TV tonight: 'Big Bang,' 'Luther' special
The Big Bang Theory
CBS, 8 ET/PT
While the plot of tonight’s Big Bang is hardly a secret, discussing it in advance still counts as a spoiler —so if you don't know and don’t want to know, stop reading. As for the rest of America, the question is, are we ready for this? Because unless the show’s fooling us, Sheldon and Amy are about to have sex, a phrase no one could have imagined when the series began. That we can now is a tribute to the great work the writers, and actrors Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik, have done humanizing characters who could have been bloodless — and sexless. And just to up the watching ante, you also get a return visit by Bob Newhart and a Star Wars plot tied to the film’s premiere.
iHeartradio Jingle Ball
CW, 8 ET/PT
Genius sex not your idea of holiday fun? Then try this holiday concert, which is scheduled to feature performances by Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas.
Luther
BBC America, 9 ET/PT
Rounding out the sex theme, here’s news to make many a heart beat faster. Idris Elba is back as London DCI John Luther for this one-night special, which finds Luther pulled out of happy seclusion by a cannibalistic serial killer. Want to know why some think Elba would make a fine James Bond? Just watch.