac Levi), chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore enter a battle of the bands contest to save their school’s music program. Starring Zachary Levi, David Cross, Jason Lee, Justin Long

Caprica | 10pm on SyFy

Clarice visits Gemenon to pitch a terrorist attack to the STO leadership, while Daniel has a meeting with the Ha’La’Tha, where he seeks support for creating a virtual afterlife.