Weekend TV: 'How Murray Saved Christmas'
How Murray Saved Christmas
NBC, Friday, 8 ET/PT
The Simpsons writer Mike Reiss and composer Walter Murphy team for this bright adaptation of Reiss's book about a deli owner (the voice of Jerry Stiller) who fills in for an out-of-commission Santa. Part Dr.Seuss (much of the hour is in rhyme), part Rudolph, and a lot Simpsons, Murray boasts a witty script and excellent vocal work from Stiller, Sean Hayes, Dennis Haysbert and Jason Alexander. Many of the jokes are intentionally sent sailing above children's heads — and a few may not be appropriate for the very youngest. But with that exception, the very multicultural Murray is one of those rare holiday specials the entire family can enjoy for years to come.
The I Love Lucy Christmas Special
CBS, Sunday, 8 ET/PT
Speaking of things for the whole family, CBS offers this holiday combination of two I Love Lucy episodes: the seldom seen Christmas one and the Job Switching chocolate-factory outing that features one of the most often-seen bits in TV history. It would be nice if CBS did not insist on colorizing episodes that have delighted millions in their original black and white, but you know what they say about looking a Christmas gift horse in the mouth.
The Librarians
TNT, Sunday, 8 ET/PT
Remember Noah Wyle's Librarian fantasy/adventure movies? Well, they're now a weekly series. Rebecca Romijn stars.