TV programming is pretty much taking the rest of the week off, so I will too. Here are the highlights, and I’ll see you back here next week. Everyone have a Merry Christmas!
Thursday
World Series, Game 4: Giants vs. Rangers (7:30 p.m., CSN-BA). Watch Madison Bumgarner become a star.
Friday
World Series, Game 5: Giants vs. Rangers (8 p.m., CSN-BA). Relive the greatest Christmas present of all: The Giants win the World Series.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (8 p.m., NBC). A feel-good story about a banker? I don’t buy it.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (7:30 p.m., WGN and 8 p.m., AMC). The 1947 original, not the 1994 abomination with that annoying little girl.
“A Christmas Story” (8 p.m., TBS). “You’ll shoot your eye out!” If you miss it, don’t worry — TBS will re-air it for the next 24 hours.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 p.m., TV Land). Two magic words: Clark Griswold.
“Die Hard 2” (7:30 p.m., Fox Movie Channel). Hey, it’s a Christmas movie too!
Saturday
No TV is acceptable, other than a burning Yule log, the “Christmas Story” marathon on TBS, or NBA games playing in the background of your Christmas gathering. For basketball, try ESPN or ABC starting at 9 a.m.; there’ll be nonstop games all day. If you want to end your Christmas on a miserable note, the Warriors play at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday
49ers vs. Rams (10 a.m., Fox). With playoff implications (as I slap my forehead and shake my head).
Colts vs. Raiders (1 p.m., CBS). This could actually be interesting. But since the Colts aren’t an AFC West opponent, there’s no way the Raiders will beat them. Geez, they couldn’t even sell out this game? Pathetic.
Charges vs. Bengals (1 p.m., CBS). Blah.
Vikings vs. Eagles (5 p.m., NBC). Please, no Favre. Please, no Favre. Please, no Favre. Please, no Favre.
Monday
“Band of Brothers” (starting at 9 a.m., Spike). A daylong marathon of the best TV miniseries ever.
Saints vs. Falcons (5:30 p.m., ESPN). Good game here, with two of the NFC’s top teams. I don’t buy that the Falcons are for real; let’s see them prove me wrong.
“Men of a Certain Age” (10 p.m., TNT). Everyone’s hit with surprising — and kinda disturbing — news; Joe, from his daughter; Owen, from his father; and Terry, when his past comes back to haunt him.
