WHAT TO WATCH
All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time. Shows air one hour earlier in Central/Mountain Time.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Disney+
James Gunn, who wrote (or cowrote) and directed Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies, also wrote and directed this special based on the franchise. It finds the Guardians on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill (Chris Pratt) and heading to Earth in search of the perfect present.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Disney+
Run-DMC’s Rev Run narrates this hiphop reimagining of the Nutcracker ballet set in New York City, staged by world-class choreographers including Nappytabs, Jennifer Weber and more. Some of the most talented B-boys, poppers, lockers, bone-breakers and voguers will be featured alongside legendary dancers from the world of classical ballet, including Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Fantasy Football
Paramount+ Original Film
Marsai Martin (who is also a producer), Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland and Rome Flynn star in this family sports comedy/fantasy. In the film, Callie (Martin) discovers she can magically control her father Bobby’s (Hardwick) performance on the football field as a running back for the Atlanta Falcons. When Callie plays as her dad in the Madden NFL 23 video game, Bobby is transformed from a fumble-plagued journeyman into a gridiron star.
#Xmas
Hallmark Channel, 6 p.m. Original Film Hallmark Channel’s “Merry Thanksgiving Weekend” continues with this story of Jen, a young woman who enlists her best pal, Max, and her baby nephew to pose as the perfect family on social media in order to win a contest. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen must decide whether to continue the ruse or reveal the truth.
Frosty the Snowman
CBS, 8 p.m.
The classic animated musical special returns, narrated by Jimmy Durante. The special is followed by the 1992 sequel, Frosty Returns.
A Royal Corgi Christmas
Hallmark Channel, 8 p.m. Original Film
h The late Queen Elizabeth’s famously favorite critter takes center stage in this tale of wayward Crown Prince Edmond, who hopes to cement his spot as future king with a special, slobbery Christmas gift for his mother, the queen. But when adorable but rambunctious corgi Mistletoe displays less than royal behavior, Edmond enlists pretty American canine behavior expert Cecily for help – and it may be not just the pup who is tamed.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
NBC, 8 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 piece of Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. But the Grinch ultimately discovers he can’t remove the spirit of Christmas from the Whos’ hearts.
Trolls Holiday in Harmony
NBC, 8:30 p.m.
This half-hour animated special from 2021 is based on the hit Trolls featurefilm franchise and includes four original songs.