1) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), 7:30 and 8 p.m., TNT, with “Oz” repeating at 10:15. Here are two of the all-time greats, proving that family-friendly tales – ones with warmth and optimism – can be done with intelligence. “Grinch” (shown here) reflects the brilliance of Dr. Seuss and animator Chuck Jones. “Oz” peppers a lively story with strong music, including the Oscar-winning “Over the Rainbow.” Read more…
1) “George & Tammy” opener, 9 p.m., Showtime and Paramount Network. In 1967, George Jones was soaring (17 top-10 country hits) and sinking (twice-divorced and deeply alcoholic). Tammy Wynette had three singles on the country charts; she had three daughters, no money and a wobbly second marriage. Showtime’s six-parter (with Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, shown here) starts strongly, with great music and a cinematic feel. This opener is also on Paramount, right after “Yellowstone.” Read more…
1) Football. It’s conference-championship day, peaking at 4 p.m. ET on CBS, with top-ranked Georgia (shown here) and 5th-ranked Louisiana State. At 8 p.m., it’s Michigan (No. 3) and Purdue on Fox; and Clemson (No. 8) and North Carolina (No. 17) on ABC. That’s in an ABC tripleheader, with Texas Christian (No. 4) and Kansas State (No. 12) at noon, then Tulane (No. 19) and Central Florida (No. 22) at 4. There’s more at noon and 3:30 on ESPN and 4 on Fox. Read more…
1) “SWAT” (shown here), 8 p.m., CBS. Earlier we met Sanchez, who schemed to get Hondo’s job. He had it, briefly; then the team took a stand and he took a VIP security job. Now an intruder breaks into an actress’ home and the team must work with him. In a week with few new drama hours, CBS is all-new tonight. On “Fire Country” (9 p.m.), the guys are accused of stealing a valuable watch; on “Blue Bloods” (10), Anthony’s daughter is the only murder witness. Read more…
1) “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas” (shown here), 8-10 p.m., NBC. There’s a ragged feeling to this odd hybrid. But there are great moments … and a reminder that Parton, 76, is an amazing songwriter. She tosses off a couple of her hits (way too briefly) at the start, then does less-familiar ones, from gospel to pop, that are brilliantly done. The scripted parts are weak; the music – with Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Willie Nelson, Jimmie Allen and more – soars. Read more…
1) “The Masked Singer” finale, 8-10 p.m., Fox. The first hour reviews what’s happened so far – which is a lot. The show has unmasked a boxer (George Foreman), a wrestler (Chris Jericho), a captain (William Shatner), real singers (Gloria Gaynor, Montell Jordan) and more. Last week it ousted Ray Parker Jr. (the “Ghosbusters” guy) and comedian Nikki Glaser. In the second hour, the finalists – the Lambs trio (shown here) and Harp – try for the championship. Read more…
1) “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” 8 p.m., CBS. The original reindeer star is back, leading into a new one (see next paragraph and separate story) at 9. This cartoon (shown here) has been around since 1964; people who grew up with it are willing to overlook any flaws, including how much the story is stretched to fill out an hour. Read more…
1) “The Great Christmas Lights Fight” opener (shown here), 8-10 p.m., ABC. For six hours (over three Mondays), we’ll see supersized holiday displays. Each hour has four homes, with one chosen as the winner. Tonight has a piano and a mini-golf course, both playable, and a ride through Lollipop Land. One display sprawls over a 90-acre farm; another (on a mere four acres) glows with 250,000 lights. Read more…
1) “Magical Musical Celebration,” 8-10 p.m., ABC. Now ABC seizes the holiday. It debuts “Mickey Saves Christmas” (simulcast on Disney cable channels) at 7, reruns “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” at 7:30, then has two hours in Disney parks. There’s music from Derek Hough (shown here) and his sister Julianne Hough, who are the hosts, pluys Maren Morris, Ne-Yo, Meghan Trainor, Becky G, Jordin Sparks, Il Volo, Chloe Flower, Black Eyed Peas, Run DMC and David Foster and Katharine McPhee. Read more…
1) “TheGrio Awards,” 8-10 p.m., CBS. In a late switch, CBS has pushed two Christmas cartoons to next Saturday. Instead, it debuts these awards for Black icons (plus “Jeffersons” producer Norman Lear). Patti LaBelle (shown here) will sing and receive an award. Also singing are Yolanda Adams, Tyrese and Fantasia. Other awardees are Dave Chappelle, Jennifer Hudson, Kenan Thompson, Queen Latifah, Tyler Perry, Ben Crump, Allyson Felix and more. Read more…
