Critic's corner

8 p.m., My Network TV
Why is Roger Moore hosting the seventh annual World Magic Awards? Not clear. Maybe because he's a Sir and he has a debonair British accent? Anyhow, he's in charge of the event, which will recognize the best magicians in the world and feature top illusionists including Penn and Teller, Mac King, and Lance Burton. Also on hand: Neil Patrick Harris and Joan Collins.

8 p.m., Channel 4
A ghost thinks he's Santa. Boo ho ho.

10 p.m., Food Network
Rachael Ray tries holiday foods. Warning: That will make her smile.

9 p.m., TLC
Those diapers, what fashion slander.

8 p.m., Channel 7
I hope you didn't think you could avoid the Frank Capra classic this year. Because you can't. Sit yourself down at precisely 8 p.m. to get a little lesson in the dangers of capitalism, as embodied by Mr. Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore. And then go out and shop, baby, shop. Shop until it hurts.

8 p.m., National Geographic
Cesar helps a drooling puppy. The proper command is "Fido, slurp."

9 p.m., Discovery Channel
Bear skins a hare. So Bear is a toad?

Comcast
More politically correct than dramatic, this Disney animation doesn't match such predecessors as "Aladdin" and "The Little Mermaid." Too quick to preach about ecological despoiling by greedy, arrogant English explorers, it's too slow to amuse - and pallid besides. The Virginia forest and river are beautifully drawn in cool greens and blues, but the rest of it is curiously flat and featureless. (G; runs through Jan. 4)