TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"A Charlie Brown Christmas," 7 p.m., ABC. The timing is perfect: The writers' strike has depleted series episodes, but ABC wisely has 10 Christmas specials or movies ready to go. That includes two truly great cartoons — "Charlie Brown" tonight, "Grinch" tomorrow. Back in 1965, the late Charles Schulz once said, the big advantage involved time pressure. TV executives fretted about the quirks of this special. It has primitive animation, real kids' voices, a jazzy Vince Guaraldi score; it even has a Bible verse. There wasn't time for arguments, however. Schulz's version was aired — and became a TV classic.

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. Cuddy pressures House to make a decision on hiring staffers. He responds by throwing the candidates a tough case, involving an aging rock star. Meanwhile, Wilson tells a patient he isn't dying after all. The patient — who had been living for the moment — is not pleased to hear this.

OF NOTE

"The Biggest Loser," 7 p.m., NBC. Reality shows have also helped the strike-depleted networks; there are three broadcast-network ones tonight. In "Loser," seven candidates remain. Tonight, they face a challenge chosen by viewers.

"Bones," 7 p.m., Fox. Did someone kill Santa Claus? It seems that way; the victim dressed like Santa and even had Kris Kringle as his legal name. Meanwhile, Brennan tries to have a sort of family Christmas with her dad, who's in jail.

"Dancing With the Stars" finale, 8 p.m., ABC. It's time to name the winner. That doesn't take much time, so the show brings back eliminated contestants and adds guest stars.

"Cane," 9 p.m., CBS. Alex (Jimmy Smits) goes on a gambling cruise that turns violent.