Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2006 > December > 08
Friday, December 8, 2006
Rudolph arrives, ‘Lights’ still looks for wattage
Kids love ‘em, but most parents would rather have hot cider poured in their laps than to watch them.
Yes, we’re talking Christmas specials. Two ancient veterans air tonight on CBS: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (7to 8) and “Frosty the Snowman” (8 to 8:30). “Frosty Returns” follows that one, but it’s a sequel, so it’s not exactly a classic.
CBS has had a lock on these cartoon specials for years. “Rudolph” debuted in 1964; “Frosty” arrived a few years later. Kids have loved the ‘toons and the music ever since. Parents muddle through them. At least they don’t star some country singer who falls in love and battles a fatal disease on Christmas Eve. Seems like we have one of those just about every season.
’Lights’ still slogging in the ratings
This week’s “Friday Night Lights” episode was, as usual, stellar. But once again, CBS’ “NCIS” beat the NBC drama in the 7 to 8 p.m. hour. So did ABC’s syrupy Christmas special “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
NBC already has picked up “Lights” for the rest of this season, but the show is going to have to pick up considerable steam in ‘07 to be invited back for a sophomore year.
Another beauty joins Betty
To make sure allegedly unattractive Betty Suarez is surrounded by unattainable beauty, the producers of ABC’s freshman hit “Ugly Betty” have cast Rebecca Romijn to play the mystery woman who conspires with Wilhelmina to take over Mode magazine.
This sweet comedy-drama gets better and better. It just started a string of reruns, so if you’ve missed the season so far, now is a good time to catch up.
** NOTE:
Diane Holloway’s TV blog will be taking a two-week hiatus starting next week. Holloway’s entries will return Dec. 26.
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