Thanksgiving TV: 'Anne of Green Gables,' Disney celebration

Anne of Green Gables/Pollyanna
PBS, Thursday, 8 ET/PT (times may vary)

If Thanksgiving tradition holds, many of us will eat too much during the day, and come evening, grab another piece of pie and gather the family around the TV. And if you have kids , PBS would not be a bad place to gather, for two family-friendly specials. The first is a remake of Anne of Green Gables, starring Ella Ballentine as Anne and Martin Sheen as Matthew. That's followed by the 2005 film version of Pollyanna — the story of the plucky, sunny "glad game" orphan whose name has become synonymous with excess optimism. Though considering how optimism is in short supply at the moment, a bit of Pollyanna might not hurt.

The Wonderful World of Disney Magical Holiday Celebration
ABC, Thursday, 8 ET/PT

Even Pollyanna would realize this “holiday celebration” is just another excuse for Disney to use ABC as a primetime promoter of its other businesses. Still, in the spirit of the holiday, try to look past the corporate shilling and give thanks for the planned performances from Mariah Carey, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson.

Mom
CBS, Thursday, 9 ET/PT

Looking for something with less sugar and more spice? Odds are Mom will comply, as Christy and Bonnie get a surprise from a sick Violet.