1) “The Hunt for Planet B,” 9-11 p.m. ET, CNN. On Dec. 18, the Webb telescope (shown here in artist’s rendering) is slated to be blasted a million miles away – four times the distance to the moon. It’s a $10-billion, 20-nation project, 100 times stronger than the Hubble. Among other things, it will probe two planets that have the right conditions for life. This richly crafted film meets the men and (especially) women involved, including one who was the root of Jodie Foster’s character in “Contact” (1997). They’re fascinating people.
2) “Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. This might seem like a stretch: Simu Liu, who was unknown to Americans until starring in the action film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” will hose. But he does have comedy experience, with the five-season Canadian run of “Kim’s Convenience.” Tonight’s music guest is Saweetie.
3) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” 7:27 p.m., and “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), 9-11:15 p.m., TBS. Two of the all-time great shows combine, on a splendid family night. Both have whimsy, wonder, some strong music and clever visuals. The line-up also has “Polar Express” (2004) at 5:28 p.m. and the animated “The Year Without a SantaClaus” at 7:57.
4) “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” 8 p.m., HBO. This Oct. 30 event overflowed with starpower. Prformers included inductees — Carole King, LL Cool J, Foo Fighters, Go-Go’s – and more. There was Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Mickey Guyton, Eminem. Jennifer Lopez and a duo of H.E.R. and Keith Urban. Also honored were Tina Turner and Todd Rundgren (who weren’t there) and Jay-Z, who was, but didn’t perform. Now HBO tries to boil it down.
5) “Frankie Drake Mysteries,” 7 p.m. ET, Ovation. Set in 1920s Toronto, “Frankie” has characters so likable that we’ll allow a few excesses. This episode, alas, goes far beyond that: The plot makes little sense, the heroes seem superpowered, the villains are sorta silly. And still … it’s sometimes fun.