1) “Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Opry,” 9-11 p.m., NBC. Parton (shown here), 73, continues her triumphant tour of the networks. ABC had a primetime profile, then featured her at the Country Music Association awards. Netflix made eight movies based on her songs; on Dec. 8, Hallmark has her “Christmas at Dollywood” movie. And NBC has her performing along with some famous friends, including Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Lady Antebellum, Margo Price, Hank Williams Jr. and more.
2) “The Resident.” 8 p.m., Fox. “Thanksgiving is the most dangerous day of the year,” one doctor says. He’s soon proven right. A fried turkey has exploded; people have been impaled with utensils and with lawn ornaments. This comes as senior staffers expect the day off. Conrad and Nic plan on romance and delivery food; AJ plans to meet the half-brothers he just learned about. Naturally, those plans are soon dashed. Despite a flaw – the new executive vice-president is hideously overwritten – it’s a strong hour.
3) “Empire,” 9 p.m., Fox. Unlike recent episodes, this one cranks up the music. It ranges from vibrant hip hop to a moving ballad by Alexandra Grey, who has built a strong career (including playing Elizah in “Transparent”) after transitioning to female. And like recent episodes, it has oceans of excess. The opening minutes are sheer soap opera. Andre is still talking to his late half-brother; he also pulls off a scam similar to the one done on the senator in “Godfather II.”
4) “Black-ish,” 9 p.m., ABC. After growing up comfortably, Junior is ready to take an iffy route, producing shows for unknown comics. His dad – who has taken risks like that himself – decides to offer him the wisdom of “The University of Dre.”
5) “College Behind Bars” conclusion, 9-11 p.m., PBS. Staring into the abyss of confined life, Dyjuan Tatro was ready to give up. “The degree of hopelessness was so deep,” he says here. “I said, ‘I have to find a reason to live.’” He found it in this privately funded college program for prisoners. This four-hour documentary is way too long and slow, but paints a moving portrait of lives reborn.