Sunday

The idea of a cop teaming up with a robot is so ridiculous it became a running gag on "Friends," but "Almost Human" (7 p.m., KMSP, Ch. 9) comes from "Star Trek" director J.J. Abrams, which means it deserves your attention. Karl Urban and Michael Ealy are perfectly cast as the ultimate odd couple.

Monday

"Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley" (8 p.m., HBO) isn't so much a documentary as it is an appreciation, with Eddie Murphy, Sidney Poitier, Bill Cosby and Kathy Griffin all weighing in on the groundbreaking comic. Footage from such shows as "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" will have you in stitches.

Tuesday

"NCIS" (7 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4), the most popular drama on TV, welcomes a new gunslinger. Emily Wickersham joins the show as an analyst who specializes in international threat assessments, global preparation and avoiding Mark Harmon's slaps to the back of the head.

Wednesday

Ron Burgundy, who looks a lot like a '70s version of Will Ferrell, revealed the production of an "Anchorman" sequel on "Conan" (10 p.m., TBS), so it's only fitting that he return to the scene of the crime to promote its release. Let's hope he brings his flute.

Thursday

It's shaping up to be quite the end of the year for Billy Joel. First, it was announced that he'll get a Kennedy Center Honor. Then it was revealed that a new edition of "Glee" (8 p.m., KMSP, Ch. 9) will feature songs from his extensive catalog. I have a feeling Joel is a teeny bit more excited about one of these things.

Neal Justin