Tuesday, November 30, 2010

November 30, 2010 *spoiler alert*

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Tonight at 8 on CBS. Burl Ives narrates this animated musical, first telecast in 1964. The Johnny Marks score includes the title tune, “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “We're a Couple of Misfits.” Voices include...Rudolph: Billie Richards. Yukon Cornelius: Larry Mann.

"Christmas in Rockefeller Center" Tonight at 8 on NBC. Natalie Morales and Al Roker host the 78th annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Manhattan. Adding glow are slated performances by Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Jessica Simpson, Susan Boyle, Annie Lennox, Katherine Jenkins, Charice, Kylie Minogue and Jackie Evancho.

"Shrek the Halls" Tonight at 8:30 on ABC. Shrek, Fiona and the kids try to celebrate the holidays as a family, but visits by Donkey, Puss in Boots, Gingerbread Man and others turn a cozy gathering into a chaotic Christmas. Voices include Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas.

"Raising Hope" Tonight at 9:01 on Fox. Jimmy gets Burt's idol, Smokey Floyd (Jason Lee), to help him realize the rock-and-roll dreams the elder Chance gave up when he became a father.

"Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" Tonight at 10 on CBS. Katy Perry and Akon perform as supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Candice Swanepoel, Chanel Iman, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge and Behati Prinsloo take to the runway to showcase the company's latest lingerie.

"Strange Days With Bob Saget" Tonight at 10 on A&E. Bog Saget explores America's subcultures. In the opener, he travels with the Iron Order Motorcycle Club and rides in a sidecar from Kentucky to Florida. Included: a wedding; and a memorial service.

"Sons of Anarchy" Tonight at 10 on FX. Season 3 finale: The ATF and the Russians stand in the way as the SAMCRO looks to heal old wounds.

Monday, November 29, 2010

November 29, 2010 *spoiler alert*

"College Basketball:Virginia at Minnesota" Tonight at 7 on ESPN2. Virginia at Minnesota in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Golden Gophers are on a 1-6 skid in this event, winning only against Virginia two years ago. Mike Scott and Blake Hofarber are top seniors.

"90210" Tonight at 8 on The CW. Dixon and Annie sign Debbie up for online dating, but she ends up with Ryan during a date; Naomi becomes interested in a surfer; Teddy and Ian share an intimate moment; and Adrianna's fame pushes Navid closer to Silver.

"Chuck" Tonight at 8 on NBC. A Thanksgiving-leftovers dinner is stuffed with complications for Chuck when his mother (Linda Hamilton) arrives. At Buy More, Morgan gears up for the busiest shopping day of the year while Jeff and Lester launch their latest scheme. Elsewhere, Ellie continues to uncover family clues left behind by her father. Timothy Dalton and Monet Mazur guest star.

"Lie to Me" Tonight at 9 on Fox. A terminally ill restaurateur (John Amos) hires Cal to track down his murdered daughter's killer. She had been first in line to inherit her father's successful restaurant chain, and Cal discovers that this fact could have something to do with her death.

"Unanswered Prayers" Tonight at 9 on Lifetime. A happily married father (Eric Close) is confronted with a life-altering decision when his high-school crush (Madchen Amick) returns to town. Garth Brooks serves as executive producer of the film, which is based on the lyrics from his same-titled song.

"CMA Country Christmas" Tonight at 9:30 on ABC. Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Reba, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Sugarland perform with members of their families and share their family holiday traditions.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

November 28, 2010 *spoiler alert*

"The Simpsons" Tonight at 8 on Fox. Bart nurses a wounded pigeon back to health, but Santa's Little Helper has other plans. Danica Patrick and Rachel Weisz have voice cameos.

"The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation" Tonight at 8 on ABC Family. In this sequel to "The Dog Who Saved Christmas," loyal family canine Zeus (voice of Mario Lopez) sets out to rescue his new crush, Uncle Randy's aloof poodle Bella (voice of Paris Hilton), after she is kidnapped by two familiar thieves who want the diamonds in her dog collar.

"Sunday Night Football:Chargers at Colts" Tonight at 8:15 on NBC. San Diego (5-5) at Indianapolis (6-4) in a matchup between prolific passing attacks piloted by Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning. The Chargers have won three of the teams' last four meetings, including a playoff victory following the 2008 season.

"November Christmas" Tonight at 9 on CBS. A Rhode Island community comes together to create special Halloween and Christmas moments several weeks early for an 8-year-old girl (Emily Alyn Lind) with a life-threatening illness. Sam Elliott, John Corbett and Sarah Paulson star.

"Soul Train Awards" Tonight at 9 on BET. Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson host the 23rd annual awards show recognizing soul musicians. Anita Baker and Ron Isley are 2010's Legend Award recipients. Performers include Bruno Mars; Cee-Lo; Erykah Badu; Faith Evans; Jazmine Sullivan; Keyshia Cole; Rick Ross; R. Kelly.

"Bridalplasty" Tonight at 9 on E! Twelve brides-to-be compete in wedding-themed challenges to win plastic-surgery procedures. In the opener, the ladies move into a mansion and they each create a plastic-surgery wish list with a surgeon before taking part in their first challenge. One person is voted out by the other brides.

"Boardwalk Empire" Tonight at 9 on HBO. Nucky's fear of the consequences of an impending electoral disaster forces him to make changes in the administrative pecking order. Meanwhile, Jimmy is ambivalent about the health of an ailing family member; Van Alden questions Sebso's commitment to their calling; and Rothstein's lawyer advises him to face the World Series scandal head-on.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

November 27, 2010 *spoiler alert*

"College Football:Grambling State vs. Southern" Today at 2 on NBC. Grambling State vs. Southern in the 37th Bayou Classic in New Orleans. Grambling won last year's meeting 31-13 to level the all-time series between the SWAC rivals 18-18. Halftime is highlighted by passionate marching-band performances.

"Your Pet Wants This, Too!" Tonight at 8 on Animal Planet. An overview of innovative pet products, such as talking water bowls and dog-powered scooters.

"Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle" Tonight at 8 on Hallmark. The magical Emily Merkle (Doris Roberts) spreads Christmas cheer while working at a struggling department store in this sequel to 2009's "Mrs. Miracle." Though the store owners don't recall hiring her, Mrs. Merkle has a positive impact on the business and the spirits of those around her. Directed by Michael M. Scott.

"Triassic Attack" Tonight at 9 on Syfy. Three dinosaurs wreak havoc on a small town and a local university after the owner of a kitschy roadside museum accidentally brings three fossils to life. Directed by Colin Ferguson.

"Pit Bulls and Parolees" Tonight at 10 on Animal Planet. Tia travels with her son to New Orleans, where a dog rescued during Hurricane Katrina is slated to be adopted. While there, Tia saves a stray during a lightning storm. Back at Villalobos, the parolees deal with an onslaught of rattlesnakes.

"College Basketball:Kansas vs. Arizona" Tonight at 10:30 on ESPN2. Arizona vs. Kansas in the Las Vegas Invitational. Skilled forwards Derrick Williams and Marcus Morris headline this Pac-10/Big 12 clash. Arizona's 25-year streak of NCAA bids ended last season.

Friday, November 26, 2010

November 26, 2010 *spoiler alert*

"Seinfeld" This morning at 11 on TBS. George's mom (Estelle Harris) lands in the hospital; a contest begins among Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine, involving a naked woman and an attractive man. Marla: Jane Leeves. Joyce: Ilana Levine. George: Jason Alexander.

"College Football:Colorado at Nebraska" Today at 3:30 on ABC. Colorado at Nebraska in the teams' final matchup as Big 12 rivals before departing for the Pac-10 and Big Ten, respectively, next season. Last season, the Huskers needed TD returns on a punt and an INT to escape Boulder with a 28-20 win and extend their lead in the series to 48-18-2.

"TV's Funniest Holiday Moments: A Paley Center for Media Special" Tonight at 8 on Fox. Jane Lynch counts down 30 memorable TV holiday moments, including scenes from "Cheers," "Family Guy," "Two and a Half Men" and "Friends." Also: clips from animated classics such as "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

"Victorious" Tonight at 8 on Nickelodeon. Jade and Cat lose a competition at a karaoke club because it was rigged for the club owner's daughter to win. The girls then set out to get revenge, and they recruit Tori to help them.

"What Not to Wear: Best Mommy Makeovers" Tonight at 9 on TLC. A look at five moms who underwent serious style transformations.

"Rock Docs" Tonight at 9 on VH1. The Rolling Stones perform at New York City's Beacon Theatre in 2006. Edited version of a feature film directed by Martin Scorsese.

"20/20" Tonight at 10 on ABC. Barbara Walters interviews President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. Taped Nov. 23, 2010. Topics are expected to include issues in the news and how the Obamas have reacted to the Democrats' November reversals.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

November 25, 2010 *spoiler alert*

"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" This morning at 9 on NBC. Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer and Al Roker anchor coverage of the 84th annual procession in Manhattan, featuring slated appearances by Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, Kanye West, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, Gladys Knight and Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, plus the Muppets of "Sesame Street" and the cast of Broadway's "American Idiot." The gala boasts character balloons, colorful floats, marching bands and no less than 800 clowns.

"NFL Football:Patroits at Lions" Today at 12:30 on CBS. New England (8-2) at Detroit (2-8). Patriots QB Tom Brady won his only previous Thanksgiving Day start, 20-12 against Detroit in 2002. The Lions, meanwhile, have their lost their last six games on Thanksgiving by an average of more than 20 points.

"Taylor Swift---Speak Now" Tonight at 8 on NBC. A behind-the-scenes look at Taylor Swift's travels from New York to Los Angeles, which include recording sessions, a video shoot, run-ins with the paparazzi and autograph signings. Swift also performs at unusual venues along the way.

"CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" Tonight at 8 on CNN. Anderson Cooper hosts the fourth annual salute to everyday people for their work improving the world. Bon Jovi, Sugarland, and John Legend with Common and Melanie Fiona perform; presenters include Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Kid Rock, Demi Moore, LL Cool J, Marisa Tomei and Renee Zellweger. The 33 rescued Chilean miners and five of their rescuers will also be present. The 10 finalists each receive $25,000, and the Hero of the Year an additional $100,000. From the Shrine Auditorium in L.A.

"The Town Christmas Forgot" Tonight at 8 on Hallmark. A couple (Lauren Holly, Rick Roberts) and their kids are stranded in a small town during Christmas after their SUV breaks down on a back-road shortcut. The town's residents are struggling to get by but still manage to enthusiastically celebrate Christmas, and the disconnected, technology-dependent family soon begin to learn from their example. Directed by John Bradshaw.

"NBC's People of the Year" Tonight at 9 on NBC. Matt Lauer spotlights notable people of 2010, including Chilean-miner rescuer Brandon Fisher; James Jones, who protected his daughter against bullies; Manhattan mosque developer Sharif El-Gamal; NBA player LeBron James; reality-TV figure Kim Kardashian; and pop singer Justin Timberlake. Additionally, Susan Boyle performs holiday-themed music.

"Beyoncé's I Am...World Tour" Tonight at 9:30 on ABC. A look at performances, production, costumes, choreography, and backstage and offstage moments from Beyoncé's world tour in support of her CD "I Am...Sasha Fierce." Included: appearances by Kanye West and Jay-Z; and footage from Croatia, Africa, China, Australia and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

November 24, 2010 *spoiler alert*

"Firebreather" Tonight at 7 on Cartoon. Half-human, half-monster teen Duncan (Jesse Head) must choose between his parents' different ideas for his future in this CGI-animated adventure. His father, a fire-breathing Kaiju monster, wants Duncan to take over his throne, while his mother prefers that he finish high school and live an ordinary life. Based on the comic book series by Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn. Directed by Peter Chung.

"NBA Basketball:Heat at Magic" Tonight at 7:30 on ESPN. Miami at Orlando. On Oct. 29, the Heat scorched arch-rival Orlando 96-70, holding the Magic to 30.4 percent shooting. Dwyane Wade's 26 points led Miami, while Rashard Lewis and ex-Miami guard Quentin Richardson shot a combined 0-for-14 for Orlando.

"Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special" Tonight at 8:30 on NBC. Po (voice of Jack Black) is disappointed to learn he'll have to host an event at Jade Palace on his favorite holiday, Winter Feast, which he usually spends with his father. The obligation leaves Po torn between his family traditions and the job he loves. Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu and David Cross reprise their roles from the 2008 film.

"Modern Family" Tonight at 9 on ABC. A visit from Cameron's force-of-nature mother (Celia Weston) makes Mitchell nervous; Phil is distraught over Haley's breakup with Dylan; Jay's stomach ailment gets worse after he and Manny log on to a medical Web site.

"Hell's Kitchen" Tonight at 9 on Fox. The five remaining contestants prepare and serve their signature dishes in downtown-L.A. food trucks at lunchtime. The winner receives a Beverly Hills makeover by hairstylist José Eber and fashion guru Steven Cojocaru, while the losers scrub their trucks and prepare Hell's Kitchen for a dinner service that won't go well.

"Great Performances" Tonight at 9 on PBS. David Hyde Pierce hosts an 80th birthday celebration for Broadway composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim that features Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Karen Olivo, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Elaine Stritch and the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Paul Gemignani at New York's Lincoln Center. The concert includes songs and orchestral pieces from such Sondheim musicals as "Company," "Follies," "Into the Woods," "A Little Night Music," "Sunday in the Park With George" and "Sweeney Todd."

"Primetime" Tonight at 10:01 on ABC. Cynthia McFadden reports on plastic surgery in Hollywood: how it has changed the nature of celebrity and the price some celebrities have paid for their procedures. Interviewed: Heidi Montag, Janice Dickinson and 1980s British pop star Pete Burns. Also: Lisa Ling on plastic surgery among teens; plastic surgery do's and don'ts.