San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
HOLIDAY TV
2020 — stir-crazy and lonely because of the need to sequester from family and friends.
“There’s a kind of synchronicity about the story that is about this group of nuns kind of losing it because they are isolated together, and we can all relate to that very much this year,” she said.
The location in Nepal helped the actresses relate to their characters’ hemmed-in discomfort.
“There was no phone reception, no Wi-Fi either,” said Aisling Franciosi, who plays the troubled Sister Ruth. “I can only speak for myself, but I find that when I’m somewhere where there’s vast beauty and total isolation — I get a crushing feeling of, you know, that you don’t matter — which is very humbling.”
As stunning as “Black Narcissus” is, it’s far from the only shining star on TV this holiday season. Here are 11 more gems, some new, some old, to remind you just how merry, bright and special Thanksgiving and Christmas can be.
“Happiest Season”: A dream cast — Kristen Stewart (the “Twilight” franchise), Mackenzie
Davis (“Halt and Catch Fire”), Daniel Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”), Alison Brie (“GLOW”) and Mary Steenburgen (“Book Club”) — joins with director Clea Duvall to bring a rambunctious holiday movie full of love, laughter, sibling rivalry and all sorts of other family craziness.
It pretty much reflects the standard “you can’t go home again” Christmas tale with a twist. Daughter Harper (Davis) is gay, and she’s bringing her significant other, Abby (Stewart), along. Meeting your girlfriend’s family for the first time is tough enough. But after Abby learns Harper not only has kept their relationship secret but has hidden the fact
she’s gay, the visit quickly becomes unbearable. But don’t fret — all’s well that ends well. Debuts Wednesday on Hulu.
“Dash & Lily”: This Christmas love story may be geared to young adults, but it’s really a charmer for everyone. Most of the credit belongs to the series’ adorable female lead, Midori Francis, who’s the picture of cute. Also captivating is its dazzling showcase of New York, which is decked out in Christmas splendor.
The titular couple — who communicate almost solely via a journal tucked inside a bookstore’s stacks — are dramatically different when it comes to the holidays. Lily adores Christmas; Dash (Austin Abrams) reacts with “bah, humbug.” However, they prove opposites can indeed attract if there’s enough heart and smarts to keep the dialogue interesting. All eight episodes now streaming on Netflix.
“Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life”: This wintry gem of a reunion series, which premiered four years ago on Netflix, is making its network television debut. The four 90-minute chapters, keyed to the four seasons, are must-see holiday viewing.
It starts nine years after The CW series ended and follows three generations of Gilmore women: mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham), still single and the manager of the Dragonfly Inn; Rory (Alexis Bledel), a journalist who’s luckier in
work than in love; and her recently widowed grandmother (Kelly Bishop). One thing that hasn’t changed in quaint Stars Hollow is the amusing rapid-fire banter between Rory and Lorelei that’s filled with pop culture references. Premieres 7 p.m. Monday and runs through Thursday on The CW.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey”: This enchanting fantasy with a steampunk vibe stars a principally Black cast led by Forest Whitaker, Phylicia Rashad and KeeganMichael Key. What makes it irresistible are its many magical visuals, and music and dancing that promise to have you smiling and jumping to your feet.
Young viewers should thrill to the animatronic wonders that are created by genius toymaker Jeronicus Jangle. One of these creations — a villainous miniature named Don Juan (voiced by Ricky Martin) — escapes with the shop’s assistant, causing the inventor’s temporary downfall. It takes years, but old-and-gray Jeronicus eventually perks up, thanks to a visit by his granddaughter (Madalen Mills) and a razzle-dazzle invention that puts all other toys to shame. Streaming now on Netflix.
“Charlie Brown” holiday specials: The news wasn’t exactly welcome when streaming service Apple TV+ announced it had acquired these beloved animated specials based on Charles M.
Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip. For nearly six decades they had aired on CBS or ABC. However, the streaming service is offering the specials free for a time during the holidays and has made a deal with PBS to broadcast them.
Particularly treasured is “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which tickles with silly dancing by the kids to the music of jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, and touches our hearts with the miraculous transformation of a scrawny Christmas tree into something glorious and Linus’ endearing speech about the true meaning of Christmas. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will air free on PBS
and PBS Kids at 6:30 p.m. Sunday and on Apple TV+ Wednesday through Friday. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will play free on PBS and PBS Kids at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and on Apple TV+ Dec. 11 through Dec. 13.
“The Pack”: Nothing quite revs up the holiday spirit like watching a passel of frisky dogs and their humans prancing around the snowy Alps.
Hosted by gold-medal skier Lindsey Vonn and her canine partner Lucy, the series features 12 teams of dogs and their owners as they embark on an epic adventure across multiple continents. Call it an “Amazing Race” with dogs. To win, the teams will have to complete several challenges and prove their dog-human bond is the strongest in the pack. animated shows, they redubbed most of the characters with American voices, including Ben Stiller (Robbie), Jim Belushi (Santa) and Britney Spears (Donner). 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS.
“Godmothered”: