Tonight's TV Hot List: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008

The Office
9 pm/ET NBC
There are hot, hot, hot developments at Dunder Mifflin, and we're not talking about Michael being steamed about Toby's return or the office romances between new and old flames. Tonight the staffers jingle all the way when Phyllis throws a spicy Moroccan-themed Yuletide bash, but tensions soon flare when Meredith's hair catches fire. Dwight is fired up as well: He becomes consumed with the red-hot toy of the holiday season. — Dean Maurer
For full episodes of The Office, visit ourOnline Video Guide.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
9 pm/ET CBS
It's no secret that William Petersen is leaving the series next month, but it's still a shock to hear Grissom announce to his staff: "I'm gonna leave CSI," as he does on tonight's pivotal episode. Petersen's more-than-capable replacement, Emmy and Tony winner Laurence Fishburne, is introduced when Grissom attends a class taught by Fishburne's Raymond Langston, a criminal pathologist. Grissom hopes to gain insight into a murder that is connected to a now imprisoned serial killer who is interviewed as part of the course. — Tim Holland
For clips of CSI, visit our Online Video Guide.
30 Rock
9:31 pm/ET NBC
This Lemon sours on the holidays. Yes, Ms. Liz Lemon feels like those misfit toys in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, since her parents have ditched her for the holidays. But sour turns sweet when our lonely lass, uplifted by the Christmas spirit, devotes herself to a charity program. Meanwhile, the taste turns bitter for Jack: His highly anticipated holiday plans are scratched, and he takes out his frustrations on the crew. It all culminates with the staffers dropping all their plans to produce a last-minute Christmas special. Elaine Stritch guest stars as Jack's formidable mother. — Dean Maurer
For full episodes of 30 Rock, visit ourOnline Video Guide.
Sarah Silverman Program
10:30 pm/ET Comedy Central
In the 2007 episode "Joan of Arf," Sarah tested the limits of societal mores by personally seeing what was so special about her dog, Doug, by licking his rear end. So, as far as this show is concerned, the next logical step in their relationship is to get married. Of course, Sarah decides to take the plunge to poke fun at the institution of marriage, but when Doug saves her life, it changes the whole meaning of "till death do us part." — Joe Friedrich
For full episodes of Sarah Silverman Program, visit our Online Video Guide.
Homeward Bound: John Mellencamp
9 pm/ET Biography
John Mellencamp's music has always felt like a paean to America's heartland and its people, so it seems fitting that he would tell his story while wandering through his hometown of Seymour, Ind. The rocker reminisces about his early years as a struggling musician, talking about bands, audiences and a manager whose underhanded ways influenced his life in unforeseen ways. Mellencamp then performs at the Crump Theatre in nearby Columbus. — Bill Ecklund
For more on Mellencamp, visit our Online Video Guide.