Thursday 1
“Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza” (KNME-5 7 p.m.) The guitar-slinging big band leader whips his musicians through a concert filled with boogie woogie Christmas songs and rockabilly cheer.
Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II (KOAT-7 7 p.m.) Thomas Kretschmann (The Pianist) stars in this multi-night miniseries covering the life and times of the much-celebrated pope. … Not to be sacrilegious or anything, but wasn't “Have no fear!” Underdog's motto? I'm just saying.
Friday 2
“The Happy Elf” (KOB-4 7 p.m.) Harry Connick Jr. narrates this computer-generated tale about, well, an elf who's happy.
“Monk: Mr. Monk and the Secret Santa” (USA 8 p.m.) It's up to Monk to puzzle out who sent Capt. Stottlemeyer a bottle of poisoned wine for the holidays. Cheers.
Saturday 3
“Interrogation Room” (KASA-2 7:30 p.m.) Stick around after “COPS” as FOX goes into actual interrogation rooms to watch police sweat confessions out of accused criminals. … Yeah, but it's just not the same since the Miranda Act. Now, if you could get into a CIA interrogation room, then we'd really see some action.
Sunday 4
Chasing Christmas (ABC Family 6 p.m.) A Christmas spirit visits a grumpy single father (Tom Arnold) who gave up celebrating the holiday after his wife left him. … Easy, Tom, losing Roseanne was a good thing.
“But Can They Sing?” (VH1 8 p.m.) I think, after a full season of pure, unadulterated aural torture, that the answer is a resounding no. Find out who can not sing the least on tonight's season finale.
“Dead Zone: A Very Dead Zone Christmas” (USA 8 p.m.) Nothing says “Christmas” like psychic premonitions of doom.
“Sleeper Cell” (Showtime 8 p.m.) Showtime's controversial new drama series follows a Muslim ex-con who joins a terrorist plot to attack Los Angeles.
Monday 5
“Arrested Development” (KASA-2 7 p.m.) Sigh. After being kicked off the air for the Sweeps Month of November, “Arrested Development” returns to burn off the rest of its truncated season. Fans, enjoy it while you can. P.S.: You might want to use the coming-down time to start your letter writing campaign begging HBO or FX to pick up the show.
The Triangle (Sci-Fi 7 p.m.) Sci-Fi devotes three whole nights to this miniseries about creepy doings in the tropics.
Tuesday 6
“Victoria's Secret Fashion Show” (KRQE-13 9 p.m.) Like the rest of America, I watch this annual underwear parade for its expert “fashion” tips.
“Daisy Does America” (TBS 8 p.m.) Attractive British comedienne Daisy Donovan investigates the elusive American dream in this unscripted travel series featuring tongue-in-cheek interviews and quirky encounters. Tonight's season premiere introduces American audiences to this English import.
Wednesday 7
“Project Runway” (Bravo 8 p.m.) What kind of crazy crap will the new crop of designers come up with to humiliate the models? Check it out on tonight's second season premiere.
