TV Today

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

(3-4 p.m., NBC10) - Actor Samuel L. Jackson (

Soul Men

); young inventors.

Saving Private Ryan

(5:45-9 p.m., TNT) - Steven Spielberg's 1998 World War II drama about a captain (Tom Hanks) and his platoon assigned to go behind enemy lines and retrieve a private (Matt Damon) whose three brothers have all been killed.

Shrek 2

(8-10 p.m., 6ABC) - When Shrek goes to meet wife Fiona's mom and dad, his monstrous presence is not accepted, and he wonders if he is the right man for Fiona.

Live From Lincoln Center

(8-10 p.m., WHYY TV12) - Lorin Maazel, in his last act as music director, conducts the New York Philharmonic's New Year's celebration, with acclaimed mezzo-soprano Susan Graham performing.

New Year's Eve Live (11 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Fox29) - With live remotes from both the Las Vegas Strip and New York's Times Square, this special features musical performances, celebrity interviews and a stunt spectacular.

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest

(11:30 p.m.-1:10 a.m., 6ABC) - Seacrest has been added to the title of Clark's annual special, making it official that he'll take over as host when Clark steps down.

American Idol

alum Kellie Pickler reports on events in and around the Big Apple.

Late Show With David Letterman

(12:30-1:30 a.m., CBS3) - Actress Emma Thompson; fox attack survivor Michelle Felicetta; Purple Reign performs.

The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

(12:30-1:30 a.m., NBC10) - Actor Jamie Foxx; journalist David Gregory.

The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson

(1:30-2:30 a.m., CBS3) - TV personality James Lipton; actress Sara Gilbert; Sarah McLachlan performs.

Late Night With Conan O'Brien

(1:30-2:30 a.m., NBC10) - Golfer Tiger Woods; actress Vanessa Minnillo; comic Jimmy Carr.