What to Watch Wednesday, Jan. 7

'Damages'
(10PM, FX) 2nd season premiere
The premiere opens on Ellen, and, without giving away a plot point that will drive much of the season, it's safe to say that she's still reeling from last season's finale, when the person behind her fiance's murder was revealed.

A new friend Ellen meets in group therapy tells her she has only two options for dealing with her pain: forgiveness or revenge, and she's definitely made up her mind which way to go.

As for Ellen's boss Patty, she's seemingly trying to change her wicked ways by fronting a charitable endeavor, but when a man from her past (William Hurt) pops up unexpectedly (and unwanted) in her present, it's clear Patty's going to be in for another wild ride, too.

'The Real World: Brooklyn'
(10PM, MTV) 21st season premiere
The first season set in Brooklyn is also the first season to feature eight, instead of seven, cast members; the first season to be broadcast in HD; and the first season to include a transgendered cast member.

'The 35th Annual People's Choice Awards'
(9PM, CBS)
Queen Latifah's the hostess for the 35th annual awards, where fan votes determine the winners. Among the contenders: 'CSI,' 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'House' as Favorite TV Drama; Robert Downey Jr., Harrison Ford and Will Smith as Favorite Male Movie Star; and Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood as Favorite Female Singer.

'Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns'
(10 and 10:30PM, TBS) series premiere
Perry's 'Meet the Browns' movie becomes a sitcom, as feisty LeRoy Brown (Madea's babydaddy) tries to operate his own retirement home.

'Barbara Walters Special: Patrick Swayze: The Truth'
(10PM, ABC)
Babs gets the big sitdown with 'Dirty Dancing' star Swayze, who dishes about his cancer battle, dealing with the tabloids' intrusion into his health matters and his upcoming A&E drama 'The Beast.'

'13 Fear Is Real'
(8PM, The CW) series premiere
The reality series scares contestants -- with situations taken from horror movies -- until they're 'killed' (eliminated from the competition) and the last man or woman standing wins the grand prize: $66,666.

'Top Chef: New York'
(10PM, Bravo)
Let's see how the chefs handle this one: They have to concoct a sweet treat ... without using sugar.

Also on tonight:
- 'Ghost Hunters International' (9PM, SCI FI)
- 'First Apocalypse' (9PM, History)


What's on tomorrow: '30 Rock,' 'Critics Choice Awards' and more

Check out our TV calendar for a look at the month ahead