The most tantalizing TV of January and February

Congratulations, TV lovers. You've survived the least wonderful time of the year. In December, Hollywood takes the equivalent of a long holiday, packing the schedule with reruns and holiday specials you've seen 80 times.

Well, never fear. January is almost here.

Over the next few months, some of TV's best shows will return and networks will try to atone for their canceled flops with new, sparkling offerings that just might become must-see viewing.

Here, in chronological order, is a guide to the most promising shows:

"Downton Abbey": A beloved member of the family is dying — the Earl of Grantham's beloved dog. Don't worry. It's not all tea and sympathy. In fact, Season 5 is the rosiest to date, with talk of marriage in the air. 8 p.m. Jan. 4, TPT, Ch. 2

"Empire": In one of winter's most anticipated new network dramas, a former street gangster turned music mogul learns he's dying and must decide which of his sons should inherit his company. Oscar nominees Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are the draws on screen, while Lee Daniels ("Precious") and Timbaland are at the top of an impressive list of producers. 8 p.m. Jan. 7, KMSP, Ch. 9

"American Idol": The 14th season kicks off with the judges holding auditions in their hometowns, which means it will be a while before we see the Minneapolis round of tryouts, or else we'll find out Jennifer Lopez really hails from Block E. 7 p.m. Jan. 7, KMSP, Ch. 9

"Portlandia": The Fred Armisen-Carrie Brownstein creation gives us the story we've been dying for: the history of feminist bookstore owners Toni and Candice. Look for guest appearances this season from Matt Groening, Seth Meyers, Oscar the Grouch and Paul Simon. 9 p.m. Jan. 8, IFC

"Girls": Hawkeye haters will side with Lena Dunham's self-destructive character as she enrolls in the Iowa Writers' Workshop and immediately butts heads with her classmates. 8 p.m. Jan. 11, HBO

"Togetherness": Jay and Mark Duplass, a staple on the indie-film scene, make their TV debut as a writing team in this comedy about four adults crawling toward their 40s. The brothers may not have any major hits under their belts, but they're always interesting. 8:30 p.m. Jan. 11, HBO

"Parks and Recreation": There are only 13 episodes left of this undervalued sitcom that makes a three-year jump from the end of last season. Look for Megan Mullally, Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe to pop in for their final goodbyes. 7 p.m. Jan. 13, KARE, Ch. 11

"Wrestling With Death": For those who like their reality TV country-fried, meet the Lathams of Osceola, Ark., who run a funeral home by day and a wrestling league at night. 9 p.m. Jan. 13, WGN America

"Whitney": Angela Bassett makes her directorial debut in this biopic that's more fascinated with Whitney Houston's relationship with Bobby Brown than it is with her incredible voice. 7 p.m. Jan. 17, Lifetime

"Backstrom": Now that "House" has retired, Fox needs a new pain-in-the-behind hero. Enter Rainn Wilson, playing a decidedly more brilliant jerk than he did on "The Office." He's a rumpled Portland detective who does not have a badge in political correctness. 8 p.m. Jan. 22, KMSP, Ch. 9

"Sons of Liberty": This three-part miniseries wants us to believe the founding fathers had the same lineage as Indiana Jones in a fast-paced, though historically shaky, adventure. 8 p.m. Jan. 25, History

"Better Call Saul": Before Heisenberg, there was Saul Goodman, the unethical lawyer played by Bob Odenkirk. He's center stage in this prequel with an emphasis on laughs rather than stone-cold evil. 9 p.m. Feb. 8, AMC

"The Italian Americans": Narrator Stanley Tucci helps punch holes in Italian stereotypes in a four-hour documentary that takes you through the ultimate immigrant experience. Tony Bennett and Gay Talese are among those sharing their stories. 8 p.m. Feb. 17 and 24, TPT, Ch. 2

neal.justin@startribune.com • 612-673-7431