HIGHLIGHTS this week
Friday 7 p.m. on CBS
Frosty the Snowman
In this animated classic, Jackie Vernon provides the voice of Frosty, the legendary snowman with a corncob pipe and a button nose. Frosty comes to life when a magician’s hat lands on his head. With the help of children, he heads for the North Pole before he melts — but he’s pursued by the magician, who wants his hat back.
7:30 p.m. on KYMA
5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas
Adapted from Jimmy Fallon’s bestselling yuletide Christmas book, this new half-hour animated special follows a bookish little boy who eagerly ly counts down the final days before Christmas, accompanied by his little sister and trusty blue dog. Every night it becomes a little harder for him to drift off to sleep, yet every night when he finally does, something magical happens.
Saturday 9 p.m. on LIFE
Movie: Merry Liddle Christmas Baby
Kelly Rowland and Thomas Cadrot reprise their roles as Jacquie Liddle and her husband, Tyler, in this latest installment in the hit holiday movie franchise. This year the Liddle household has a lot to be merry about, as Jacquie and Tyler prepare to welcome their first baby. Elsewhere, Treena (Latonya Williams), Jacquie’s cousin, and her hubby, Julian (Jaime M. Callica), are mulling becoming adoptive parents themselves, while fashionista sister Kiara (Bresha Webb) is getting serious about boyfriend Chris (Nathan Witte).
9 p.m. on HGTV
Home Town Takeover: Where Are They Now?
Airing in observance of Small Business Saturday, HGTV revisits Wetumpka, Ala., the community that was chosen to receive a citywide makeover in “Home Town Takeover,” for this new one-hour special episode. Hosts Ben and Erin Napier, who supervised the ambitious facelift, take viewers along as they explore the impact their series had on Wetumpka and its residents, thanks to renovations of restaurants, shops, historic homes, public spaces and the creation of a new farmers’ market.
Sunday 7 p.m. on CBS
One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
Filmed during two concerts in Radio City Music Hall last August, this one-hour special captures Lady Gaga and veteran crooner Tony Bennett in what was billed as his final public performances, as well as marking his 95th birthday. These frequent collaborators and musical soulmates brought their packed houses to their feet during what one reviewer called “a sparkly, campy and emotional night” filled with memorable renditions of several timeless pop and jazz standards.
8 p.m. on ABC
The Great Christmas Light Fight
With a 10th round already on order, this hit seasonal competition series showcases some of America’s houses with literally dazzling Christmas displays, with each episode featuring four households competing to win the $50,000 prize. Some of the displays are high-tech marvels, while others have more of a nostalgic, homemade charm behind their yuletide magic. As always lifestyle expert Carter Oosterhouse and interior designer Taniya Nayak have their work cut out for them in deciding which home is that episode’s best.
Monday 7 p.m. on ABC
CMA Country Christmas
Some of the biggest names in country music gather to perform classic Christmas songs and unforgettable collaborations as this beloved holiday special returns for its 12 edition. Hosts and performers will be announced closer to airdate.
9:01 p.m. on KYMA
That’s My Jam
While this new series won’t officially premiere until early 2022, this one-hour music and comedy variety show gets a sneak preview tonight. Inspired by some of the most popular games featured on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” each episode features two teams competing to win money for a favorite charity in a series of music, dance and trivia-based games.
Tuesday 9 p.m. on LIFE
Movie: Saying Yes to Christmas
While workaholic June is back home visiting her family for the holidays, a magic Christmas wish casts a spell that compels her to say “yes” to every invitation she receives. Among them, the sudden reappearance of Blake, an old flame, soon finds its way onto her overcommitted schedule, striking some long-dormant sparks as they spend time together.
10:01 p.m. on TLC
I Am Jazz
Since undergoing her 2018 affirmation surgery to align her body and mind, Jazz Jennings has been through even more life changes, graduating high school as her class valedictorian and subsequently being accepted to Harvard University. Prior to her first semester at that Ivy League school, however, she developed a mental health condition that prompted her to take a gap year.
Wednesday 7 p.m. on KYMA 89th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center
The lighting of the giant Christmas tree in New York’s Rockefeller Center is the traditional capper to this annual special, hosted this year by “Today” co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin. The 2021 tree is a 79 feet tall, 45 feet wide Norway Spruce weighing about 12 tons, from Elkton, Md. Before the switch gets flipped, illuminating more than 50,000 multi-colored lights, the two-hour special features performances by Brad Paisley, Alessia Cara, Harry Connick Jr., Carrie Underwood, Norah Jones and the Radio City Rockettes’ among others.
9 p.m. on KYMA
Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around
Kelly Clarkson freely admits she’s a complete Christmas junkie, going so far as to feature a recurring segment called “Ambush Christmas” on her syndicated daytime talk show. Now, the Grammy- and Emmy-winning music superstar celebrates the release of her new holiday album with this festive special featuring new original songs as well as iconic yuletide classics, plus dancing and collaborations with special guests. Among those scheduled to appear are Ariana Grande, Brett Eldredge, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Odom Jr., Jay Leno and Amy Poehler, plus a certain beloved North Pole personality.