What to watch
MONDAY
December 25, 2023
All times Central. Start times can vary based on cable/satellite provider. Confirm times on your on-screen guide.
‘Doctor Who’ Christmas Special
Disney+
In “The Church on Ruby Road,” Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the Fifteenth Doctor in this special holiday installment of the long-running British sci-fi series, with Millie Gibson also making her first appearance as Ruby Sunday, the Doctor’s companion. Long ago on Christmas Eve, a baby was abandoned in the snow. Today, Ruby meets the Doctor, stolen babies, goblins and perhaps the secret of her birth.
The Original Yule Log
Antenna TV, beginning at 4 a.m.
Enjoy the crackling sounds of a cozy fireplace, accompanied by delightful tunes celebrating the season, in this five-hour broadcast of the original televised Yule Log, which originally aired on New York’s WPIX beginning in 1966.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
ABC, 9 a.m.
Disney’s annual celebration returns Christmas morning with endearing stories and magical celebrity performances as the parade celebrates its 40th year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
NBC, 7 p.m.
In this original 1966 animated TV special based on Dr. Seuss’ classic story, Boris Karloff narrates and voices the title Grinch, who schemes to steal every material vestige of Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. But the Grinch ultimately discovers he can’t remove the spirit of Christmas from the Whos’ hearts.
The Floor
FOX, 7 p.m. Sneak Preview
Rob Lowe hosts this quiz show in which 81 players who proclaim to be experts in a unique category occupy a space on a grid. A player is chosen at random to challenge another contestant in a fast-paced duel of knowledge, with the winner claiming the loser’s space. Over 10 weeks, the player who conquers all the spaces on The Floor wins $250,000. The series premieres Jan. 2.
‘Call the Midwife’ 2023 Holiday Special
PBS, 7 p.m.
Two weeks before Christmas, delicate situations cause uncertainty for the midwives. With the upcoming Apollo 8 launch and the festivity preparations starting, a treacherous heavy snowfall may complicate the holiday celebrations for everyone.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
NBC, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Carrey plays Dr. Seuss’ titular meanie in this 2000 live-action adaptation directed by Ron Howard.
Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All!
CBS, 8 p.m.
Filmed at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, this two-hour concert special from 2022 features Mariah Carey performing a repertoire of her festive holiday hits, including perennial favorite “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”