Marlo Thomas is the host and co-executive...

Marlo Thomas is the host and co-executive producer of “Free to Be . . . a Family,� an hourlong special that ABC plans to broadcast Dec. 14. The program will be broadcast in the Soviet Union as well and will feature appearances by Soviet performers and children. Also on the bill: Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams, Bon Jovi, Whoopi Goldberg and Carly Simon.

James Stewart, star of that classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life,� will be seen in another Christmas special this season. He’s hosting NBC’s seventh annual “Christmas in Washington,� due for broadcast Dec. 21. Also set to appear are Shirley Jones, Kathleen Battle, Vikki Carr and Gary Morris, among others.

PBS’ “Dance in America� series is preparing a show about tap dancing for the spring. It will be hosted by Gregory Hines and will include appearances by such performers as Tommy Tune, Honi Coles, Sandman Sims, Jennifer Lane and the Manhattan Tap Quartet.

Cheryl Ladd plays a Minnesota farm wife in “The Fulfillment of Mary Gray,� a TV movie that’s being produced for CBS. Ted Levine plays her husband and Lewis Smith portrays her brother-in-law. The story centers on her desire to have a child.