It’s a holiday Cookie with Taraji P. Henson
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Don’t miss: “Taraji’s White Hot Holidays”: Taraji P. Henson, aka Cookie from “Empire,” makes merry in her latest festive special. She ushers viewers through renditions of holiday classics performed by Chaka Khan, Ciara, Faith Evans, Fergie, Jussie Smollett, Leslie Odom Jr., Salt-N-Pepa and the Ying Yang Twins. The celebration also features appearances by D J Khaled, Taye Diggs, Jay Pharoah, Method Man, Tituss Burgess and Niecy Nash, among other surprises. 8 p.m. Thursday, Fox.
Other bets
Today: The sizzling third season of “Outlander” comes to a close, as lovebirds Claire and Jamie race to save Young Ian from a bleak fate at the hands of the insidious figure known as the Bakra. 8 p.m., Starz.
Today: “The Walking Dead” airs its midseason finale, and yes, of course, we expect someone to die. Your guess is as good as anyone’s. 9 p.m., AMC.
Today: In the melodic special “Encore!,” Kristen Bell reunites the cast of a high school musical and asks them to perform it again 20 years later. It’s a chance for the participants to relive their stage days and rediscover the bonds they formed back in the day. 10 p.m., ABC.
Monday: Chris Harrison hosts “The Bachelor: Countdown to Arie.” It’s an hourlong season-preview special that offers viewers “an intimate, behind-the- scenes look” at Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s life, his family and his love of racing. 10 p.m., ABC.
Tuesday: On “The Middle,” it’s Christmastime, and Frankie and Sue are devastated when Axl informs them he’s not going to church this year because he’s starting to question his faith. Meanwhile, Want to know even more about what’s worth watching this week? See the Channels guide, 16 pages of TV goodness, inside of the Monday newspaper’s Life section. Mike battles the Glossner kids after they deface his new, giant inflatable snowman. 8 p.m., ABC.
Tuesday: “Gwen Stefani’s You Make It Feel Like Christmas” is a holly-jolly special that has Stefani singing tunes from her new holiday album and welcoming guests Blake Shelton, Chelsea Handler, Ken Jeong, Seth MacFarlane and Ne-Yo. 9 p.m., NBC.
Wednesday: On “Dynasty,” the Carringtons’ plan for a peaceful holiday are spoiled by two new arrivals and the scandals they bring with them. Could it be the Grinch and Scrooge? Probably not. 9 p.m., The CW.
Thursday: Steve Harvey is our host for “Showtime at the Apollo: Christmas.” The performance list includes Snoop Dogg & Boyz II Men, Fifth Harmony and DMX. Also: A live talent competition among up-and-coming acts. 9 p.m., Fox.
Friday: “The 86th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade” unfurls a massive procession down Hollywood Boulevard, with fancy floats, marching bands, celebrities and bloated balloons. Dr. Oz serves as grand marshal. 8 p.m., The CW.
Saturday: “Snowed-Inn Christmas” is another one of those feelgood, made-for-TV holiday films. It’s about a woman (Bethany Joy Lenz) and man (Andrew Walker), who have nothing in common — until they’re called upon to help save the historic town inn located in Santa Claus, Indiana. 8 p.m., Lifetime