'Take It,' Howie: Mandel's new game show is a holiday treat
Howie Mandel returns in “Take It All”
It's a Christmas party game with many names. White Elephant, Parcel Pass, Dirty Santa. It's a favorite in workplaces every holiday, with countless office workers feeling the surge of joy and the agony of defeat as gifts are passed around, opened up and then stolen in turn.
Fox goes country: American Country Awards speak for the fans
Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth return as hosts of the American Country Awards
Saddle up for a night of great country music performers and entertainers during the third annual American Country Awards, airing on Monday, Dec. 10, on Fox.
The Office, on NBC
Enjoy the holiday hijinks of the Dunder Mifflin staff in a special "Dwight Christmas" episode. Based on the BBC hit of the same name, this comedy series parodies a modern-day American office through the eyes of its workers, hard-working and otherwise.
Q: I loved the show "Chuck," which was written by Josh Schwartz, and I even like his other show, "Gossip Girl." I heard that "Gossip Girl" is ending, so does he have anything new coming up?
As a matter of fact he does, but it looks likely to lean more towards "Gossip Girl" than "Chuck."
Josh Schwartz will serve as executive producer of the new CW show "The Carrie Diaries," a prequel series to "Sex and the City," revolving around a 16-year-old Carrie Bradshaw (who was played in the original series by Sarah Jessica Parker). The series is slated to premiere on Monday, Jan. 14.
The Middle, on ABC
Frankie comes up with a scheme to take a part-time job at a department store to get a discount to buy presents, while Brick is cast in a holiday play. Norm MacDonald reprises his role as Mike's brother, Rusty, who asks Mike to help him move some furniture into their garage.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, on CBS
Models hit the runway in iconic angel wings and outfits embellished with Swarovski Elements. This year's special includes model profiles, pink carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, as well as performances by Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber.
Q: What is Sharon Osbourne's claim to fame, other than being married to Ozzy?
She has none. That's not to say that she rode to fame on the long, black-velvet coattails of her heavy-metal husband, though -- she rode there beside him.
Sharon Rachel Levy, born in October 1952 in London's Brixton neighborhood, met Ozzy Osbourne while her father was managing Ozzy's band, Black Sabbath. When Ozzy left the band to go solo, Sharon became his manager. They became romantically involved soon afterward.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, on ABC
Ty Pennington spreads some cheer when he visits the family of volunteer firefighter Mizzy Zdroj in this holiday-themed episode. Pennington, BMX biker Mat Hoffman, chef Art Smith and some guests from "Star Wars" surprise the family, whose home was destroyed in a fire.
New Releases for the week of December 2 - December 8
The Dark Knight Rises
It has been eight years since the death of Harvey Dent, and Gotham City still doesn't know the truth. Wayne Enterprises is nearly bankrupt, Bruce Wayne has become a recluse, and Batman has disappeared. When Gotham is threatened by Bane, a seemingly unstoppable terrorist, Batman comes out of retirement to save the city. But even Batman's best may not be enough.
Director: Christopher Nolan. Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine. 2012. 165 min. Action.
Butter
When a 10-year-old orphan named Destiny is placed with the Emmets in Iowa, she discovers she has a talent she never expected: butter sculpting. Little does she know, the butter sculpture world is one of jealous rivalry, and her skills will pull her into a vicious battle for the blue ribbon.
Director: Jim Field Smith. Stars: Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde, Rob Corddry, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Hugh Jackman. 2012. 90 min. Romantic Comedy.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Cindy and Jim Green desperately want to have children but are unable to conceive. One night, the couple writes down all of the characteristics of their ideal child, seals them in a box, and buries the box in the backyard as a time capsule. When a 10-year-old boy turns up in the Greens’ home and claims to be their child, they soon discover that he has sprung up from the garden where they buried the box. They name him Timothy, and their limited time with him is magical and will change their lives forever.
Director: Peter Hedges. Stars: Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, CJ Adams, Rosemarie DeWitt, David Morse, Dianne Wiest, M. Emmet Walsh. 2012. 105 min. Comedy.
Hope Springs
Kay and Arnold Soames are empty-nesters whose lives have become little more than habit. When Kay decides it’s time to reignite their spark, she signs them up for a weeklong intensive therapy session at a resort in Maine. Though Arnold drags his feet and denies they have a problem, they both make it to Maine where they are in for a week like no other, which will change their relationship and their lives.
Director: David Frankel. Stars: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell, Jean Smart. 2012. 100 min. Romance.
666 Park Avenue, on ABC
Whoopi Goldberg guest stars as the mysterious Maris Elder, who hypnotizes Jane and sends her back in time to 1927. While Jane's time-travel adventure unlocks a secret to her connection to The Drake, Gavin talks to Henry about running for city council.
