Dec. 2: What's on HDTV Today

What we're watching: After 36 races of bumpin' and grindin' (the cars, silly) the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series ended last month with Tony "Crash" Stewart as the 2005 champion. Normally, we see the NASCAR drivers in high-def wearing their fireproof suits and protective helmets, but tonight you can see them in black tie. The NASCAR Nextel Cup Awards show airs live from New York City on TNT-HD at 9 p.m. The live 1080i presentation provides a completely different side to the tough, gritty drivers and there are bundles of cash to be handed out.

Tony the Tiger gets a cool $6,173,633 million tonight, which is on top of his race winnings and bonuses during the season. All total he earned $13,578,168 this year, so this is likely the biggest check you'll ever see in high-def. And some of you still think NASCAR isn't a sport. With those numbers, I'd drive the cars; sport or no-sport!

After the jump is our traditional listing of HD programs throughout the night.
  
Here are some other HDTV programs showing on selected networks today. All times are Eastern:

ABC (720p), UPN (1080i): Practicing their short-driving. No HD programming.

CBS (1080i): Ghost Whisperer (8 p.m.),
The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m.)

NBC (1080i): The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35 p.m.)

Fox (720p): Bernie Mac (8 p.m.), Malcolm in the Middle (8:30 p.m.), Killer Instinct (9 p.m.)

WB (1080i): What I Like About You (8 p.m.), Reba (8:30 & 9 p.m.), Twins (9:30 p.m.)

Showtime-HD (1080i): Super Size Me (6:15 p.m.), Masters of Horror (10 p.m.)