1. The Making of The Wiz Live!
Wednesday, 8 p.m., NBC
Talk about a sneak preview. The cast of “The Wiz Live” takes you backstage for a look at rehearsals, from music arrangement and choreography to costume design, at the Bethpage, LI, Grumman Studios.
Broadway pros Stephanie Mills, who, at age 17, starred as Dorothy in the original production, and David Alan Grier have been collaborating with newcomers to the format, such as Ne-Yo, who plays the Tin Man (he also writes and performs music for “Empire” in addition to his own busy songwriting and performing career).
Ne-Yo told The Post about a new song called “We Got It” he has co-written for the show with castmate, Elijah Kelley, who plays the Scarecrow. The live broadcast is Dec. 3 on NBC.
How did you feel about doing the show?
I’ve never done anything in theater before and I was really— not so much worried, I didn’t know what to expect. When I found out Elijah, who I knew from working on [the 2012 film] “Red Tails,” was doing this, that helped ease [things]. Going in from the first table read until today, it’s been like family. It’s just cool that everybody’s on the same page.
Can you tell us about your costume?
My costume definitely helps me get into the Tin Man element. It’s really hot and not comfortable at all. I also wear a whole lot of makeup. What was a three-hour [application] job has become a 30-minute job.
How did you come to write the new song at the end of Act One?
There comes a moment where the four friends [Dorothy, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow] realize in order to get their wishes granted they have to kill the Wicked Witch of the West. They’ve gotten to the finish line and they can’t cross it. There was never a song that put that idea together in the original. [Director] Kenny Leon came to me and Elijah and said, “We need that song.” So Elijah and I, we went in there and did what we love to do. And it’s a moment [in the show] now, not just a song.
2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, 9 a.m., NBC
The holiday season officially begins with the glorious Thanksgiving parade. From Central Park West to West 34th Street, thousands line the sidewalks to gawk at the big balloons — including the debuts of Angry Birds’ Red and Scrat and his acorn from the movie “Ice Age.” While Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker introduce marching bands from around the country, you will catch glimpses of the following performers as they roll by on colorful floats: Pat Benatar, Mariah Carey, Shawn Mendes, Jennifer Nettles, Panic! at the Disco, the cast of Broadway’s “School of Rock” and the Radio City Rockettes, among others. Scenes from Broadway shows, including “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Something Rotten!” will be performed in the middle of West 34th Street.
3. The Knick
Friday, 10 p.m., Cinemax
A fearless Dr. Thackery (Clive Owen) readies himself to attempt to separate Siamese twins Zoya and Nika in front of a packed audience. After getting a surprise gift from her father-in-law, Cornelia (Juliet Rylance) attends a charity ball for the new Knickerbocker hospital. Barrow (Jeremy Bobb) rids himself of a threat. And Algernon (André Holland) gets a long-overdue spotlight in the surgical theater, but complications ensue. Could it be that pesky retina?
4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Sunday, 8:30 p.m., Fox
Terry (Terry Crews) leaves Jake (Andy Samberg) in charge of entertaining his pregnant wife, Sharon, while he and Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) head to Rikers to learn more about the Douglass Street murders. But when Sharon’s water breaks sooner than expected, crisis ensues at the precinct. Meanwhile, an Internet outage forcesAmy (Melissa Fumero) and Charles (Joe LoTruglio) to process all paperwork by hand to avoid the bullpen from overflowing with perps and Holt (Andre Braugher) is forced to confront his ex-boyfriend.
5. The Grinder
Tuesday, 8:30 p.m., Fox
After spending several holidays away from the family, Dean (Rob Lowe) is thrilled to be reunited with them for his first real Thanksgiving in ages. His exuberance unexpectedly brings a family secret to light. Meanwhile, flashbacks reveal the chain of events that led to Dean’s departure from his hit TV drama, also called “The Grinder,” and its subsequent cancellation. Co-starring William Devane.
6. The Good Wife
Sunday, 9 p.m., CBS
Diane (Christine Baranski) is conflicted when she is forced to argue a heated case between pro-choice and pro-life advocates in order to retain an important client, represented by attorney Ethan Carver (Peter Gallagher). Alicia (Julianna Margulies) and Lucca (Cush Jumbo) are desperate for new business and attempt to poach clients from slimy Louis Canning (Michael J. Fox).
7. Empire
Wednesday, 9 p.m., Fox
Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and her sister, Candace (Vivica A. Fox), team up with a former prison mate (Rosie O’Donnell) to rescue their sister, Carol. Back at the record company, Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and pop star Skye Summers (Alicia Keys) share a deep connection. Meanwhile, Laz (Adam Rodriguez) has truly fallen for Cookie, but things get complicated when she finds out something about him she doesn’t like. Co-starring Terrence Howard.
8. Blindspot
Monday, 10 p.m., NBC
Midseason finale. Weller (Sullivan Stapleton) and the team go after a group of sleeper spies that has just been activated, and race to stop a slew of assassinations. Jaimie Alexander and Marianne Jean-Baptiste co-star.