Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
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TONIGHT'S MUST-SEES
"Game Show in My Head" debut, 7 and 7:30 p.m., CBS. Imagine you're in a game show, but no one else knows it. Now you have to get strangers to stand in line. Or witness a eulogy for a fish. Or give a press conference as the ambassador of a mythical country. Or be the substitute groom at a wedding ceremony, even saying "I do." Those are some of the things the two contestants we saw had to try in this hidden-camera show. Some of the results are so-so; others are hilarious. It also helps that these episodes chose contestants (Shalise Pekarcik and Craig Scime) who are personable and quick-thinking. And as you may have guessed, people will do quite a bit if an attractive woman asks nicely.
"Good Will Hunting" (1997), 6 and 9 p.m., Bravo; or "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006), 9 p.m., USA Network. Choose either of these superb movies. One is an intense drama about a blue-collar genius, the other a sweet comedy-drama centering (sort of) on a kids' pageant. Each received an Academy Awards nomination for best picture; neither won, but each did win Oscars for best original script and best supporting actor. For "Hunting," the script was by Matt Damon (who stars) and Ben Affleck (who co-stars); the supporting winner was Robin Williams. For "Sunshine," those Oscars went to Michael Arndt and Alan Arkin.
OF NOTE
Football, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., NBC. The NFL playoffs begin with this wild-card doubleheader. First, it's the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. Then Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts face the San Diego Chargers.
"Sleepless in Seattle" (1993), 7:30 p.m., ABC. Comedy and drama are skillfully blended in director Nora Ephron's story of sweet strangers (Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) who may meet.
"The Nanny Express," 7 p.m., Hallmark. Vanessa Marcil is convincing as a self-sacrificing, would-be teacher who finds herself in charge of two scheming rich kids. Don't expect any surprises here, but there is a feel-good mood.
"Saturday Night Live," 10:29 p.m., NBC, or much later if there's a football rerun. Paul Rudd hosts; Beyonce adds a couple strong musical numbers, plus help in one sketch.