BET, 10:30 a.m. ET
This 1978 miniseries is being repeated, quite appropriately, by BET to acknowledge Martin Luther King Day, which is tomorrow. But when this NBC drama first was televised, it was timely, too: Its telecast marked 10th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., and it drew a very esteemed roster of talent to the project. Abby Mann, who wrote Judgment at Nuremberg for Playhouse 90, wrote and directed the miniseries. And what a cast: Paul Winfield plays King, Cicely Tyson is his wife Coretta, Ossie Davis plays King’s father, and other cast members, playing famous historical figures, include Dick Anthony Williams as Malcolm X, Cliff de Young as Robert Kennedy, Howard E. Rollins, Jr. as Andrew Young, and Tony Bennett as… himself.
Fox, 3:00 p.m. ET
So far in these playoffs, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick already has shattered one record, running for more yards (181) than any QB in history. But the Falcons are strong on defense, so this could be a very interesting matchup – especially since Falcons QB Matt Ryan gains a lot of yards, too, but in the air.
CBS, 6:30 p.m. ET
When these teams last faced each other, early in the season, the Ravens fought back from a 13-point deficit to win by a single point, 31-30, kicking the winning field goal as time expired. Patriots QB Tom Brady has the experience, and adaptability, for this rematch, but Ravens QB Joe Flacco is no slouch. So far this postseason, his quarterback rating is 120.
PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET
This is a very strong episode – one that demonstrates why this third season of Downton Abbey is its best yet. When current events in the outside world intrude upon the inhabitants, workers and guests at the Abbey, they do so in more subtle ways this year – as when the Irish civil war sparks a very emotional and volatile debate at dinner. But the personal stories continue to dominate, as when, in this week’s installment, Bates’ prison term begins to worry Anna, because she stops hearing from him as regularly as before. Check local listings.
HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET
Season 2 continues to demonstrate strength, by deepening as well as redefining its characters as well as their relationships. Tonight, Hannah (Lena Dunham) has a conversation with her new boyfriend, Sandy (Donald Glover), that makes each of them question, and defend, why they’re together. It’s a great scene, and a memorable conversation – and just one of many in tonight’s installment.