‘Parenthood’

A season finale? It’s still January, right? The compelling story lines coming to a conclusion tonight on this excellent family drama have included Julia and Joel’s (Erika Christensen and Sam Jaeger) adoption, Sarah’s (Lauren Graham) romantic life (who would you choose, Ray Romano or Jason Ritter?), and Kristina (Monica Potter) coping with cancer. Seriously, Emmy folks, Potter deserves a nomination. Season finale, 10 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (seattletimes.com/tvlistings).

Also on Tuesday

“The Taste,” 8 p.m. (ABC): Professional and amateur chefs compete in the first round of blind taste tests.

“Raising Hope,” 8 p.m. (Fox): Jimmy is apprehensive when Frank wants to throw a memorable bachelor party; Sabrina encourages Jimmy to cut loose and have fun.

“The Ultimate Fighter,” 8 p.m. (FX): Twenty-eight middleweights arrive in Las Vegas for a shot at a UFC contract; coaches Chael Sonnen and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Bones Jones evaluate the winners of 14 elimination fights.

“The Abolitionists: American Experience,” 9 p.m. (KCTS): John Brown is captured and executed; Abraham Lincoln is elected president in 1860; Southern states secede and war breaks out; Lincoln emancipates the slaves in rebel territory; black men enlist in the Union forces; slavery is banned in 1865.

“Edge of America,” 9:30 p.m. (Travel): Racing an 80-year-old car on a dirt track while holding a live pig; street jousting; super sized bicycles; speed climb of an 80-foot tree.

“Cougar Town,” 10 p.m. (TBS): Trying to infuse passion into her marriage, Jules enlists Ellie to start a verbal firestorm; Laurie helps Travis find his superpower.

The New York Times