A second look at bird brains; ‘Survivor’ concludes
According to tonight’s “Nova” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-G), the term “bird brain” may no longer work as a putdown. Long thought to be “flighty” things ruled by little more than instinct, birds are showing scientists and behaviorists that they are capable of learned behavior and may have advanced thinking skills that were presumed unique to humans.
Over the course of an hour, we learn that parrots can actually plan ahead; jackdaws can “read” human faces, and crows are capable of solving complex, multistep problems. Some of the feathered friends tested here show intelligence levels and skills superior to 3- and 4-year-old human children. Perhaps most remarkable are the birds who demonstrate emotions, even empathy. Perhaps it’s time to stock up on some extra seeds for the feeder this winter season. That would be the thoughtful thing to do.
A 35TH ‘SURVIVOR’
A winner emerges on the 35th season finale of “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14). A reunion (10
p.m., TV-PG) follows.
While I pretty much gave up on watching this spectacle around the time of the Rupert Boneham era, 35 seasons is nothing to sniff at. “Survivor” is the most durable series of the reality television era. It has been around for the entire 21st century (so far), outlasting “CSI” and its many reality competitors.
In fact, some reality shows dating back to the “Survivor” era have come and gone and been revived over the same time period. Are you ready for the “new” version of “American Idol,” premiering
on ABC on March 11?
MUSICAL MOVIES
But for “Survivor,” much of broadcast television has entered into its long winter nap — or perhaps its comfort food binge. Having awarded a new winner of “The Voice,” NBC goes a capella with the 2012 musical comedy “Pitch Perfect” (8:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14), starring Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine and Anna Camp.
For musical diversions of an older vintage, WE offers a double helping of the 1987 romance “Dirty Dancing” (8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.). I wonder if ABC will ever re-air its 2017 remake starring Debra Messing and Bruce Greenwood? Or will it simply go down as one of the most jaw-dropping, unintentionally funny misfires of the year?
‘DOCTOR WHO’ MARATHON
For the record, BBC America is airing nothing but “Doctor Who” episodes until 7 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
› Forest Whitaker guest-stars on “Empire” (8 p.m., Fox, repeat, TV-14).
› A 2000 special animates the novelty song “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” (8 p.m., CW, TV-G).
› On two helpings of “The Librarians” (TNT, TV-PG), a long-postponed vacation (8 p.m.), a retreat into celluloid (9 p.m.).
› Dean Cain hosts the “The Top 12 Greatest Christmas Movies of All Time” (9 p.m., CW, TV-PG), first aired in 2016.
› Floki returns on “Vikings” (9 p.m., History, TV-14).
› The pope orders a search for the Holy Grail on “Knightfall” (10 p.m., History, TV-14).
› Catesby and fellow conspirators prepare to blow up Parliament as the three-part historical drama “Gunpowder” (10 p.m., HBO, TV-MA) concludes.
› Tragedy derails Karen on “Will & Grace” (8 p.m., NBC, repeat, TV-14).
› Erica times two on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, repeat, TV-PG).