Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"A Charlie Brown Christmas," ABC, 7 p.m.; "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), NBC, 7 p.m.; and "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), TNT, 6 p.m. By wonderful — or frustrating — coincidence, these beloved shows collide. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is a marvel. The simplicity of its story, animation and piano-jazz score combines for humor and emotion. "Wizard of Oz" is a bigger broth with songs and scares and humor and heart. Judy Garland stars. "It's a Wonderful Life," in black and white, shows the impact of one good person. James Stewart stars, with Frank Capra directing.

Of Note

"Heisman Trophy Presentation," 3 p.m., ESPN. Here's the live ceremony, announcing the award for the best player in college football.

"The Price is Right Million Dollar Spectacular," 7 p.m., CBS. Contestants play the game and spin the wheel, which includes a million-dollar spot.

"Catch Me If You Can" (2002), 8 p.m., Cinemax. Some great talents combined for this immensely entertaining tale. Leonardo DiCaprio plays real-life teenage con Frank Abagnale Jr., who passed thousands in bad checks and pretended to be a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. Tom Hanks plays the FBI agent in pursuit. Steven Spielberg directed with a nimble touch.

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" (1998), 8 p.m., ABC. Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays a college student whose dad has promised him a Porsche if he makes it home for the holiday. Many things — including pranksters and romance — intervene; Jessica Biel co-stars.

"The District," 9 p.m., CBS. Memories of Ella Farmer — the character who was played by the late Lynne Thigpen — return in this story. The youth who received her heart in a transplant has been accused of a robbery.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. "Lord of the Rings" star Elijah Wood hosts with music by Jet.