Print edition: 
Special
"Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas"
But will they remember to include the Coneheads and the Loopners? This new two-hour yuletide special, culled from holiday-themed sketches over the show's past 35 years, presents the ones judged to deliver the biggest number of ho- ho-hos. Your mileage may vary, but some real gems are sure to make the cut. 7 p.m., NBC and KSNW, Channel 3.
Series
"The Mentalist"
While examining a crime scene where a baseball scout is found murdered, a ball hits Jane in the head and he flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund). 9 p.m., CBS and KWCH, Channel 12.
Movie
"Akeelah and the Bee"
Keke Palmer received rave reviews for her performance as Akeelah, a young wannabe spelling champ. With her father dead, her mother disinterested and her brother in a gang, she hasn't got much hope for her future. Her principal recommends her to an English professor (Laurence Fishburne), who has demons of his own he needs to overcome to help Akeelah win a championship. Angela Bassett also stars. 7 p.m., Disney, Channel 45.
Sports
NBA Basketball
A battle for bragging rights in the Sunshine State is on tap in Miami as Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat go at it with Southeast Division rivals Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. The Magic own one of the best records in the NBA, thanks in part to the scoring punch provided by veteran Vince Carter, who has admirably filled the shoes of the departed Hedo Turkoglu. Wade leads the Heat in most major categories, including scoring, assists and steals. 7 p.m., TNT, Channel 30.
