TV Tonight: Celebrating two of the best Christmas movies of all time | television

Classic Christmas movies

8 p.m., Sky Arts
“No cheese for us, Mace.” “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” in which Michael Caine starred with a straight face opposite Kermit the Frog, and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a box-office hit when it was first released in 1946, are the two greatest festive films ever made (no arguments, please). Author Ian Nathan delves into the stories of how they were created, kicking off a seasonal series on perennial holiday classics. Holly Richardson

Christie’s Handmade Christmas

8pm on Channel 4
It’s that time again: with the festive season upon us, here’s Kirstie Allsopp with a range of ideas to decorate your home and keep the kids busy with the bargain. Kirsty gets busy with table decor and visits her favorite antique shop to get some inspiration. Phil Harrison

The man with the mask:
Murder in Orkney

9pm on BBC Two
It was Orkney’s first murder in 25 years, but could police have been wrong about the identity of the main suspect, 15-year-old Michael Ross? In this episode, reporter Hazel Martin investigates Ross’s background, and discovers two alternative suspects who have a connection to the victim, restaurant waiter Shams al-Din Mahmoud. Ellen E. Jones

Death of Bunny Monroe

9pm, Sky Atlantic

Bunny and Junior’s road trip bumps into boundaries as this sweet adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel continues. Bunny Jr. shows signs of following in his father’s footsteps as a salesman and ladies’ man. But could their adventure be jeopardized by dealing with social services? It may be for the best. pH

ridge

9.45pm, BBC2
Despite the harshness of opioid withdrawal, Scottish woman Mia (Lauren Lyle) is determined to find out the truth about her sister’s fatal tumble in New Zealand. This surprising ending sees her return to the dizzying scene of the original incident. Graeme Virtue

Cancer Investigators: Finding the Cure

At 10pm on Channel 4
Lenny Henry narrates the latest episode of the Cancer Research UK-backed series, in which Professor Caroline Dive shares developments in using blood tests to detect cancer in its early stages. Such remarkable work was made possible by clinical trials and participants like Li, whose illness baffled doctors for four years. Hannah J. Davis

Live sports

Cricket Test: Australia vs England, 3.30am, TNT Sports 1
Day 2 of the 2nd Test from Brisbane.