Tonight's Best TV

A DAILY GUIDE TO NOTABLE SHOWS by Jessica Shaw

8-8:30PM
NBC, TV-PG

Merry Madagascar

Presenting a new, animated holiday special is risky, especially when beloved mainstays like Frosty and Rudolph still work just fine. But like last year's Shrek the Halls, this decked-out TV holiday spin-off of the Madagascar movies succeeds in being lively and charming (if not surprising), even without the decades of tradition. The affable animal crew, led by Ben Stiller's lion king Alex, are out to save Christmas with a sled driven by flying penguins from the South Pole. And really, how does that not put you in the holiday spirit? B+Tanner Stansky

*Check local listings

8-9PM
The CW, TV-14

90210

Someone dies. Ooh! Ooh! Can it be Jen? Annie? Surfer chick? Nope. Had to be the terminally sick one.

8-9:01PM
ABC, TV-14-V

V

Anna scores visas for the Visitors. I can already tell you Lou Dobbs is not going to like this show.

8-10PM
Fox, TV-PG-DL

So You Think You Can Dance

Jakob, you are officially my new Billy Bell.

8:30-10PM
NBC, TV-PG

The Biggest Loser

Tim Gunn oversees the top six's makeovers. Because making it work with elastic pants is never an option.

9PM-Conclusion
Fox, TV-PG-DL

John Mayer Live From the Beacon Theatre

Mayer sings and chats about the future, as millions twist every word and song into being about Jennifer Aniston.

10-11PM
CBS, TV-PG-DL

The Good Wife

Let's get that curly Nurse Hathaway hair out of hiding. It could actually be a great secret weapon in tonight's case about a scientist who's accused of arson. What could possibly get more jury sympathy votes than an unfortunate run-in between Alicia and a diffuser?