'Appropriate Adult,' a British film airing Dec. 10 on Sundance Channel, is a fascinating and tremendously well-acted look into the heart of darkness. It features Dominic West and Emily Watson doing some of the best work of their careers, and it was well received when it aired in the U.K. earlier this year (the Guardian called it "mesmerizing").

But for a number of understandable reasons, West, who is best known for his leading roles in 'The Hour' and 'The Wire,' thought the role might capsize his career.

"It was something everybody advised me not to do -- certainly my wife didn't want me to do it," West said in a recent phone interview from his home in London. "It was not a popular decision in the press here until people had seen the film."

In 'Appropriate Adult,' the actor plays notorious serial killer Fred West, who, with his wife, Rosemary, murdered more than a dozen young women, including members of their own family, during the '60s and '70s. Many feared a film about Fred West would somehow glamorize the couple or otherwise minimize the damage they did to the victims and their families.

But West said the script by Neil McKay convinced him that the film offered him "a very well-written, very challenging role that I felt I couldn't give up even if it was to ruin my career, which I don't think it has yet." [See West's performance for yourself in the exclusive clip below.]

If you wanted to give your DVR a break during the holiday season, it'll have to wait.

The first few weeks of December are jam-packed with finales, specials and mid-season cliffhangers, and there's even a bow-tie clad treat on Christmas Day. In an effort to help you keep track of what's to come and shine a light on some hidden gems, I've come up with a list of notable December TV events.

So grab your eggnog and peruse the following roster, which features appearances from Dominic West, James McAvoy, Emily Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Anna Friel, Pierce Brosnan as well as the 'Sons of Anarchy' crew, the former Saul Tigh and the 'Revenge' divas. It's quite an array of stocking stuffers, no?

'When Harry Met Larry' at CNN ... A number of 'Harry Potter' stars will sit down with Larry King for a TV special celebrating the premiere of the latest -- and last -- 'Harry Potter' movie next month.

CNN announced that the one-hour special will feature interviews with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter and Robbie Coltrane.

It will also include never-before-seen footage from 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II' days before its worldwide premiere.

Additionally, James and Oliver Phelps, who play the Weasley twins, take viewers on a tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando and interact with fans.

Last week we reported that Steve Carell will be leaving 'The Office' early. Now we hear that execs are looking to add some new characters to the cast later this season. And the search is on for an actress to play Stanley's previously unseen adult daughter.

According to TVLine.com, exec producer Greg Daniels has confirmed that casting is underway for the recurring role, which may be expanded to a regular spot. "We're trying to take Steve's departure as an opportunity to shake things up and add some new characters," said Daniels.

He added that Carell's exit will give the supporting cast a chance to shine. "For Michael not to take up the A story in every episode means that a lot of them are getting the A stories now."

More casting news, including Lee Majors on '$#*! My Dad Says' and 'Lost' alum Michael Emerson on 'Parenthood' after the jump ...