TV picks for Jan 2-4:  Billy Joel, "Galavant," "Celebrity Apprentice," "Downton Abbey"

January 1, 2015 at 8:00PM
NICK RAY/ABC Joahua Sasse stars as the title character in ABC's "Galavant."
Joshua Sasse plays the title role in “Galavant.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

He's got a way

The Piano Man takes a much deserved bow during "Billy Joel: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize" with Boys II Men harmonizing on "The Longest Time," John Mellencamp presenting an acoustic version of "Allentown" and the honoree himself grinding out "You May Be Right." 8 p.m. Friday, TPT, Ch. 2

Camelot cabaret

Oscar/Grammy/Tony winner Alan Menken, the celebrated composer, tries to add an Emmy to his shelf by providing tunes for "Galavant," a limited musical series in which a medieval warrior tries to win back his love from King Richard. But first, he has to give up booze and sing for his supper. Ricky Gervais is among the special guest stars. 7 p.m. Sunday, KSTP, Ch. 5

Geraldo at large

The real question at the beginning of every season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" isn't who is going to win, but who is going to come across as the biggest jerk. That award goes to Geraldo Rivera, whose ego looms large over fellow contestants, including Kate Gosselin, Vivica A. Fox and Terrell Owens. Look for an upcoming appearance by previous winner Joan Rivers, who taped segments before her untimely death last year. 8 p.m. Sunday, KARE, Ch. 11

Abbey road

"Downton Abbey," the royal ruler of sophisticated soap operas, returns for Season 5 with the talk of marriage and the rise of the Labour Party in the air. As always with the Crawleys and their staff, there is little smooth sailing ahead. Brew a pot of tea and settle in. Better yet, check out Saturday's Variety section for the ultimate "Abbey" quiz and a full review. 8 p.m. Sunday, KTCA, Ch. 2

Neal Justin

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2014 file photo, Billy Joel performs his first show of his Madison Square Garden residency, in New York. Joel will set a new record for the most performances by any artist at Madison Square Garden with his upcoming 65th show scheduled for this summer. Tickets for the record breaking show, as well as his performances scheduled in May and June 2015, will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)
Joel (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

More from No Section

See More
FILE -- A rent deposit slot at an apartment complex in Tucker, Ga., on July 21, 2020. As an eviction crisis has seemed increasingly likely this summer, everyone in the housing market has made the same plea to Washington: Send money — lots of it — that would keep renters in their homes and landlords afloat. (Melissa Golden/The New York Times) ORG XMIT: XNYT58
Melissa Golden/The New York Times

It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.