Doctor Who
Doctor Who
9/8c BBC America
The hook made famous by the cheesy, '80s hair-metal band Europe seems appropriate here: "It's the final countdown!" For David Tennant, that is. John Simm resurfaces as the Doctor's archnemesis, the Master, who, like the Grinch, picks Christmas Eve to unleash his brand of mayhem in Part 1 of this two-part drama. (Part 2 airs next Saturday.) Catherine Tate reprises her role as Donna Noble.
Read on for previews of Suze Orman Show, Revolutionary Road, U.S. Olympic Trials and Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
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Disney Christmas Day Parade
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade
10/9c ABC
Disney spreads some holiday cheer in a bicoastal celebration. Kelly Ripa hosts from the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida, while Ryan Seacrest emcees from Disneyland in California, with Nick Cannon lending a hand as a man-on-the street West Coast reporter. Slated performers include Kris Allen, Celine Dion, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Anika Noni Rose, Stevie Wonder and the Yanni Voices. Others set to make an appearance are Selena Gomez, Tony Dovolani and Cheryl Burke.
Read on for previews of Make My Day, NBA Basketball, Improv-Ice and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
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A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story Marathon
8/7c TBS
Butter up plenty of popcorn, gather the family and settle in for lots of holiday yuks as this 1983 classic airs in 12 consecutive screenings. Directed by Bob Clark (this is great enough to forgive him for Porky's), and written and wonderfully narrated by humorist Jean Shepherd, the film tracks the misadventures of Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), a beamish lad in the 1940s who wants nothing else for Christmas but a Red Ryder BB gun.
Read on for previews of SportsCenter Special: Decade in Review, Catherine Tate Christmas Special 2, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, Raising the Bar and Modern Family.
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A Home for the Holidays with Faith Hill
A Home for the Holidays with Faith Hill
8/7c CBS
Adoption is a subject that is close to Faith Hill's heart. She was adopted as an infant and returns to host this 11th annual event to raise awareness of adoption. She is joined by fellow adoptee Michael Franti, who performs "Have a Little Faith." Also showing their support are native Oklahoma superstars Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire. Other performers include Mary J. Blige and Shakira. In addition to the musical performances, the hour highlights stories about children who have been adopted and those who are still waiting to join a loving family.
Read on for previews of Dog the Bounty Hunter, Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., Biography and Christmas at Belmont 2009.
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Scrubs
Scrubs
9/8c ABC
J.D. has gone through many changes throughout the last nine seasons as he moved from timid intern to experienced doctor to mentor for the next generation of docs. But some things never change. He finds he still hungers for approval, and this time he wants it from Turk. Lucy, meanwhile, faces her own demons when she tries to summon the courage to perform a medical procedure on a real, live person.
Read on for previews of Scrubs, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, National Geographic's Most Incredible Photos: Afghan Warrior, Dirty Jobs and Family Style.
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The Closer
The Closer
9/8c TNT
The crime drama closes a three-show winter arc — and, by extension, its fifth season — with an episode that vaunts the return of head-butting Capt. Raydor (Mary McDonnell). Raydor reaches out to Major Crimes and top cop Brenda Leigh Johnson to help on a nerve-jangling internal investigation. It's a delicate matter swirling around the alleged spousal abuse of a female officer — but there is more to the case than meets the eye. Juxtaposing all this prime crime, as always, are domestic developments, as Fritz grows weary of Brenda's neglect.
Read on for previews of The Sing-off, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, Monday Night Football and the World Chocolate Championship.
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Survivor: Samoa
Survivor: Samoa
8/7c CBS
In tonight's two-hour season finale, the final five castaways (Brett, Jaison, Mick, Natalie, Russell) battle for the right to sit before the jury and explain why they deserve the top $1 million prize. Brett is the sole Galu member left and, therefore, the biggest threat to the four remaining Foa Foa tribemates since the jury is loaded with ousted Galu players. If Brett, who has won the last two immunity challenges, continues his winning ways and makes it to the final vote, he should be a lock to win. Following the finale, all 20 players reunite to learn who won and to discuss their experiences.
Read on for previews of Christmas in Washington, Night at the Movies, Sunday Night Football and With All Due Respect.
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Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
11:29/10:29c NBC
It's the last live outing before the holidays, so we can expect some Yuletide yuks tonight. The show has delivered memorable comedy for Christmas in the past — take Alec Baldwin's "Delicious Dish and the Schweddy Balls" and Steve Martin's "A Holiday Wish," for example. Jingling all the way as host is James Franco, who has appeared in the films Milk, Pineapple Express and in the Spider-Man franchise. We also get amusement from Muse. Hot off the release of their fifth studio album, The Resistance, the Brit band delivers alt experimentation and prog-rock blast on the performance stage.
Read on for previews of College Basketball, Doctor Who, The Three Gifts and WWE Tribute to the Troops.
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Dollhouse
Dollhouse
8/7c Fox
As evidenced by December's first two Dollhouse double shots, Joss Whedon's take on the ultimate identity theft is hitting on all cylinders. The stories have been taut, and included genuine surprises — especially Ballard's unexpected exit last week. Tonight's two-hour block should continue that momentum until next month, when the final episodes are expected to air. First, Victor returns to the real world when his contract is up. Then, Echo faces a nightmare after she's deemed too dangerous.
Read on for previews of Crash, Sanctuary, Four Weddings and Frosty the Snowman.
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SNL Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas
Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas
8/7c NBC
The irreverent late-night show kicks up the Yuletide yuks in this very merry special featuring holiday-themed shticks and skits selected from the show's 35-year history. Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin make appearances, and both are seen in vintage bits — Baldwin in the classic "Delicious Dish and the Schweddy Balls" and Martin in "A Holiday Wish." Headlining the show is standout SNL player Kristen Wiig as her recurring character Gilly, that classroom troublemaker who's essentially Annie from the dark depths of hell.
Read on for previews of Survivor: Samoa, The Mentalist, American Chopper and Thursday Night Football.
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