"Kennedy Center Honors," 8 p.m., CBS. Each year, this event brings classy tributes and more. For three of tonight's honorees, the music overflows. Diana Ross' music is sung by Vanessa Williams, Ciara and "American Idol" champion Jordin Sparks. That's wrapped up by gospel's Yolanda Adams and the Joyce Garrett Choir. Brian Wilson's Beach Boys classics are sung by Lyle Lovett, Hootie and the Blowfish and a boys' choir, Libra. Pianist Leon Fleisher's tribute includes young pianist Jonathan Biss and the Peabody Orchestra. But how do you celebrate movie people? With lots of clips and some music. For director Martin Scorsese, an opera buff, Anna Netrebko sings. For Steve Martin, there are magicians, clowns, dancers (frolicking to "King Tut"), singer Kristen Chenoweth and banjo great Earl Scruggs.

"Funniest Commercials of the Year," 7 p.m., TBS. There are a few familiar, American commercials here. Mostly, though, there are bizarre — and, often, hilarious — ones from overseas. This hour is quick, slick and great fun.

OF NOTE

Football, 2:30 p.m., ESPN. Central Michigan University tries for its second straight Motor City Bowl win. It hosts Purdue, in what could be a wide-open, pass-happy game.

"Pushing Daisies," 7 p.m., ABC. Here's a visually dazzling rerun that also includes the show's dry, droll wit. An auto expert has been killed; that may be related to a bizarre car being introduced.

"The 40-Year-Old Virgin" (2005), USA Network; or "Thelma & Louise" (1991), TV Land; 6 p.m. One is a popular, Steve Carell comedy. The other is a classic feminist drama, with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis meeting bad men, including a conniving Brad Pitt.

"Criminal Minds," 7 p.m., CBS. Nudged an hour earlier than usual, this rerun has the team perplexed by seemingly random Houston murders.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 8 p.m., NBC. Cynthia Nixon has multiple personalities and is accused of abusing her daughter.

"American Masters: Bob Newhart: Unbuttoned," 9 p.m., PBS. In his own quiet way, Newhart has crafted comic brilliance. Here's the rerun of an excellent — and appropriately low-key — profile.

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