‘Steinberg’ offers true improv comedy
Viewers who love comedy and intelligent conversation should not miss “Sit Down Comedy With David Steinberg” (10 p.m., TV Land).
Over the next six weeks, the veteran comic actor, director and producer will host Mike Myers, Larry David, Martin Short, Bob Newhart, Jon Lovitz and George Lopez. And in a refreshing twist, Steinberg will let his guests do most of the talking.
Tonight’s conversation between Steinberg and Myers kicks off as a witty minuet of Canadian self-effacement. Both Canadians laugh about how little Americans know about their northern neighbors and conclude that the Canadian national motto should be “Sorry. …”
Myers rattles on for moments on end as Steinberg retreats behind a Cheshire Cat grin. It’s what talk shows used to be – and ought to be.
“Sit Down” reminds us that the “improv” in comedy came from jazz improvisation. Steinberg is wise, funny and confident enough to allow his guests to blow like John Coltrane.
Marla Sokoloff (“The Practice”) stars in the 2005 holiday romance “Christmas in Boston” (8 p.m., Family), about lifelong pen pals meeting just in time for the holidays. But in a needlessly “cute” complication, both writers have sent photos of other, better-looking people to each other.
Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw host “Christmas in Washington” (8 p.m., TNT), featuring performances by Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Ciara and CeCe Winans.
Just when you think the rich princess genre (“Newlyweds,” “Simple Life,” “My Super Sweet 16”) has been beaten to death, along comes “Daddy’s Spoiled Little Girl” (10 p.m., WE), a 12-part weekly documentary series about the lengths fathers will go to pamper their darlings.
Tonight’s “Daddy” is a Memphis real estate tycoon whose youngest daughter fancies herself a singing star. He thinks nothing of lavishing multiple Rolexes and BMW cars on her.
Viewers tired of this dreadful rich-girls genre should not miss the 2003 holiday special “Powerpuff Girls: ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas” (7:30 p.m., Cartoon Network). The heroines’ spoiled nemesis, Princess, tricks Santa into making her the fourth Powerpuff Girl. Then she uses her evil powers to switch Santa’s nice and naughty lists. Naturally, it’s up to Townsville’s troika of bug-eyed heroines to save the day (or rather the night) before morning brings a world of disappointed boys and girls.
Other highlights
A deluded killer is hard to find on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS).
Fashion show faux pas on “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart” (9 p.m., NBC).
Michael escapes into the jungle on “Lost” (9 p.m., ABC).
Stuck in a tight spot on “CSI: NY” (10 p.m., CBS).
Death books a talk-show host on “Law & Order” (10 p.m., NBC).
Sidney and Vaughn, together again, on “Alias” (10 p.m., ABC).
Cult choice
Boris Karloff narrates the 1966 holiday favorite “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (8 p.m., WB).
Series notes
Holiday avoidance on “Still Standing” (8 p.m., CBS) … When in Uzbekistan, do as the Uzbeks do on “E-Ring” (8 p.m., NBC) … Mascot hijinks on “That ‘70s Show” (8 p.m., Fox) … Time alone on “George Lopez” (8 p.m., ABC) … Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model” (8 p.m., UPN) … Traveling on the cheap on “Yes, Dear” (8:30 p.m., CBS) … A purloined iPod on “Stacked” (8:30 p.m., Fox) … Eviction fears on “Freddie” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … Mitchee wants to feel ladylike on “Twins” (8:30 p.m., WB) … Parallel wives on “Trading Spouses” (9 p.m., Fox) … Veronica challenges the sheriff’s hunch on “Veronica Mars” (9 p.m., UPN) … Mistletoe woes on “Related” (9 p.m., WB).