YULE BE WATCHING THESE
As sure as Rudolph’s red nose is a beacon of cheer, and not the result of some seasonal infection, holiday TV specials abound. There’s something this year for just about everyone. Melissa Hank highlights some festive offerings. RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (Dec. 10 and Dec. 22, CBC)
The plucky felt critter brings out all the holiday feelings. This classic 1964 stop-motion film features Billie Mae Richards as the voice of Rudolph, Larry D. Mann as Yukon Cornelius and Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman — whose natty hat, plaid vest and impressive facial hair put all other hipster snowmen to shame.
GWEN STEFANI’S YOU MAKE IT FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS (Dec. 12, NBC)
Stefani puts her twist on the classic holiday special. Musical performances and holiday sketches fill the hour, with appearances by Chelsea Handler, Ken Jeong, Seth MacFarlane, Ne-Yo and of course the guy who’s the marshmallow to Stefani’s hot cocoa, Blake Shelton. She’ll also sing songs from her new album, You Make it Feel Like Christmas.
TARAJI’S
WHITE HOT HOLIDAYS (Dec. 14, Fox)
During the rest of the year,
Taraji P. Henson plays Cookie on Empire. But watch out, y’all — it’s time for Christmas Cookie. Henson hosts a musical special with artists including Chaka Khan, Ciara, Faith Evans, Fergie, Salt-N-Pepa and Ying Yang Twins. Immediately following is Showtime at the Apollo: Christmas, hosted by Steve Harvey. Snoop Dogg, Boyz II Men, Fifth Harmony and DMX will perform, as well as would-be stars looking for their big break in a talent competition.
I WANT A DOG
FOR CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN! (Dec. 16, ABC)
Linus and Lucy’s younger brother ReRun turns to Snoopy for some holiday cheer when his sister starts stressing him out. But the beloved beagle has plans of his own, and as the plot unfolds, his brother Spike shows up for a visit. Shenanigans ensue.
A CHRISTMAS STORY LIVE! (Dec. 17, City/Fox)
It’s a live TV adaptation of the most famous film involving a Red Ryder carbine-action twohundred-shot range model air rifle. Inspired by the 1983 movie and the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical, A Christmas Story Live! stars Matthew Broderick, Maya Rudolph, Jane Krakowski, Chris Diamantopoulos and Ana Gasteyer. Ralphie, the kid with the perennially imperilled vision, is played by Andy Walken.
THE GREAT NORTHERN CANDY DROP (Dec. 17 and Dec. 21, CBC)
This new animated special tells the true story of Inuk bush pilot Johnny May, who has flown over Kuujjuaq in Northern Quebec to drop candy, toys and warm clothing to children and residents during the holidays for more than 50 years. Featuring the voices of Tantoo Cardinal and Lorne Cardinal, and based on a children’s book published in 2015.
MURDOCH MYSTERIES: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Dec. 18 and Dec. 25, CBC)
Police officer William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) certainly does in the show’s third annual special. Murdoch and Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy) trek to Victoria, B.C., to visit Murdoch’s brother and investigate a murder connected to an archeologist (Megan Follows) who found an ancient Indigenous settlement. The twohour program will also screen Dec. 16 at Cineplex theatres in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Victoria, Winnipeg and Halifax.
A HOME FOR
THE HOLIDAYS WITH JOSH GROBAN (Dec. 19, CBS)
The titular singer hosts this annual special meant to bring attention to the issues of adoption and foster care. Inspirational stories are complemented by performances from artists including Kelly Clarkson, Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown.
I LOVE LUCY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (Dec. 22, CBS)
Two back-to-back colourized episodes of the classic TV show air. In 1956’s The Christmas Episode, the Ricardos and Mertzes reminisce while they decorate a Christmas tree. Then 1955’s The Fashion Show, Lucy (Lucille Ball) spends way too much on a dress for a fancy runway show. Ay-yiyi-yi-yi!
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Dec. 24, NBC)
Countless TV shows and movies have paid homage to this 1946 film, and for good reason. It’s lifeaffirming stuff — just look at the title! James Stewart stars as a guy who wishes he’d never been born, only to be visited by an angel who shows him just how many lives he’s unwittingly improved. Excuse us while we ugly-cry into a box of Kleenex.
SUPER CUTE YULE LOG (Dec. 24, Animal Planet)
Yes, there will be super-cute puppies and kittens. No, they won’t be tossed in some twisted holiday fireplace. What are we, barbarians? Instead of airing a looped video of a wood-burning fireplace, Animal Planet will broadcast a feed of furry friends in festive settings. Just try to handle the cuteness.