TV holiday joy means ‘Wonderful Life,’ Reba, romance, Santa
Published 1:30 am Saturday, December 1, 2018
By Lynn Elber
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — In need of a jolt of holiday joy? Or a comforting spot of romance or silliness or spirituality?
Television has you covered. There are classic old movies and a sleigh full of new wannabes.
Here are some of the highlights to consider (all times EST):
Movies
“The Christmas Chronicles,” streaming now on Netflix. A scheme by a sister and brother (Darby Camp, Judah Lewis) to get videotape of Santa (Kurt Russell) in action turns into a wild Christmas Eve.
“Christmas at Pemberley Manor,” 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Hallmark. New York party planner Elizabeth Bennett (Jessica Lowndes) finds her plans for a small town’s holiday festival threatened by a billionaire (Michael Rady) lacking good cheer. But, shades of Jane Austen, love may save the day.
“Santa’s Boots,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Lifetime. Holly (Megan Hilty) is trying to rescue her family’s department store and solve the mystery of the handsome Santa (Noah Mills) who bolted, leaving only a boot.
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, NBC. Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star in Frank Capra’s 1947 fable about appreciating one’s life, whatever path it takes. Lionel Barrymore’s Mr. Potter and Henry Travers’ Clarence the angel are part of the journey.
Stocking stuffers
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, ABC. Charles M. Schulz’s timeless crew is back in the 1965 special that finds Charlie Brown confronting the materialism of Christmas with the help of Linus and, less successfully, Lucy.
“A Home for the Holidays: The 20th Anniversary,” 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21, CBS. The spotlight is again on adoptions of children in foster care, with families sharing their stories and music stars providing the soundtrack.
“A Christmas Story Live!” 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, Fox. Maya Rudolph, Matthew Broderick and Jane Krakowski star in this repeat airing of the 2017 TV musical inspired by the 1983 movie and a Broadway production. Andy Walken plays BB-gun loving Ralphie.
Sounds of the season
“CMA Country Christmas,” 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, ABC. Host Reba McEntire is joined by Tony Bennett, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, The Isaacs and others, with classic songs and new collaborations part of the two-hour show.
“Pentatonix: A Not So Silent Night,” 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, NBC. The vocal group is joined by Kelly Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys, Maren Morris and Penn & Teller on a musical exploration of Las Vegas.
“Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas,” 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, NBC. Singer-ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, an “America’s Got Talent” champion, celebrates the holiday with guests including Kristin Chenoweth, Toby Keith, Hunter Hayes and electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling.
Auld lang syne
“Live from Lincoln Center: New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve with Renee Fleming,” 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31.
“NBC’s New Year’s Eve,” 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, NBC. Hosts Carson Daly and Chrissy Teigen will be joined by Leslie Jones in New York City, with Keith Urban hosting and performing from Nashville’s Bicentennial State Park.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2019,” 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, ABC. The special hosted by Seacrest promises five-plus hours of performances.
