Christina Ricci returns to her Wednesday Addams past in recreating the title character of “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.), another take on the notorious 1892 case in Falls River, Mass., involving an ax.
Unlike the children’s nursery rhyme, it didn’t take 40 whacks, but the crime is repeated often enough in the film to prove it’s not afraid of gore. The odd little film is enhanced by some unusually boroque speeches, the presence of actors from Clea DuVall to Billy Campbell, and an out of time (and place) soundtrack of swampy rock that echoes of the Black Keys. The filmmakers throw a little bit of everything into the story, though, including a hint of incest, following last week’s full immersion “Flowers in the Attic” (Lifetime, 10 p.m.) which just happens to be replaying again after.
The Super Bowl is not for another week; the Olympics not for another two. It’s a rare Saturday night with no sports in prime time, let alone a couple of games. But here is a compilation of “Saturday Night Live” sketches about sports – “SNL Presents: Sports All-Stars” (NBC, 9 p.m.) that’s bound to use a lot of that episode that Peyton Manning hosted. Earlier, a “Shaun White Special” (NBC, 8 p.m.) looks into Olympic preparation. Be prepared: He cut off most of his red hair.
The weird and failed comedy “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” (HBO, 8 p.m.) with Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Olivia Wilde, Steve Buscemi, James Gandolfini and Alan Arkin, makes its premium cable premiere.
Also on tonight: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson and Danny McBride in Seth Rogen’s “This is The End” (Starz, 7 p.m.).
Once reserved for New Year’s Day, outdoor hockey is now a thing across the NHL, which is instituting a Stadium Series. First up is Anaheim vs. Los Angeles (NBC Sports Network, 7 p.m.), live from Dodgers Stadium. At least they don’t have to worry about snow. But will they keep the ice cold enough?
We may all agree that “The Godfather, Part II” (AMC, 9:30 p.m.), running right after “The Godfather” (AMC, 8 p.m.), may be the greatest sequel of all time. Sure beats “Mean Girls 2” (E!, 8 p.m.), “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2” (ABC Family, 8 p.m.) and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” (Showtime 2, 8 p.m.).
Men’s college hoops include Syracuse at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.) and Michigan at Michigan State (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
The women’s final in the Australian Open (ESPN, 3 a.m.) airs way early, but repeats at 9 a.m..
Under the theme “70s Thrills,” I can understand Turner Classic Movie running “Jaws” (8 p.m.) and “Alien” (10:15 a.m.). But “Rollercoaster” (12:15 a.m.)?
“Austin City Limits” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) is full of new acts, including Portugal, The man and Local Natives.
Jonah Hill hosts a new “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 11:30 p.m.) with Bastille as musical guest.