Tonight in HD: December 23

SoHo Highlight: Mildred Pierce (Sky 10, 8.30, 5.1) As Veda’s singing career takes off, Mildred’s attempts to reconcile with her estranged daughter finally pay off, though at a painful price. New York magazine reckons this five part mini-series closes with “the best ‘is that really the final line?’ since Eyes Wide Shut … Whether you found it all a bit slow and meandering, or enjoyed all the extra time spent on the story (since it made the scene where Kate Winslet tried to strangle Evan Rachel Wood [above] so much more satisfying), the Todd Haynes–directed production was packed with great performances and swoon-worthy period details”. Despite mixed reviews, Mildred Pierce could win Winslet her third Golden Globe on January 16 — she’s already snared an Emmy for the role and co-star Evan Rachel Wood also has been nominated, as has the mini-series; meanwhile, among producer John (Shameless, Southland) Wells’ next projects is a Showtime re-make of the Aussie crime movie, Animal Kingdom. ✭✭✭✭

The X Factor's Simon Cowell

Modern Family (TV3, 7.00, 5.1, R) Phil and Claire promise a blue Christmas to their kids unless they come clean about a recent transgression. ✭✭✭✭

The X Factor USA (TV3, 7.30, 5.1, F) Season finale: who will get the big tick? ✭✭

The Graham Norton Show (TV3, 9.30) With Kenneth Branagh, boxing champ Amir Khan, comic Russell Kane and Matt Smith. ✭✭✭✭

NCIS (TV3, 11.30, 5.1, R) With the appearance of Mossad agent Michael Rivkin, Tony is forced to question Ziva’s loyalty to NCIS. (Part two.) ✭✭

CSI: Miami (TV3, 12.30, 5.1, R) The CSIs unravel a workplace murder mystery when a hated receptionist is murdered. ✭✭