TV critic picks for Jan. 18: 'MasterChef Celebrity,' 'HALO Effect' and 'Ellen's Design Challenge'

January 17, 2016 at 9:11PM
Pictured: Sydney Park hosts HALO EFFECT on Nickelodeon. Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Nickelodeon. ©2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sydney Park is host of “The HALO Effect.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Too many cooks

Gordon Ramsay's kitchen is getting mighty crowded. His latest serving, "MasterChef Celebrity Showdown," finds chow-line stars Terry Crews and Nicole Ari Parker working the stove alongside past contestants on "MasterChef" and "MasterChef Junior," an overspiced recipe that suddenly makes dinner at Denny's seem appetizing. 7 p.m. KMSP, Ch. 9

Angels get their wings

Kids who take time out from Snapchat to help others are honored in "The HALO Effect," a new monthly series produced by Nick Cannon and Morgan Spurlock. First up: a Kentucky teenager dedicated to finding beds for the less privileged. "Instant Mom" star Sydney Park hosts. 7 p.m. NICK

Daredevil

Ever since she cajoled Bernie Sanders to shake his booty on her daytime show, Ellen DeGeneres has gotten even more fearless. In "Ellen's Design Challenge," she asks contestants to come up with a signature bed. Personal challenge: Team up with the kid from Kentucky and build resting places for those who could really use a good night's sleep. 8 p.m. HGTV

NEAL JUSTIN

This image released by HGTV shows judges Christiane Lemieux, from left, and Cliff Fong with Ellen DeGeneres during the taping of "Ellen's Design Challenge," returning for a second season on at 9 p.m. EST on HGTV. (Gilles Mingasson/HGTV via AP)
Judges Christiane Lemieux and Cliff Fong with Ellen DeGeneres on “Ellen’s Design Challenge.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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