"Playing the Field: Sports and Sex in America" (9 p.m.-11 p.m.) "chronicles the evolution of using sex appeal to sell sports." Perhaps it will explain how that's any different from using sex appeal to sell everything else.
Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Sugar Ray Leonard and A.C. Green are interviewed for this one-hour HBO documentary.
At a glance
"Mark Russell Comedy Special" (8 p.m.-8:30 p.m., MPT, Channels 22 and 67) - This will be the satirist's first appearance since the election got a little weird. PBS.
"How to Marry a Billionaire: A Christmas Tale" (8 p.m.-10 p.m., WBFF, Channel 45) - Three bachelors - an artist (John Stamos), a neurotic (Joshua Malina) and an actor (Shemar Moore) - intend to marry for money before Christmas Eve in this romantic comedy. Fox.
"The Bodyguard" (8:30 p.m.-11 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) - Yes, this 1992 movie has been on before. What is different tonight is that star Kevin Costner will be the host, and, for those of a technical persuasion, it will be shown in HDTV. CBS.
"Gilmore Girls" (9 p.m.-10 p.m., WNUV, Channel 54) - The acclaimed drama gets this one-time slot for a two-part episode (concluding Thursday at its regular time) centering on Rory's first formal at Chilton. WB.
"The West Wing" (9 p.m.-10 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) - If you watched last week, you'll recall that it was Christmastime at the White House. And now it is again, with a repeat of last year's holiday episode. NBC.
Cable
"Ripley's Believe It or Not!" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., TBS) - Just in time for Christmas, this episode includes a look at a really big set of toy trains.
"Search for the Japanese Fleet" (9 p.m.-10 p.m., Discovery Channel) - A high-tech hunt for the sunken aircraft carriers downed by American forces during World War II. The 1999 expedition was carried out by the U.S. Navy and private enterprise.
"Holiday Jubilee With Bobby Jones and Friends" (10 p.m.-11 p.m., BET) - In a star-studded special celebrating the holidays and gospel's rich legacy, Dr. Bobby Jones will share the stage with artists including BeBe Winans, Vickie Winans, Shirley Caesar, Shirley Murdock and John P. Kee.
"South Park" (10 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Comedy Central) - Oh poo: Mr. Hankey and his family turn up on a Christmas episode.
Compiled from wire reports by Sarah Kickler Kelber
