Tonight's TV Hot List: Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010

Nip/Tuck
10/9c FX
The three-week hiatus between "seasons" is over, and Christian and Sean head into their homestretch with the first of the final episodes before the series wraps in March. As things stand, Christian and Kimber are married, and the boys have won an award from their alma mater, the University of Miami. As they head back East to accept it, flashbacks recall their college years. It might not surprise you that their personalities were pretty well-formed even then. — Paul Droesch
People's Choice Awards
9/8c CBS
Viewers may not care but the most significant thing about the 36th annual gala that celebrates fan favorites in movies, TV and music is that Survivor creator Mark Burnett is producing this year's telecast. "We have jam-packed this show with epic performances, surprises and huge show moments that will be sure to keep the audience glued to their seats," he says. Sounds like hype — and it is — but Burnett is known to deliver the goods more times than not. Queen Latifah returns as host, and Mary J. Blige is among the performers. — Tim Holland

Cougar Town
9:30/8:30c ABC
Lisa Kudrow is the first of the Friends cast to guest star on Courteney Cox's new show, but don't expect to see anyone resembling sweet, daffy Phoebe. Instead, she portrays a prickly dermatologist, and Jules and Ellie willingly endure her unpleasant demeanor during their consultations because she's known for doing fantastic work. But when the doctor takes a liking to Jules' ex-husband, Jules leaps into protective mode, and it becomes a battle of the cougar vs. the "Smelly Cat" songstress. — Jennifer Sankowski
Modern Family
9/8c ABC
"Early to bed and early to rise," wrote Benjamin Franklin, "makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." If that's true, then tonight the Pritchetts are sick, broke and dumb as no one gets any shut-eye. At Jay's, it's because Manny's father (Benjamin Bratt) finally shows up to see his son, with tall tales and grand plans for an evening's revelry. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron are at odds over how to "Ferberize," or sleep-train, Lily, and Phil's kidney stones make sure no sheep get counted at the Dunphys. — Joe Friedrich
Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...
10/9c Sundance
Elvis is not only in the building, but, for a change, he is in the hot seat and the focus of this engaging and entertaining episode. The tables are turned as actress Mary-Louise Parker is the interviewer and Costello the interviewee, who reflects on the songwriting process, fond memories of his trumpet-player father and collaborative endeavors with the likes of Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and T-Bone Burnett. Songs featured include "Brilliant Mistake," "So Like Candy" and "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea." — Ray Stackhouse

Ugly Betty
10:01/9:01c ABC
Yes, you read that right: Ugly Betty has moved to Wednesdays, and it's doing so in grand fashion — but what would you expect from the Modies? First things first, it's a big night for guest stars, including Christine Ebersole's turn as a gallery owner who agrees to show Matt's art, and Matt Newton, Becki's brother, is back as Troy, Marc's Bahamas hookup. But stay tuned for an appearance by Betty's orthodontist (Jesse Tyler Ferguson). Is it finally time for our heroine's long-rumored braces removal? — Joe Friedrich