TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Sputnik Mania," 8 p.m., History Channel. When Russians launched a satellite in 1957, Americans were shocked. What about our technical superiority? Would missiles soon be raining on us? This cleverly constructed special catches the full range. It goes from wacky songs to dead-serious worries. Its surprising hero turns out to be Dwight Eisenhower. The former military commander helped slow a cascading arms buildup on both sides.

"Ellen's Even Bigger Really Big Show," 7 p.m., TBS. Last year's variety special, "Ellen's Really Big Show," included lots of known stars. This one takes a bigger risk. At The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, Ellen DeGeneres chose acts from Spain, Russia, Germany and beyond. She hosts, adding her own humor.

OF NOTE

"The Santa Clause" (1994), 5:15 p.m., TBS; "The Santa Clause 2" (2002), 9 p.m., Disney Channel. Here's a do-it-yourself double feature. The first film is great fun, as an ordinary guy (Tim Allen) becomes Santa; the second has him facing a time limit to marry.

"Charlie Wilson's War" (2007), 6 p.m., HBO. U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-Texas) was considered a low-key, playboy politician, this film says. Then he started a one-man crusade to fund military operations in Afghanistan. That story is brilliantly told through the talents of writer Aaron Sorkin ("West Wing"), director Mike Nichols and star Tom Hanks.

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1999), 6 p.m., Ion. In a change, Ion inserts an OK miniseries based on Jules Verne's novel. Treat Williams and Tushka Bergen star.

"Moonlight & Mistletoe," 7 p.m., Hallmark. The season's first new Christmas movie is borderline adequate. Tom Arnold is OK as a widower trying to keep his Christmas shop alive; Candace Cameron Bure is charming as his daughter.

"Numb3rs," 7 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, someone is trying to re-create biblical deaths.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:29 p.m., NBC. Tentatively scheduled is a rerun of the episode hosted by Anne Hathaway. It starts fairly well, with Tina Fey and Queen Latifah, then sags.