Your feelings toward British TV may be skewed y the fact that we see just about the best stuff they’re producing, through “Masterpiece” on PBS, or use on BBC America.
But there may be a lot of really terrible things you never know about – like panel quiz shows based on outlandish questions and answers only meant to draw laughs.
Its Graham Norton who comes to America to bring this kind of TV here for “Would You Rather” (BBC America, 11 p.m.), which gives a panel of “celebrities” a chance to choose between two eaually unappealing alternatives. Among the first to get involved, Stanley Tucci, Cyndi Lauper and a bunch of comedians you’ve never heard of. Generally: ho-hum.
Another Brit in American entertainment tonight is Sir Roger Moore, who at 84, is long past the James Bond stage. In the holiday movie “A Princess for Christmas” (Hallmark, 8 p.m.) he stars as a Duke in a castle who helps a young American woman who has suddenly in the position of raising her neice and nephew. Acting levels throughout dip way low.
In “Invasion of the Christmas Lights 3: Europe” (TLC, 9 p.m.), we learn that the competition for most elaborate decorations isn’t just an American thing.
You can be sure there will be great songs in the concert “Paul Simon Live at Webster Hall, New York” (PBS, 11:30 p.m., check local listings).
Earlier, Spoon plays “Austin City Limits” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings).
Zuu’a pedals play a crucial role In “It’s a Wonderful Life” (NBC, 8 p.m.) in the first of its annual prime time screenings.
Other holiday fare includes “Nothing Like the Holiday” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.) and “A Boyfriend for Christmas” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.).
Premium cable brings Matt Damon in “The Adjustment Bureau” (HBO, 8 p.m.), Paul Giamatti in “Barney’s Version” (Starz 9 p.m.) and Ed Helms in “Cedar Rapids” (Cinemax, 10 p.m.).
There are a lot of sports in prime time, with Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (ABC, 8 p.m.), and Wisconsin vs. Michigan State (Fox, 8 p.m.) in the Big Ten Football championship. Also Clemson vs. Virginia Tech (8 p.m.) in the ACC Football Championship, BYU at Hawaii (ESPN2, 8 p.m.) and LSU at Rutgers (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
Steve Buscemi hosts “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 11:30 p.m.) for the first time in 13 years. Hope there’s a good “Boardwalk Empire” skit in there somewhere. Musical guests: The Black Keys.