‘Fringe’
8 p.m., Fox
When a cargo ship runs aground, the shoreline is littered with bodies, each hosting a squidlike creature. Walter (John Noble) and Astrid (Jasika Nicole) test a theory in the lab.
‘A Christmas Carol’
7 p.m., TCM
June Lockhart made her film debut at age 12 as one of the children of Bob and Emily Cratchit, played by her real-life parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart. Reginald Owen stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, the Christmas-hating curmudgeon who finally gets the spirit in this 1938 adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.
‘The Office’
8 p.m., WMAQ-Ch. 5
Michael (Steve Carell) must tell the truth when he realizes he cannot keep a promise he made to a group of kids 10 years ago, while Jim (John Krasinski) tries to boost staff morale. Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson and Ed Helms also star.
’30 Rock’
8:30 p.m., WMAQ-Ch. 5
As production begins on her new talk show, “Dealbreakers,” Liz (Tina Fey) discovers what it’s like to walk a mile in Jenna’s (Jane Krakowski) shoes. Dealing with pressure from the devious Devin (guest star Will Arnett), Jack (Alec Baldwin) tries to make “Dealbreakers” a success. Tracy (Tracy Morgan) tries to prove his commitment to his wife (guest star Sherri Shepherd).
‘Private Practice’
9 p.m., WLS-Ch. 7
An explosion at Dell’s house sends Heather and Betsey to the hospital; a shocking family secret is revealed when Addison’s mother visits.
‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’
9 p.m. on Bravo
Vicki tries to set up her daughter, Briana, with the son of one of her insurance colleagues in the wake of Briana’s breakup with her high-school sweetheart. Simon and Tamra attend a cookout at the Gunvalsons’ home. Gretchen flies to Michigan to visit with the children of her deceased fiance.
‘Late Show With David Letterman’
10:35 p.m., WBBM-Ch. 2
Actress Tina Fey; radio host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo; Mika performs.
‘The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien’
10:35 p.m., WMAQ-Ch. 5
Actor John Travolta; Rod Stewart performs.
