What to Watch: Christmas Night
SportsCenter 2008: The Greatest Year in Sports – 8:30/7:30c on ESPN
We’ve all seen (or read) the entertainment year-in-review specials; now it’s time for sports. While it’s probably a stretch to call 2008 “the greatest year in sports,” it did boast one of the best Super Bowls ever … and Michael Phelps’ historic run, er, swim at the Olympics … and the first championship in 25 years for the city of Philadelphia … and Tiger Woods’ incredible Masters victory … and the resurrection of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. OK, fine -- best sports year ever!
Bad Santa – 8/7c on Comedy Central
The Billy Bob Thornton comedy has become something of a neo-Christmas tradition, supplanting the saccharine classics we were forced to watch growing up. Unfortunately, Bad Santa is a little more somber this time around with costar Bernie Mac having joined John Ritter as cast members who’ve since passed away.
General Hospital: The Most of Christmas Past Marathon – 8/7c on SoapNet
I won’t even pretend to know one thing about General Hospital, aside from the fact that the loooong-running soap opera has some serious superfans -- all of whom will greatly appreciate this three-episode block of holiday-themed episodes from years past.
Deal or No Deal – 8/7c on NBC
If you're desperate on Christmas night -- and you can survive two hours of Howie Mandel -- this holiday-themed Deal has you covered.
Hallmark Heroes – 8/7c on Hallmark
And if you’re really desperate tonight, tune in to Hallmark’s second annual Heroes event, hosted by Regis Philbin and featuring four do-gooders whose causes are honored. And Jane Seymour, of course.
God vs. Satan – 8/7c on History Channel
On Jesus’ b-day? Really? Pretty gutsy programming, History Channel!