Road trip

The Hallmark Channel takes a much welcome break from churning out holiday movies to present "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" (7 p.m. Friday, Hallmark), a surprisingly deep look at a black family whose members learn all about themselves during a 1963 trip to Alabama. Nice performances from the entire cast, which includes David Alan Grier and Anika Noni Rose.

O Henry

Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston and Patrick Stewart are among the actors getting their Bard on for "The Hollow Crown" (8 p.m. Friday, TPT, Ch. 2), an ambitious four-part series that takes us through four of William Shakespeare's most ambitious plays: "Richard II," "Henry IV, Part 1," "Henry IV, Part II" and "Henry V."

Not done yet

Jimmy Fallon stops by "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" (10:35 p.m. Friday, KARE, Ch. 11) to make absolutely sure that Leno is really, really going away in February. You've got to have your doubts after watching the hilarious "Breaking Bad" spoof at www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com.

Get the party started

Among the reasons to catch "The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards" (7 p.m. Sunday, WCCO, Ch. 4): Edie Falco paying tribute to James Gandolfini, Elton John honoring Liberace and the host with the most, Neil Patrick Harris. For Emmy predictions, check out Saturday's Variety section.

Neal Justin