Comedians who trade in controversial material run the risk of being misunderstood, or worse — not getting laughs. That’s probably normal for a beginner or a dedicated iconoclast, but it’s an interesting situation for an established talent and a man made very rich by a TV franchise.

The most remarkable moments in the comedy special “Ricky Gervais: Out of England 2” (9 p.m., HBO) are the long and at times uncomfortable periods of nonlaughter from his Chicago audience.

To use standup slang, Gervais isn’t exactly dying up there, but at times he seems to come very close. Not unlike his character on the British version of “The Office,” he treads very close to the unbearable as he makes his way though a routine of cavalier comments about starving people, fat people, old and deaf people, abused children, AIDS and terrorism. He’s not performing as David Brent but as himself, a Hollywood star and the once and future host of “The Golden Globes.”

His most interesting bit involves a moment on an airplane when the fearful side of his brain is convinced that he’s sitting next to a terrorist and his rational side tries to maintaing calm — more through guilt than reason. With material like that, Gervais proves that he can provoke thought. But what he provokes more often is the nervous sound of an unresponsive audience. That in itself is an act of audacity.

• Guy Fieri invites actor Matthew McConaughey into his kitchen on “Guy’s Big Bite” (7 p.m., Food). Over the course of the hour, they prepare roasted Malibu Oysters, a Ting Cocktail, a main course of Herb-Rubbed Pork Roast with Pesto Vegetables and a Farro Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette. Bon vivante McConaughey also concocts a margarita or two.

• Competitive holiday decorating looms large in the 2010 Christmas movie “Battle of the Bulbs” (7 p.m., Hallmark), starring Daniel Stern (“Home Alone”) and Matt Frewer (“Eureka”).

• The first season of “Downsized” (WE) concludes with two episodes as a college dream may be deferred (8 p.m.) and Todd mulls a job offer (9 p.m.).

Tonight’s other highlights

• Little known siblings get first billing in the 2003 special “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m., ABC).

• Wrestlers entertain at Fort Hood, Texas, on “WWE Tribute to the Troops” (8 p.m., NBC).

• It’s all happening at the zoo in the 2005 animated comedy “Madagascar” (8 p.m., ABC).

• Scary things lurk in “The Cave” (8 p.m., Syfy).

• Scheduled on “48 Hours Mystery” (9 p.m., CBS): A college couple is linked to a murder.

• Barry Manilow appears on “The Graham Norton Show” (9 p.m., BBC America).

• Danielle Fishel hosts “The Dish Salutes 2010’s Craziest Moments” (9 p.m.).

• Jeff Bridges hosts “Saturday Night Live” (10:30 p.m., NBC), featuring musical guest Eminem.