A 'Christmas Gift' from Stephen Colbert ... Other shows of note

Stephen Colbert stars in the coolest TV holiday special ever.

With a nod to the bad ideas of network seasonal specials of the past, Colbert presents "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All" (10 p.m. EST Sunday, Comedy Central). It contains everything that a forced network extravaganza has -- canned applause, ill-fitting guest stars, cheap sets, dumb production numbers and fake sentiment.

Colbert dances, prances, sings and zings for most of the side-splitting hour.

He has masterminded a splendid parody of such TV spectacles, done with his wicked and edgy sense of style.

This special won't be for everyone, of course, because Colbert can be sharply inappropriate. His Christmas spectacular is irreverent and not sanctimonious. It's purposely cheesy and wildly funny.

The story hanging the special together has Colbert snowbound in a mountain cabin, wanting to get back to his studios to tape a Christmas special with Elvis Costello. A bear outside the cabin's door keeps Colbert at bay.

In the process of wishing and praying for a miracle, Colbert can't believe his eyes when he spots a miniature Willie Nelson, who happens to appear dressed as a shepherd in a Nativity display. Nelson also sings the ballad "The Little Dealer Boy."

Toby Keith sings how Christmas is more than a religious holiday -- it's an American duty to celebrate. John Legend belts a sexy song about what needs to be in eggnog after Colbert remarks on his homemade concoction: "There's enough rum in here to blind a pirate."

Jon Stewart sings about Hanukkah, though Colbert isn't so interested in hearing about it.

Colbert is the true leader of satire these days. Most of the time, his forte is politics through "The Colbert Report." This special, however, reveals that his talents in this arena are boundless.

Other highlights for the week of Nov. 23-29 (all times EST; listings subject to change; check local listings):

SUNDAY

-- "American Music Awards" (8 p.m., ABC). Jimmy Kimmel hosts this D-list music honor.

-- "24: Redemption" (8 p.m., Fox). Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is in the thick of things in Africa, where a dictator threatens a school.

-- "Entourage" (10 p.m., HBO). Will Vince get his career back?

MONDAY

-- "Valkyrie: The Plot To Kill Hitler" (10 p.m., History). A secret plan to murder Adolf Hitler is revealed through documents and interviews.

TUESDAY

-- "The Real Housewives of Orange County" (10 p.m., Bravo). The women and their luxurious lives are back for a fourth season.

-- "Dancing with the Stars" (9 p.m., ABC). A winner is announced.

-- "Trace Adkins X" (9 p.m., GAC). The country singer heads overseas to perform for the troops.

-- "The Shield" (10 p.m., FX). The action ramps up for one last time as the series concludes.

WEDNESDAY

-- "Rosie Live" (8 p.m., NBC). Rosie O'Donnell does her best Carol Burnett turn as headliner of this variety-show special.

THURSDAY

-- "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" (9 a.m., NBC). The gang from "Today" oversees the festivities live from New York City.

-- "Storytellers: Kid Rock" (9 p.m., VH1). The Kid sings his hits and material from his current CD before a live audience outside Nashville, Tenn.

SATURDAY

-- "Moonlight & Mistletoe" (9 p.m., Hallmark Channel). A would-be Santa (Tom Arnold) is deep in debt, taking the "ho, ho, ho" out of his holidays.

(E-mail Terry Morrow of The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee at morrow2(at)knews.com.)