All My Children The new year has not started auspiciously for Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Reese (Tamara Braun). For Bianca, the ghosts of Christmas past were the other women who left her for men. First, on New Year’s Eve, Reese’s former fiancé, Simon, showed up, sent by Reese’s father. He planted seeds of doubt in Bianca’s mind about Reese by saying he thought they were totally in love and couldn’t get enough of each other in bed right up until the moment Reese ran away and never looked back. Then Bianca’s mother, Erica, implied that there was something going on between Reese and Zach. So when Reese suggested they have their wedding at Zach’s casino, Bianca pitched a fit. She told Ryan she was going to test Zach and Reese. (Never a good plan, Ryan told her.) Bianca told Reese she wanted a real wedding, not “some commitment ceremony trial run,” and suggested they go to Connecticut to scope things out. Reese, who truly isn’t interested in Zach, said she had too much work to leave town just then. Zach, who really does seem interested in Reese, agreed. Time for Kendall to come out of her coma — quick! Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. on ABC.
As the World Turns Jade tossed a grenade into the Luke (Van Hansis)/Noah (Jake Silbermann)/Brian (Lawrence Lau)/Lucinda (Elizabeth Hubbard) quadrangle when she blurted out to Lucinda, “Well, at least I don’t have a gay husband!” When the truth came out about Brian and Luke’s dalliance, Lucinda gave Brian the boot. Brian tried to explain that he really likes having a beard — although he put it much more delicately and poignantly — but Lucinda was having none of it. She made it clear that she might have gotten past the dalliance if it hadn’t been her own grandson Brian was lusting after. So Brian packed his bags and went. No doubt he’ll be back, since Lau has a three-year contract and this story is far from over. Meanwhile, Noah was confiding in Casey and Luke was confiding in Allison. Allison decided to try and get the two together, so she and Casey lured them to the hospital roof and then locked them out there to hash things out. Mr. Perfect (Noah), however, wasn’t ready to try to make things work. For a total romantic, he doesn’t seem to understand that pitfalls are part of the romance. The two went their separate ways, but Allison and Casey haven’t given up — either on Luke and Noah or each other. Now Lucinda, prompted by Jade, is trying to get the two back together. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS.
Martha Martha Stewart isn’t queer, but no one has a gayer sensibility (or gayer friends — Tim Gunn, anyone?). Great food and great ideas with intriguing and/or cute guests. Who doesn’t want to make a cigar-box purse or have the perfect soy-glazed salmon? Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on NBC.
Ellen We never tire of the dancing dyke diva of daytime. Jan. 16: “Desperate Housewives” resident bad girl Nicollette Sheridan and Howie Mandel. How much fun will those two be? Be sure to check out Ellen’s commentary at ellen.warnerbros.com. Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC.
The Rachel Maddow Show Smart and savvy deconstruction from the only out lesbian to host a political talk show. Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Consistently queer-friendly commentary and nightly drag routines from the Scottish comedian. Monday-Friday, 12:35 a.m. on CBS.