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Critic’s picks: Television

Jordin Althaus/NBC/NBC

SUNDAY

DOWNTON ABBEY 9 p.m., WGBH 2

It is time again to bid farewell to our friends in Yorkshire in the Season 4 finale. But what answers lie ahead? We jump several months into the future for a debutante presentation, a persistent romantic triangle, some royal intrigue, and the arrival of some mouthy Americans.

MONDAY

THE VOICE 8 p.m., NBC

Usher and Shakira cycle back into the big red swivel chairs, alongside Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, for a sixth cycle of passing judgment on and nurturing new vocal talent in search of a winner who can really make some noise for “The Voice.”

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TUESDAY

ABOUT A BOY 9 p.m., NBC

The second episode of this Hugh Grant film-and-Nick Hornby novel-inspired comedy slides into its regular timeslot. The pilot, which premiered after the Olympics, tidily and charmingly reacquainted viewers with the film’s original plot, so it’s now time to see what new ground can be plowed by Jason Katims, the man who brought us successful TV adaptations of “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood.” Minnie Driver and Boston native David Walton star and spar.

WEDNESDAY

THE TANNING OF AMERICA: ONE

NATION UNDER HIP-HOP 11 p.m., VH1

This four-part documentary, based on a book by Steve Stoute, examines the economic, political, social, and cultural impact of hip-hop. With tendrils reaching into the film, television, fashion, and business world, the special examines pivotal moments in the “hip-hopification” of America with input from Diddy, Dr Dre, Mariah Carey, Will.i.am, Russell Simmons, Pharrell, Nas, Reverend Run of Run-DMC, Rick Rubin, Fab 5 Freddy, Jimmy Iovine, and more.

THURSDAY

SCANDAL 10 p.m., ABC

The gladiators return for the first of eight consecutive episodes and, as usual, life is messy for the gang at Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and Associates especially since Olivia’s dad (Joe Morton) is beyond disgruntled, perhaps lethally so.

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FRIDAY

JAZZ AND THE PHILHARMONIC

9 p.m., WGBH 2

The jazz and classical worlds snuggle up to each other in this concert of famous compositions at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. Performers hitting the stage include Bobby McFerrin (pictured), Chick Corea, Dave Grusin, Terence Blanchard, and Mark O’Connor.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

11:30 p.m., NBC

Now that the Olympics are over, the sketch comedy stalwart returns with fresh episodes. Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” shrugs off Sheldon Cooper for a night to try his hand at a few other characters, rocker Beck will play tunes from his new album “Morning Phase,” and Colin Jost makes his debut behind the “Weekend Update” desk alongside Cecily Strong.