Sunday Elmo, one of the least interesting Muppets ever stitched together, has the good sense to surround himself with A-level talent for "Elmo's Christmas Countdown" (6 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5), including "Sopranos" vets Steve Schirripa and Tony Sirico, who do their best to portray Bert and Ernie. Charles Gibson gamely plays reindeer anchor "Charles Blitzen" while Ben Stiller provides the voice for the most inept elf to ever emerge from the North Pole.
Critic's choice: week of Dec. 23
December 21, 2007 at 8:20PM
Monday Want a roaring fire without having to clean up the ashes? Then rely on TV's annual gift, "Yule Log" (7 p.m., KSTC, Ch. 45), which will flicker on your screen all evening. Marshmallows not included.
Tuesday Let me be the first to wish you happy holidays! (I am the first, right?) Next in line: Ryan Seacrest, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, who are all hosting "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade" (9 a.m., KSTP, Ch. 5), with appearances by Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson and Menudo. Wait, did I just say Menudo? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!
Wednesday I love "The Kennedy Center Honors" (8 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4), but I'm a bit uncertain whether this year's crop deserves all the accolades. Martin Scorsese? Overrated. Diana Ross? More a product of Berry Gordy than a strong singer on her own. Steve Martin? Too early -- and too many "Cheaper by the Dozen" flicks. Brian Wilson? Absolutely. Leon Fleisher? Never heard of him, which means he must be from the classical music world and therefore gets an automatic pass. Whether they all belong or not, it should be a great night of TV.
Thursday "The 9th Annual Family Television Awards" (8 p.m., WUCW, Ch. 23) is all about celebrating wholesome TV. In other words, it's the only awards show of the season that won't feature anyone from "The Sopranos." Those who did make the cut: Kyle Chandler, America Ferrera and those crazy kids from "High School Musical 2."
NEAL JUSTIN
