Channel Surfing 12.01.08

Breaking down the new episodes of your favorite network shows, Channel Surfing will give you an hour by hour view of whats on television tonight. Channel Surfing helps you decide what shows to watch, what shows to record and what shows you have to pass on this week.

Setting the DVR for: Chuck, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Heroes, and Prison Break.

8:00 PM/ET

Chuck (NBC)

Chuck, still stung from a personal betrayal, keeps busy with spy work as a coping mechanism. Casey’s also reeling: He discovers his mentor (Carl Lumbly) has become a rogue agent. Meanwhile, Awesome’s parents (Bruce Boxleitner, Morgan Fairchild) visit. And at Buy More, efficiency expert Emmett (Tony Hale) works to reestablish the “employee of the month” contest.

How The Grinch Store Christmas (ABC Family)

Ron Howard’s version of Dr. Seuss’ tale of the Christmas-napping Grinch is a smartly stylized hoot. It features a virtuoso performance by Jim Carrey, great-looking Seussian sets, and enough sophisticated in-jokes to keep adults interested when the whimsy level threatens to get out of hand. Carrey is pretty much the whole show, all but unrecognizable inside a hairy green suit. Saddled with a hilarious gut and impossibly long fingers, he’s his usual bundle of manic energy, a contortionist with the timing of a Borscht Belt comic and a voice that sounds oddly like Sean Connery.

Shrek The Halls (ABC)

Shrek, Fiona and the kids try to celebrate the holidays as a family, but visits by Donkey, Puss in Boots, Gingerbread Man and others turn a cozy gathering into a chaotic Christmas.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox)

Cameron’s nightly activities are revealed; a Terminator from the future arrives at the wrong point in history.

Gossip Girl (The CW)

Chuck and Blair make a bet that they can find perfect dates for each other for the Snowflake Ball. Meanwhile, Aaron’s ex-girlfriend takes a liking to Dan, and things get complicated with Jenny, Nate and Vanessa.

Inside The Actors Studio (Bravo)

Daniel Radcliffe, star of the “Harry Potter” film franchise, charts his career journey in a chat with host James Lipton.

Little People, Big World (TLC)

Matt, Zach and Jeremy bond during a road trip to pick up the old Volkswagen from a body shop.

8:30 PM/ET

How The Grinch Store Christmas (ABC)

The Dr. Seuss tale about the Whos, creatures who like nothing better than Christmas, and the evil Grinch, with a heart two sizes too small – and a plan to steal the holiday. Boris Karloff narrates this 1966 classic.

Little People, Big World (TLC)

Amy celebrates Mother’s Day by visiting a friend in Napa, Cal. Meanwhile, Matt plans a surprise for her back at home by having a gazebo built at her favorite spot on the farm.

9:00 PM/ET

Samantha Who (ABC)

Sam tries to be an environmentalist to impress philanthropist boyfriend Owen. Meanwhile, Andrea fouls out with pro basketball player Tony Danes, much to her chagrin.

Prison Break (Fox)

As Michael, Linc, Sara, Sucre and Mahone regroup, Gen. Krantz reasserts his control of the Company in no uncertain terms as he scrambles to regain Scylla. Later, T-Bag gets a new partner in crime, and Michael and Linc have a critical meeting with Sen. Conrad Dallow (David Clennon).

Heroes (NBC)

Elle and Sylar face Noah, who’s out for revenge; Peter and Nathan help the Haitian with his brother (Demetrius Grosse); and Ando, Sam and Frack try to restore Hiro’s memory using a comic book.

Privileged (The CW)

Laurel travels to see her old flame Miles (Michael Nouri) in Santa Barbara, and a few days later he surprises her with a visit. But Miles soon realizes work and family come first for Laurel. Elsewhere, new couple Megan and Will face their first obstacle when he announces he’s accepted a six-month job in Brazil; Megan prevents Rose from cheating on her final; and Charlie reconsiders moving in with his girlfriend.

9:30 PM/ET

Samantha Who (ABC)

Samantha goes on a family vacation (and takes Andrea and Dena along) to take her mind off her broken heart. The owner of their vacation lodge turns out to be an old flame of Sam’s, but she’s afraid to reconnect with him. Still, Sam gets jealous when Andrea makes a pass at him.

10:00 PM/ET

Boston Legal (ABC)

When Denny receives bad news about the state of his Alzheimer’s, Alan goes before the Massachusetts Supreme Court to plead for access to an experimental drug that could help his condition. Meanwhile, Jerry and Katie try to help a girl get into Harvard after her SAT scores arouse suspicion, and Catherine Piper (Betty White) returns.

CSI: Miami (CBS)

Horatio delves into Delko’s past to trap a killer when a gunman targets the motel where Delko is staying.

My Own Worst Enemy (NBC)

Edward continues investigating his parents’ death and confronts Alistair Trumbull (James Cromwell); Raymond meddles with Tom and Mary’s marriage in order to clear up a dangerous accident; and Jack buys a used car, to Henry’s dismay.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)

Viewer-recommended eateries are visited in Salt Lake City, New Orleans and Middletown, Conn.