WHAT TO WATCH from
Detention: The Series
Netflix (new series)
This Chinese-language thriller is based on a popular Taiwanese adventure game. At a high school in the 1990s, transfer student Yunxiang Liu (Lingwei Lee) accidentally steps into the forbidden area on the campus and encounters the ghost of Ruixin Fang (Ning Han). Fang later unveils the hidden history and trauma of how a group of young students and teachers were persecuted as they fought for freedom during Taiwan’s White Terror era of authoritarianism from 1949-87. Their stories keep coming back to the school like haunting nightmares.
Mighty Express: A Mighty Christmas
Netflix
Mandy Mail must deliver a load of late Christmas letters to the North Pole; then all the trains join in to help Santa deliver the presents during a big storm.
Rankin/Bass Animagic Weekend
AMC, beginning at 5 a.m. Today and Sunday, enjoy several hours each day of classic and beloved stop-motion animated TV holiday specials from famed producers Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. Throughout the weekend, enjoy “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974), “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (1976), “Jack Frost” (1979), “Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July” (1979), “Pinocchio’s Christmas” (1980), “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” (1985) and more.
Hannibal Lecter Triple Feature
HDNet Movies, beginning at 3:45 p.m.
Enjoy back-to-back-to-back thrillers featuring Anthony Hopkins in each of his performances as infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter. The marathon begins with 2002’s “Red Dragon”; continues with Hopkins’ iconic and chilling first turn as Lecter, his best actor Oscar-winning performance in 1991’s “The Silence of the Lambs”; and concludes with “Hannibal” (2001).
Kid of the Year
CBS, 7 p.m.
Encoring on CBS after its premiere Friday on Nickelodeon, this special features the top five finalists for the first ever Kid of the Year honor, a multiplatform initiative recognizing extraordinary young leaders who are making a positive impact in their communities. Kristen Bell, Simone Biles, Brie Larson, Zachary Levi and Russell Westbrook are among the celebrity guests, and Trevor Noah hosts.
Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing
Hallmark Channel, 7 p.m. (original film)
As Michelle’s (Holly Robinson Peete) wedding approaches, Hannah (Rukiya Bernard) steps up to help finish the launch of the new Evergreen museum while questioning her relationship and future with Elliot (Antonio Cayonne). Also stars Colin Lawrence and Barbara Niven.
Baby Chimp Rescue
BBC America, 7 p.m. (new series)
In Liberia, West Africa, Jim and Jenny Desmond operate a sanctuary for young orphaned chimpanzees rescued from the illegal pet trade. In the premiere episode, “Miracles Can Happen,” the Desmonds rescue a chimp named Miracle and introduce her to life at their facility.
Let’s Meet Again on Christmas Eve
Lifetime, 7 p.m. (original film)
When college sweethearts Corinne (Kyla Pratt) and Rob
(Brooks Darnell) get opportunities on opposite sides of the world, they decide to part ways and meet in two years on Christmas Eve to see if they are really meant to be. However, when one shows up and the other doesn’t, the fate of their romance seems to have reached the end. Many years later, the two bump into one another when they are both hired to bring together a Christmas Eve wedding.
Secrets in the Snow
LMN, 7 p.m. (original film) Christina (Aubrey Reynolds) is looking forward to going to the wintry countryside with her new boyfriend, Ted (Travis Caldwell), and meeting his family for the first time. But when an unexpected guest arrives, Christina is quickly brought into Ted’s family drama surrounding the mysterious death of his older brother, Paul.
Play On: Celebrating the Power of Music to Make Change
CBS, 8 p.m.
This one-hour charity benefit concert special originating from venues in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville features performers from a wide variety of musical genres. Actor/musician Kevin Bacon and hip-hop star Eve host.
History’s Greatest Mysteries
History, 8 p.m.
It has long been believed that 12 days after the assassination of President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth suffered a fatal gunshot wound while resisting arrest for the crime. Today, members of the Booth family believe he faked his death, reunited with his wife, remarried under an assumed name and eventually revealed his true identity in a series of clues. Investigators now have access to 60 boxes of materials at Harvard University that could speak to the mystery and for the first time use DNA to address the question.
Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, 9 p.m. (original film)
In this movie from executive producer Blake Shelton, five guests are mysteriously invited to an inn to celebrate Christmas. With the help of the owner Ben (Stephen Huszar), Sarah (Lacey Chabert) discovers that an event from the past may connect them and change their lives forever.
Saturday Night Live NBC, 10:30 p.m.
A new episode will air tonight. Jason Bateman hosts, with musical guest Morgan Wallen.