NBC is hoping that what Americans will want to do in the week leading up to Christmas is watch a prime-time game show. Who's Still Standing (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5) airs Monday-Thursday on the once proud-as-a-peacock network.
It's an imported trivia game that matches one main competitor against 10 challengers. The main competitor chooses which of the others to compete against; if a contestant answers a question incorrectly he/she is dropped through the floor and out of the game.
Thus, the title.
Contestants can win up to $1 million.
Ben Bailey ("Cash Cab") makes a good host, and the game is pretty good. If you've got all your Christmas shopping done, this isn't a bad way to kill an hour.
Elsewhere on TV ...
NFL (6:30 p.m., ESPN): Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers
Terra Nova (7 and 8 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13): In the last two episode of the season decisions are made that will affect life in Terra Nova forever.
And, no, we don't know yet if there will be a second season.
The Closer (7 and 9 p.m., TNT): The team investigates the hit-and-run death of a girl on a bicycle.
Fear Factor (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): Contestants have to pick up snakes - with their mouths. Gross.
NBA preseason (8 p.m., ROOT): Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers
Rizzoli & Isles (8 p.m., TNT): The mother of a performer is stabbed to death at a dance competition.
Rock Center with Brian Williams (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): A report on allegations that organized networks in Spain stole and sold newborn babies; American Muslim comics in the Deep South; violence among sports fans; actor Steve Martin; musician Chip Davis.
American Masters (9 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7): Designers Charles and Ray Eames influence major events and movements in America, from modernism to the rise of the computer age.