Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, December 18. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
The Colbert Report (Comedy Central, 11:30 p.m.): For nine years Stephen Colbert has entertained us with ThreatDowns, Formidable Opponents, and both Tips of the Hat and Wags of Finger. But after an impressive run, the fictional political pundit hangs up his hat so that the non-fictional comedian who plays him can head for greener pastures over at The Late Show. Colbert won’t take over for David Letterman until late August or early September, which means there will be a long Colbert dry spell for the next few months. So be sure to soak in every minute of tonight’s series finale in which Colbert sits down with Grimmy, the grim reaper who has been haunting his set for the past few weeks. Vikram Murthi has been dutifully watching Colbert’s final run of shows, and he’ll report back on whether Grimmy turns out to be a surprise celebrity guest, Colbert himself, or a literal angel of death.
Also noted
White Collar (USA, 9 p.m.): On any other week, the series finale of White Collar would easily have nabbed the “Top Pick” slot. But sadly, Stephen Colbert’s departure overshadows the departure of Matt Bomer and his fedoras. In “Au Revoir” Neal and Peter try to con the Pink Panthers and get away with a risky heist. The finale is reportedly “open ended” so dust off the White Collar fanfiction you started in the show’s heyday and craft a satisfying ending yourself.
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.): Holmes and Watson team up with the NYPD to hunt a cop killer. According to CBS, Sherlock’s last case of the year is also his “biggest case” of the year. Myles McNutt thinks that timing sounds a little too convenient. Could CBS possibly be exaggerating to snag new viewers?!? Myles gets to the bottom of The Mystery Of The Hyperbolic Trailer and rounds out another calendar year of his excellent Elementary coverage.
TV Club Classic
Futurama (10 a.m.): Zack Handlen files his final Futurama review of the year (but don’t worry, he’ll be back after a short two-week holiday hiatus). This week, the show employs some timeless Animal House references in “Mars University” and some rather dated Ally McBeal references in “When Aliens Attack.”
Marco Polo (7 p.m.): Kyle Fowle continues his trek through this not-that-good Netflix original. The sixth episode, ”White Moon” isn’t the worst thing the show has done (hello “The Fourth Step”), but it is very boring. Thankfully, Kyle’s review is anything but boring as he breaks down Marco Polo’s biggest weaknesses and weighs in on the identity of the Blue Princess.