Special: Jim Henson created new Muppets for this holiday musical about an otter named Emmet and his impoverished mother, who unwittingly enter the same talent contest on Christmas Eve in hopes of winning the money to buy presents. Emmet plays wash tub in a jug band and his mom sings, but both face stiff competition from a gang of woodland punk rockers, who stage an unimaginative production number.             

Special: The 11th Annual Entertainer of the Year Awards, hosted by Mike Douglas. Taped in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Categories include Entertainer of the Year, Male/Female Comedy Star of the Year, Song & Dance Star of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Animal Act of the Year. Presenters include Mickey Rooney, Anthony Newley.

September 14th, 1981- (Syndicated)

Half-hour nightly entertainment series with news in the world of show business. Hosted by Ron Hendren and Dixie Whatley. In August, 1982, Mary Hart was hired as the new co-host, joining Hendren who remained with Hart until September, 1984. He was succedded by Robb Weller who in turn was replaced by John Tesh in the fall of 1986. 

Tonight: Report on the death of Natalie Wood. Comments on film "Reds," an interview with Jane Fonda, violence in films, interview with Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin. 

Hosts: Ron Hendren and Dixie Whatley. 

                       

September 14th, 1981- (Syndicated)

Half-hour nightly entertainment series with news in the world of show business. Hosted by Ron Hendren and Dixie Whatley. In August, 1982, Mary Hart was hired as the new co-host, joining Hendren who remained with Hart until September, 1984. He was succedded by Robb Weller who in turn was replaced by John Tesh in the fall of 1986. 

Tonight: Review of 1981.

Hosts: Ron Hendren and Dixie Whatley. 

                                    

Mario Cuomo wins New York State governorship in a narrow victory over Republican Lewis Lehrman.