What to Watch Thursday, Dec. 25

'Deal or No Deal'
(8PM, NBC)
Some people dream of a white Christmas, others dream of a green Christmas, as in one million pieces of green legal tender.

Tonight's special holiday-themed installment of 'Deal' offers the chance at that big prize for two families: Californian James Calhoun and Purple Heart war hero Matt Zedwick. Both have big plans for the money, including Calhoun's intentions to give his baker's dozen the Christmas of their dreams and Zedwick's promise to buy his new wife a house.

As if that weren't enough to help spread Christmas cheer, the 'Deal' studio audience is also lavished with a plethora of goodies, while home viewers get a chance to play 'Beat the Banker' and win $50,000.


'Deal or No Deal'
(8PM, NBC)
Some people dream of a white Christmas, others dream of a green Christmas, as in one million pieces of green legal tender.

Tonight's special holiday-themed installment of 'Deal' offers the chance at that big prize for two families: Californian James Calhoun and Purple Heart war hero Matt Zedwick. Both have big plans for the money, including Calhoun's intentions to give his baker's dozen the Christmas of their dreams and Zedwick's promise to buy his new wife a house.

As if that weren't enough to help spread Christmas cheer, the 'Deal' studio audience is also lavished with a plethora of goodies, while home viewers get a chance to play 'Beat the Banker' and win $50,000.

'MythBusters'
(9AM, Discovery) marathon
Seventeen hours of 'MythBuster' mischief includes answers to the questions "Will yodeling cause an avalanche?" (9AM), "Can you escape from a coffin if you're buried alive?" (9PM) and "Can you tenderize a steak with explosives?" (midnight).

'Dogs 101'
(7PM, Animal Planet) marathon
If a new pooch is one of the gifts Santa left under your tree today, this 11-episode marathon of the straight poop -- ha! -- on basic doggie info might be considered must-see-TV.

'House'
(11AM, USA) marathon
The Grinch may be greener and furrier, but he's still got nothing on Dr. House in the crabbiness department, as demonstrated in this 14-hour streak of medical mysteries with the good doc.


HGTV Holidays
(8AM, HGTV) marathon
This 15-hour block includes specials like 'Toys We Grew Up With' (9AM), 'Holiday Windows 2008' (11AM), 'Top 10 Christmas Towns' (9PM) and 'White House Christmas 2008' (11PM).

'Hallmark Heroes With Regis Philbin'
(8PM, Hallmark Channel)
Reeg hosts this second annual tribute to ordinary citizens who've made extraordinary efforts for their favorite charities.

Also on tonight:
- 'World's Strongest Man Competition 2008' (7PM, ESPN2)
- 'Bad Santa' (8PM, Comedy Central)
- 'George Balanchine's The Nutcracker' (8:30PM, Ovation)


What's on tomorrow: 'Jennifer Aniston' special, 'How It's Made' and more

Check out our TV calendar for a look at the month ahead