WORTH NOTING ON TV

* SATURDAY

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: A TNT Special Edition (TNT, 8-10 p.m.): Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) had been writing memorable children's books (``The Cat in the Hat,'' ``Horton Hears a Who'') for decades when ``The Grinch'' was published in 1957. As so often with Dr. Seuss stories, this was a social fable with meaning for parents as well as their children.

In this special you'll not only see the often-aired, full-length animated classic (yes, it's bit early), but also how it was made. A documentary following the film traces its path from book to TV screen. Interviews with Geisel's widow, Audrey Geisel, Chuck Jones (animator of the ``Bugs Bunny'' films), and others are featured. Scenes of ``The Grinch'' being created on the drawing board are seen for the first time.

Audrey Geisel says the film's creators never dreamed it would become the classic it has. Who could have?

The Gold Championship (NBC, 8-10 p.m.): About a million dollars will be handed out to the winners of this high-powered competition among Olympic gold medalists. The skaters include Oksana Baiul (1994 gold medalist), Kristi Yamaguchi (1992) Katarina Witt (1988, 1984), Viktor Petrenko (1992), Brian Boitano (1988), and Scott Hamilton (1984). Each performs two programs, with the winners decided by an international panel of judges.

* SUNDAY

World of Audubon 10th Anniversary Special (TBS, 9-11 p.m.): Some 40 shows about the natural world have aired on ``The World of Audubon'' since the series premiered in 1984. From wolves to whales to places such as New York's Long Island Sound, the programs have covered a range of environmental issues - sometimes with hotly controversial results.

This special, hosted by Lauren Hutton and Richard Dean Anderson, gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how an Audubon TV film is made. During the past year video crews followed camera crews as they shot scenes, occasionally at great risk.

Please check local listings for these programs.