The calendar says mid-November, but it’s already midseason finale time for many network dramas.
It’s only been two months (or less) since shows such as “Scandal,” “The Walking Dead” and “Empire” kicked off their new seasons. Now they’re heavily promoting their final 2015 episodes, which will make way for an onslaught of “heartwarming” Christmas movies and holiday programming.
Here’s a look at the dates of important midseason finales — and what to expect as the window slams shut on the first half of the season.
Nov. 19
“Scandal” (9 p.m. on ABC)
Now that Olivia (Kerry Washington) is ostensibly running the country in the face of her neutered boyfriend, President Grant (Tony Goldwyn), she realizes she can’t just sit around drinking expensive red wine all day while taking on first lady-type responsibilities at the White House. Meanwhile, can Olivia’s evil father, Eli “Papa” Pope (Joe Morton), be found by Jake (Scott Foley) and Huck (Guillermo Diaz) before killing more innocent people? Can anyone on this show stop themselves from overacting? We’re on it!
“Sleepy Hollow” (9 p.m. on Fox)
Abbie (Nicole Beharie) is in deep water with FBI agent Daniel Reynolds (Lance Gross) in the aftermath of Jenny (Lyndie Greenwood) and Joe’s (Zach Appleman) run-in with Sophie (Jessica Camacho). Abbie and Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) also come face to face with the Hidden One (Peter Mensah).
“How to Get Away with Murder” (10 p.m. on ABC)
Law professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) lies seriously wounded in the Philadelphia mansion of her Season 2 clients, and promos for upcoming episodes promise some answers in “3! 2! 1!” But don’t bet on it.
Nov. 23
“Blindspot” (10 p.m. on NBC)
Is heavily tattooed Jane Doe (Jaimie Alexander) really FBI agent Kurt Weller’s (Sullivan Stapleton) missing childhood friend? Why is Kurt’s name tattooed on Jane’s back? Who’s responsible for those tattoos, anyway? NBC on Monday renewed “Blindspot” for a second season — now it’s time for some answers. Please don’t go all “Blacklist” on us.
Nov. 29
“The Walking Dead” (10 p.m. on AMC)
Even the most ardent fans of this zombie drama have begun to tire of the endless shots of empty highway off ramps and groups of zombies patrolling empty streets. The midseason finale needs to deliver the death of a major character to keep people watching into the spring.
Nov. 30
“Gotham” (8 p.m. on Fox)
When Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) is kidnapped, Gordon (Ben McKenzie) must look to some unlikely allies for help. It’s the battle of the villains — and not everyone makes it out alive.
Dec. 2
“Rosewood” (8 p.m. on Fox)
Dr. Rosewood (Morris Chestnut) and Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz) dive into the Miami art scene to catch a serial killer. Meanwhile, an impending lawsuit against Rosewood threatens the lifeline of Magic City Lab and forces Donna (Lorraine Toussaint) to take a long, hard look at the way her son lives his life.
“Empire” (9 p.m. on Fox)
Much of the heat has gone out of this once-molten music biz soap opera, since each episode seems to revolve around Lucious (Terrence Howard) and Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) having the same arguments. Adding to the boredom, their sons Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) are still fighting like 8-year-olds. Will viewers stick around for the show’s return in 2016?
Dec. 9
“Nashville” (10 p.m. on ABC)
Rayna (Connie Britton) has a new rival — a hot young country singer who happens to be her own daughter, Maddie (Lennon Stella). As usual, Rayna can’t cope. See Rayna cry.
Dec. 13
“Quantico” (10 p.m. on ABC)
The terrorist who’s bedeviled poor Alex (Priyanka Chopra) since the season premiere is captured. We think.