Tap Into ‘Gregory Hines Show’
I keep waiting for “The Gregory Hines Show” (CBS at 8:30) to find a way to distinguish itself. I like Hines as well as his character Ben Stevenson. His co-star Brandon Hammond is as cute as can be.
But the series so far has been mired in familiar bachelor-father plots. Hines plays a widowed book publisher who is adjusting to being a single father. Hammond plays his 12-year-old son Matty.
Tonight, Matty and his best friend Weitzman (E.J. De La Pena) fall for the same girl (Megan Good), the daughter of an old friend of Ben’s who returns to town to pay a visit. Cute, but forgettable.
Meanwhile, Ben and his old pal Michael (Clifton Davis) engage in a fierce competitiveness that dates back to their youth. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to sense that Michael is compensating for something. Maybe the business success he gloats about isn’t for real. How many times have we seen this one?
CBS is giving “Hines” a fair shot. The network hopes the family-friendly show will play well over the holidays. Next week it airs three episodes - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Starting Jan. 9, the series moves to Fridays at 8:30, following Bill Cosby’s “Kids Say the Darndest Things.”
Highlights
“Cosby,” CBS at 8: Hilton (Bill Cosby) lies to Ruth (Phylicia Rashad) about working as a telemarketer, which makes her suspect that he’s slipping off to conduct an affair. He tells her he’s a limo driver for Danny Aiello, who guest stars.
“Polar Bears: Arctic Terror,” ABC at 10: Find out what the people of Churchill, Manitoba, put up with when dangerous bears head inland to live off their winter fat and forage for snacks. You’ll see how researchers tag and track the magnificent creatures. At the same time, a local tourist industry thrives on their yearly visits. Repeat.
“Suddenly Susan,” NBC at 8: As the Gate staff prepares for Christmas by rehearsing carols to be sung at a hospital, Susan (Brooke Shields) has second thoughts about Jack (Judd Nelson). Meanwhile, Vicki (Kathy Griffin) learns about Jewish tradition with the Rabbi (Albie Selznick) she met in last week’s episode.
“Monday Night Football,” ABC at 6: In a dandy match-up, the Denver Broncos (11-3) meet the San Francisco 49ers (12-2).
“Ally McBeal,” FOX at 9: Ally (Calista Flockhart), Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith) and John (Peter MacNichol) are assigned a case that reminds Ally of her love triangle. The clients are a man and two women seeking a legal three-way marriage. Vonda takes part in the office Christmas party.
“George & Leo,” CBS at 9:30: Leo (Judd Hirsch) continues to be a bad influence on George (Bob Newhart). George gets wrapped up in a holiday house-decorating contest, but he gets smashed when Leo spikes the eggnog. Dave Coulier makes another guest appearance as Father Rick.
Cable Calls
“Holiday Inn” (1942), AMC 4 and 10: You really can’t beat this classic starring Fred Astaire, who dances, and Bing Crosby who sings “White Christmas.” The plot isn’t much to dream about, but the Irving Berlin songs brighten things adequately.
“Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), LIF at 9: This touching Oscar-winner for Best Picture is loaded with gentle laughs. Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman are a joy as a Southern widow and her chauffeur. The bonus is Dan Aykroyd’s straight-faced role as Tandy’s son. Patti LuPone and Esther Rolle also star.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Six-year-old actor Maestro Harrell, Daisy Fuentes (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and comedian Lee Evans.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Kevin Costner, model Tyra Banks and illusionists Nina & Nikolai.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Nathan Lane.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Whoopi Goldberg, actor Jack Palance and musical guest Simply Red. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 1:05 a.m.: Tony Danza, Kitty Kelley, Travis Tritt and Ben Stein. Repeat.