Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, December 10, 2009

With a mix of repeats and original episodes, I might actually get to watch all my Thursday night shows on Thursday night. It’s been a while since that happened.

And it seems as there’s a battle for ‘Secret Santa’ tonight as it’s the title of both tonight’s episode of 30 ROCK and THE OFFICE. But for me, tonight is all about THE OFFICE. Tonight is the show’s Christmas episode and I can’t wait! While I’m not expecting tonight’s episode to live up to S2’s “Christmas Party” and S3’s “Benihanna Christmas”, I do expect that the show will be a lot funnier than the  disastrous S5’s “Moroccan Christmas”.

One quick announcement for BONES fans. Tonight we are having a LIVE BONES chat at 8pm EST. Watch tonight’s episode with GMMR’s BONES maven, Seeleybaby, and other BONES fans.  Isn’t it always more fun to watch with others?

The post for tonight’s chat will be going live soon so check back in a bit, but for now use the box below to set a reminder for yourself. Let us know if you’ll be joining us.

If there are any other shows that you think we should do a LIVE chat for, drop me a line in the comments and let me know.

Here’s a look at highlights from tonight’s TV lineup. What shows are you most looking forward to tonight?

Survivor: Samoa | 8pm on CBS
“Damage Control”
One castaway, fearing he is next on the chopping block, gives a shocking performance during the tribal council.

Bones | 8pm on CBS
“The Goop on the Girl”
Brennan’s father (Ryan O’Neal) invites a distant relative, Margaret Whitesell (Zooey Deschanel), to spend Christmas with him and his daughter; Brennan and Booth investigate when a man dressed as Santa Claus is blown up after a botched bank robbery. [GMMR: Did I mention tonight’s LIVE BONES chat? I did? Ok, just checking.]

Community | 8:00pm on NBC
“Comparative Religion”
A bully (Anthony Michael Hall) challenges Jeff, who’s also worried about failing Spanish. Elsewhere, Shirley plans a Christmas party for the gang without realizing that not all of them celebrate the holiday.

(The rest of Thursday night’s lineup is after the jump)

Parks & Recreation | 8:30pm on NBC
“Christmas Scandal”
A meeting with a disgraced councilman lands Leslie in the middle of a sex scandal; when Ron offers to cover for Leslie for a day, he quickly discovers how much work she really does.

The Office | 9pm on NBC
“Secret Santa”
Michael is outraged when Jim lets Phyllis be Santa at the office Christmas party; Jim and Dwight try to get everyone in the holiday spirit; Oscar has a secret crush. [GMMR: An OFFICE Christmas episode? It’s like Christmas morning…oh wait.]

CSI | 9pm on CBS
“Appendicitement”
When Nick, Greg and Hodges take Henry to celebrate his birthday at a biker bar, they uncover a double homicide.

Fringe | 9pm on FOX
“Grey Matters”
A patient at a mental hospital undergoes an impromptu surgery that unexpectedly leaves his brain exposed; Olivia sees a familiar face; William Bell resurfaces.

30 Rock | 9:30pm on NBC
“Secret Santa”
Jack’s interest in a new social-networking Web site unexpectedly connects him with a high-school crush; Kenneth tries to organize a secret Santa swap; Liz must buy a gift that is good enough for Jack.

The Mentalist | 10pm on CBS
“A Price Above Rubies”
Patrick and the team are called to investigate a wealthy jeweler’s murder while attending a black-tie fundraiser.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia | 10pm on FX
“The Gang Reignites the Rivalry”
After a ten year ban, Paddy’s team is eligible to compete in Flipadelphia, a city wide flip cup tournament.

Also playing…

• The Real Housewives of Orange County | 10pm on Bravo: Vicki schemes to surprise Donn for their anniversary; Alexis brings the twins for a mani/pedi; Lynne undergoes a facelift; Tamra shows her first house in several years.

• The League | 10:30pm on FX: The guys try to hide the Shiva trophy from the real Shiva; Taco gets a job.

On the late night couch…

• The Jay Leno Show: Matt Damon, Barry Manilow
• The Late Show with David Letterman: Kate Hudson, Dr. James Hansen, Tori Amos
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: The winner of “Top Chef”, 30 Seconds To Mars
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Howie Mandel, Paula Marshall
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Steven Seagal, Timbaland
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Julianne Moore, David Alan Grier, Blakroc
• Chelsea Lately: Eva Amurri, John Caparulo, Ross Mathews, Perez Hilton
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Adam Scott, Leticia Bufoni, the XX
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Gwen Ifill
• The Colbert Report: Lara Logan
• Lopez Tonight: Hilary Duff, Scott Bakula

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight? Leave a comment and let me know.