'Today' show heads for night in holiday special

tvnotes

Apparently airing in the morning isn't enough. NBC's Today show is going prime-time, for tonight only at least.

Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and Ann Curry host 2008: Today Looks Back, A Holiday Special, a one-hour review of the year's biggest news events. It won't be strictly serious; the show will include big moments in pop culture and Today show bloopers. It's the first time they've tried something like this in more than a decade.

"It was such an incredible year, with the economy and the election and the Olympics, just for starters," executive producer Jim Bell told The Hollywood Reporter. "There were a range of emotions and stories that resonated, in particular on the Today show." (8 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11)

Sweet spot: The 2005 feature film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is full of visual splendor. But some would say Johnny Depp, in the lead role, is all the eye candy you need. (8:30 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2)

Season finale : We're still puzzled by the fascination people have for Lauren, Heidi and the gang, but we won't make fun of you for watching the season finale of The Hills. We know you can't help yourself. (10 p.m., MTV)

Late-night guests: Robin Williams visits The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Dustin Hoffman stops by Late Show with David Letterman.

From Sun news services

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David Zurawik is on vacation. His column returns next week.