Selected programming for Dec. 14-15, 2024

[Robin Miller]

Note: The programming list for the rest of the week will be posted
separately.



Previously released:


Happiness [new to US?; complete limited series] (Netflix,
Dec. 12)

Residents of a high-rise building fight for survival when a deadly
disease breaks out and turns the infected into blood-lusting zombies.
2021 Korean series; 12 episodes.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81520295

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14979052/ [rating 7.8]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness_(South_Korean_TV_series)



It Ends With Us (movie) (Netfix, Dec. 9)

A florist's seemingly perfect relationship unravels when an old flame
re-enters the picture, forcing her to make a difficult choice about her
future. Stars Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj,
Brandon Sklenar, and Kevin McKidd. 2024 film; 2hr 10m. Not available on
ad tier.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81762778

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10655524/ [rating 6.5]



Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love [new] (Netflix, Dec. 9)

After a painful breakup, Miu vows to focus on art and avoid love --
until an encounter with an aloof, charming artist stirs her deepest
instincts. 2024 Japanese series, apparently a remake of a 2021 Korean
series.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81736915

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34956805/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14518284/ [Korean series]


*****************************************************************************************


Saturday, Dec. 14


92nd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (special) (8-10 pm, CW)

Hosted by Dean Cain and Laura McKenzie, along with Montel Williams and
Elizabeth Stanton, the 92nd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade will
feature Hollywood celebrities and movie cars, award-wining bands from
across the country, dazzling equestrians, larger-than-life character
balloons, colorful floats, humorous specialty acts, and high-profile
performers. The parade culminates with the appearance of the Jolly Old
Elf himself, Santa Claus, and his reindeer, ushering in the holiday season!



The Holiday Junkie (movie) (8 pm, Lifetime Channel)

Andie and her mother Mimi run a company called The Holiday Junkie, a
decorating and planning service for all holiday needs. But after Mimi
passes away, Andie is forced to face her first Christmas without her
mother and carry The Holiday Junkie torch all on her own. Despite the
challenges, Andie may also find some love at Christmas along the way!
Stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Brian Hallisay, Kristin Chenoweth, Lynn
Andrews, and Debra Christofferson.

https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-holiday-junkie

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32560068/



The Santa Class (movie) (8 pm, Hallmark Channel)

Kate North (Kimberley Sustad) finds herself reluctantly taking over her
father’s once acclaimed and now struggling Santa School. In the weeks
leading up to Christmas and the school’s next session, Kate and her new
co-worker Dan (Benjamin Ayres) discover who they believe to be the real
Santa Claus, lost and without his memories after his sled steered off
course and crashed near the school. They decide to help him remember who
he is by inviting him to participate in the intense Santa training
program. There’s a lot at stake this year with Kate’s school needs to
best the rival St. Nicholas School or be forced to close their doors,
and Nick (Santa Claus) needs to remember who he is, or the fate of
Christmas might be at stake.

https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-santa-class

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32684804/



Get Him Back for Christmas (movie) (8 pm, Great American
Family)

In "Get Him Back for Christmas," up-and-coming singer songwriter Bella
Harlan (Alexa PenaVega) comes home for Christmas and enlists her
high-school songwriting partner Jack Grayton (Carlos PenaVega) to craft
a song to win back her rockstar boyfriend by Christmas. As the two
reunite for the first time in a decade, they embark on a Christmas
journey down memory lane, and soon realize true love may be closer than
they thought. The heart of the movie centers on Jack’s role with The
Salvation Army, and Bella soon finds herself inspired by his devotion
and passion to a life of doing the most good. Filled with charming
original music and its share of twists and turns, "Get Him Back for
Christmas" demonstrates the importance of never losing sight of the ones
who matter the most.

https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/movie/love-at-the-kettle-wt/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32915236/



Mistletoe & Matrimony (movie) (9 pm, OWN)

Olivia [Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut], a wedding planner, is tasked to plan a
last-minute Christmas Eve wedding for her sister. When sparks fly with a
former flame [Etienne Maurice], and family drama unfolds, Olivia is torn
between playing it safe and living life on her own terms this season.

https://www.oprah.com/own-ownfortheholidays/official-trailer-mistletoe--matrimony

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32316141/


*****************************************************************************************


Sunday, Dec. 15


A Novel Christmas (movie) (7 pm, UPtv)

Chloe Anderson, a beloved children’s book author, has always drawn
inspiration from her cherished childhood memories. During her final book
signing at the Noelleville bookstore, Chloe encounters Ethan, a devoted
single father, and his book-loving, aspiring writer daughter, Alex.
Their shared passion for literature sparks an immediate connection. Just
when Chloe believes she’s on the brink of embracing her future, her
publisher extends a dazzling opportunity for a high-profile New Year’s
Eve appearance on a major network show. Now, she must decide whether to
stand firm in her resolve to focus on her novel and personal life, or
succumb to the allure of her demanding career. Stars Brigitte Kingsley,
Landy Cannon and Ariella Cannon. Canadian film.

https://uptv.com/movies/a-novel-christmas/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33338147/



Yellowstone (season 5 finale) (8 pm, Paramount Network)

While Yellowstone was previously slated to end with season 5, Paramount
Network is now marketing the last episode of season 5 as the "season
finale" instead of the "series finale."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2024/12/14/yellowstone-season-6-spinoffs/76920583007/



Christmas on the Alpaca Farm (movie) (8 pm, Lifetime Channel)

Jess (Kirsten Comerford) the “Queen of Christmas Sweaters,” quits her
job at the hottest fashion label in NYC, intent on winning a Christmas
competition with her own line of sustainable luxury knits. Getting her
hands dirty, she teams up with Andrew (Matt Wells), a single dad and
struggling alpaca farmer, as she helps bring Christmas joy to the farm
and love into both of their hearts. Canadian film that, according to
IMDb, was released in the UK in November 2023 and is being released
everywhere else now.

https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/christmas-on-the-alpaca-farm

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28155419/



Following Yonder Star (movie) (8 pm, Hallmark Channel)

Abby Marshall, once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother
on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a
scandal. She retreats to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas only to
find herself without a room due to a booking mishap. All the local
hotels are booked up due to a rare astronomical event ­ a beautiful star
said to mirror the Star of Bethlehem will appear on Christmas Eve.
Thankfully, Abby finds a room at a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire, who
is also a high school astronomy teacher. Since his wife’s passing, Tom
has taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, including running the inn
and directing the local church’s Christmas pageant. Empathizing with
Tom, Abby offers to help with the pageant and various activities around
the inn and finds herself enjoying both the projects and Tom’s company.
Through newfound community, family and love, Abby discovers that hope
sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways. Stars Brooke D'Orsay and
John Brotherton.

https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/following-yonder-star

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33903431/



Universal Basic Guys (special time) (8 pm, Fox)



The Simpsons (special time) (8:30 pm, Fox)



An Evening With Dua Lipa (special) (8:30 to 10 pm ET, CBS)

The Grammy-winning singer is backed by a 53-piece orchestra during a
performance at London's Royal Albert Hall. Airs at 8 pm in the Pacific
time zone, and perhaps CT and MT also.

https://www.cbs.com/shows/an-evening-with-dua-lipa/



Krapopolis (season 3 finale; renewed for season 4) (9:30
pm, Fox)



Dexter: Original Sin [new; linear premiere) (10 pm,
Showtime)

https://www.metacritic.com/tv/dexter-original-sin/ [score 50]



Fox notes for the evening:

(1) In the Mountain time zone, following Krapopolis, local programming
will air starting at 8:00 PM.

(2) In Pacific Time Zone, following The Simpsons, local programming will
air until 8:00 PM PT.

(3) In the Pacific Time Zone, an encore of Universal Basic Guys will air
at 8:00 PM PT and an encore of The Simpsons will air at 8:30 PM PT.


*****************************************************************************************

[shawn]

On Sat, 14 Dec 2024 17:53:18 -0500, Robin Miller

Post by Robin Miller
Note: The programming list for the rest of the week will be posted
separately.

Thanks for the post.

Post by Robin Miller
Happiness [new to US?; complete limited series] (Netflix,
Dec. 12)
Residents of a high-rise building fight for survival when a deadly
disease breaks out and turns the infected into blood-lusting zombies.
2021 Korean series; 12 episodes.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81520295
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14979052/ [rating 7.8]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness_(South_Korean_TV_series)

Seems that Korea has fallen in love with zombies.



And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

[Ian J. Ball]

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.

I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

[shawn]

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

[anim8rfsk]

Post by shawn

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

There are those of us that still think of that as a soap opera.

[shawn]

Post by anim8rfsk

Post by shawn

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

There are those of us that still think of that as a soap opera.

LOL. That was a bit of a trip.. EDGE OF NIGHT and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.
Both of which I had heard of but never watched. My soap watching was
limited to CBS in the early 80s when visiting my parents. So it was
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and AS THE WORLD TURNS (with the young Meg
Ryan)

[Ian J. Ball]

Post by shawn

Post by anim8rfsk

Post by shawn

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

There are those of us that still think of that as a soap opera.

LOL. That was a bit of a trip.. EDGE OF NIGHT and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.
Both of which I had heard of but never watched. My soap watching was
limited to CBS in the early 80s when visiting my parents. So it was
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and AS THE WORLD TURNS (with the young Meg
Ryan)

"Search for Tomorrow" was actually also airing on CBS at that time.
(Obviously, so was "Guiding Light", which was probably the best of that
lot.)

I never saw "Edge of Night" - in fact, I didn't even know it existed
until years later.

[Nyssa]

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn

Post by anim8rfsk

Post by shawn

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

There are those of us that still think of that as a soap opera.

LOL. That was a bit of a trip.. EDGE OF NIGHT and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.
Both of which I had heard of but never watched. My soap watching was
limited to CBS in the early 80s when visiting my parents. So it was
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and AS THE WORLD TURNS (with the young Meg
Ryan)

"Search for Tomorrow" was actually also airing on CBS at that time.
(Obviously, so was "Guiding Light", which was probably the best of that
lot.)
I never saw "Edge of Night" - in fact, I didn't even know it existed
until years later.

Edge of Night started out as more of a mystery/lawyer/cop show than
a traditional soap opera.

The lead was Mike Carr, lawyer, originally played by John Larkin and
many of the supporting castwas "daylighting" from Broadway and off-
Broadway productions.

It stayed true to its mystery/cop roots while it was on CBS, but got
all soapy once it moved to ABC, and the focus was less on the cops
and lawyers and more on soap-typical "relationship" stuff. Bleah.

Factoid: A teenaged Lori Laughlin was on Edge of Night as it neared the
end of its run. I think that was her Big Break job in acting that led to
whatever you'd call her career lately.

Nyssa, who was lucky that EoN came on late enough in the afternoon
that she could watch after school all those years (decades!) ago

[Adam H. Kerman]

Post by Nyssa
Edge of Night started out as more of a mystery/lawyer/cop show than
a traditional soap opera.

The Edge of Night was literally Perry Mason as Erle Stanley Gardner
developed a serial format for CBS television based on the serial for CBS
radio. Gardner was also going to write it. CBS then screwed Gardner over
by taking his concept and characters but changing the names and settings
and title. Gardner and CBS later kissed and made up which is how the
weekly Saturday night television series aired for nine seasons.

Post by Nyssa
The lead was Mike Carr, lawyer, originally played by John Larkin and
many of the supporting castwas "daylighting" from Broadway and off-
Broadway productions.
It stayed true to its mystery/cop roots while it was on CBS, but got
all soapy once it moved to ABC, and the focus was less on the cops
and lawyers and more on soap-typical "relationship" stuff. Bleah.
Factoid: A teenaged Lori Laughlin was on Edge of Night as it neared the
end of its run. I think that was her Big Break job in acting that led to
whatever you'd call her career lately.
Nyssa, who was lucky that EoN came on late enough in the afternoon
that she could watch after school all those years (decades!) ago

[The Horny Goat]

Post by Ian J. Ball
"Search for Tomorrow" was actually also airing on CBS at that time.
(Obviously, so was "Guiding Light", which was probably the best of that
lot.)
I never saw "Edge of Night" - in fact, I didn't even know it existed
until years later.

Seriously? In its day it was the #1 US soap opera. (In the UK nothing
touched 'Coronation Street')

[Adam H. Kerman]

Post by The Horny Goat

Post by Ian J. Ball
"Search for Tomorrow" was actually also airing on CBS at that time.
(Obviously, so was "Guiding Light", which was probably the best of that
lot.)
I never saw "Edge of Night" - in fact, I didn't even know it existed
until years later.

Seriously? In its day it was the #1 US soap opera. (In the UK nothing
touched 'Coronation Street')

It was on after school and plenty of kids watched it. Then Proctor and
Gamble demanded an afternoon programming block from CBS just because,
ignoring the show's audience. The program was no longer aired after
school. Ratings fell, so CBS cancelled it. As Nyssa pointed out, it was
picked up by ABC.

I never watched daytime soap operas as a kid, maybe a few minutes on
occassion when I was sick at home.

But I don't recall reading it was the top-rating soap opera 5 decades
ago. Shirley that was All My Children during that period?

[Ian J. Ball]

Post by Adam H. Kerman

Post by The Horny Goat

Post by Ian J. Ball
"Search for Tomorrow" was actually also airing on CBS at that time.
(Obviously, so was "Guiding Light", which was probably the best of that
lot.)
I never saw "Edge of Night" - in fact, I didn't even know it existed
until years later.

Seriously? In its day it was the #1 US soap opera. (In the UK nothing
touched 'Coronation Street')

It was on after school and plenty of kids watched it. Then Proctor and
Gamble demanded an afternoon programming block from CBS just because,
ignoring the show's audience. The program was no longer aired after
school. Ratings fell, so CBS cancelled it. As Nyssa pointed out, it was
picked up by ABC.
I never watched daytime soap operas as a kid, maybe a few minutes on
occassion when I was sick at home.
But I don't recall reading it was the top-rating soap opera 5 decades
ago. Shirley that was All My Children during that period?

I'm not sure AMC was ever #1. GH was. But I don't think AMC ever was.

[The Horny Goat]

On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 18:52:44 -0000 (UTC), "Adam H. Kerman"

Post by Adam H. Kerman

Post by The Horny Goat
Seriously? In its day it was the #1 US soap opera. (In the UK nothing
touched 'Coronation Street')

It was on after school and plenty of kids watched it. Then Proctor and
Gamble demanded an afternoon programming block from CBS just because,
ignoring the show's audience. The program was no longer aired after
school. Ratings fell, so CBS cancelled it. As Nyssa pointed out, it was
picked up by ABC.
I never watched daytime soap operas as a kid, maybe a few minutes on
occassion when I was sick at home.
But I don't recall reading it was the top-rating soap opera 5 decades
ago. Shirley that was All My Children during that period?

Perhaps it was simply strong in our area (Seattle/Vancouver which was
largely considered one market at the time - this was the period
immediately before cable which in Vancouver was largely driven by the
fact that KCTS-9 (PBS) was only 10000 watts whereas the CBS/ABC/NBC
affiliates were 50000 which was clearly receivable in Vancouver which
PBS was not - so PBS and Sesame Street in particular basically sold
cable in Vancouver for at least 5 years)

But certainly Edge of Night was considered the top soap in our area at
the time.

My query to you was based on that you had never heard of Edge of Night
which I doubted.

For what it's worth the cable company in Vancouver was the first to
introduce high speed internet in our area as they found they were only
using 15-20% of their cable network for broadcast TV and discovered
they could provide internet service at high speed with the rest of
their capacity. The telephone company was about 2 years behind them
with fibre using THEIR excess telephone capacity.

I went to a local computer show back around 1988/89 where both were
represented and was VERY interested in each company's service areas
since we were on the edge of the forest with no houses above us - and
the cable company (who we dealt with for TV) said they had broadband
ready to install while the phone company said "12-18 months for your
neighborhood" which made my decision easy since while both were much
faster than my 28.8 phone modem, one was available now one wasn't.

(All of this was all before cellular of course)

[Adam H. Kerman]

Post by shawn

Post by anim8rfsk

Post by shawn

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

There are those of us that still think of that as a soap opera.

LOL. That was a bit of a trip.. EDGE OF NIGHT and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.
Both of which I had heard of but never watched. My soap watching was
limited to CBS in the early 80s when visiting my parents. So it was
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and AS THE WORLD TURNS (with the young Meg
Ryan)

Ahem. As the Stomach Churns

[Nyssa]

Post by Adam H. Kerman

Post by shawn

Post by anim8rfsk

Post by shawn

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

There are those of us that still think of that as a soap opera.

LOL. That was a bit of a trip.. EDGE OF NIGHT and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.
Both of which I had heard of but never watched. My soap watching was
limited to CBS in the early 80s when visiting my parents. So it was
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and AS THE WORLD TURNS (with the young Meg
Ryan)

Ahem. As the Stomach Churns

Nah, As the World Twirls.

Or for short, Twirly World.

:)

Nyssa, who used to crack up when her friend's mother referred
to the show that way

[anim8rfsk]

Post by shawn

Post by anim8rfsk

Post by shawn

Post by Ian J. Ball

Post by shawn
And yet another week with nothing to watch. Luckily I have a long
backlog of shows/movies to watch.

You mean "weekend". But point taken.
I have stuff to do this weekend. If I have time, I'll probably pull a
movie or two off streaming. I still don't feel like watching X-Mas TV
flicks, esp. because this year there hasn't been anyone cast that's a
"must see" (or the "must sees", like Merritt Patterson or Jen Lilley,
have finally "aged out"...).

Ah, I didn't notice it was only for a few days. So used to them always
covering a week I just assumed that was the case. I ended up
rewatching EDGE OF TOMORROW again for likely the 3rd time today.

There are those of us that still think of that as a soap opera.

LOL. That was a bit of a trip.. EDGE OF NIGHT and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.
Both of which I had heard of but never watched. My soap watching was
limited to CBS in the early 80s when visiting my parents. So it was
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and AS THE WORLD TURNS (with the young Meg
Ryan)

Yeah, those were the soaps. My mom watched long ago.

[The Horny Goat]

Post by anim8rfsk

Post by shawn
LOL. That was a bit of a trip.. EDGE OF NIGHT and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.
Both of which I had heard of but never watched. My soap watching was
limited to CBS in the early 80s when visiting my parents. So it was
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and AS THE WORLD TURNS (with the young Meg
Ryan)

Yeah, those were the soaps. My mom watched long ago.

Around the same time my mother was teaching high school so she didn't
watch much TV. My grandmother (who lived next door for most of the
60s) DID watch daytime TV. That next door situation was great for us
kids but especially great for our cat who had the run of both houses.
<grin>

[Ian J. Ball]

Post by Robin Miller
Note: The programming list for the rest of the week will be posted
separately.
It Ends With Us     (movie)       (Netfix, Dec. 9)
A florist's seemingly perfect relationship unravels when an old flame
re-enters the picture, forcing her to make a difficult choice about her
future. Stars Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj,
Brandon Sklenar, and Kevin McKidd. 2024 film;  2hr 10m. Not available on
ad tier.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81762778
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10655524/     [rating 6.5]

So, this went to Netflix? I guess I'm never seeing it.

Post by Robin Miller
        Saturday, Dec. 14
The Holiday Junkie       (movie)       (8 pm, Lifetime Channel)
Andie and her mother Mimi run a company called The Holiday Junkie, a
decorating and planning service for all holiday needs. But after Mimi
passes away, Andie is forced to face her first Christmas without her
mother and carry The Holiday Junkie torch all on her own. Despite the
challenges, Andie may also find some love at Christmas along the way!
Stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Brian Hallisay, Kristin Chenoweth, Lynn
Andrews, and Debra Christofferson.

:/

Post by Robin Miller
The Santa Class        (movie)        (8 pm, Hallmark Channel)
Kate North (Kimberley Sustad) finds herself reluctantly taking over her
father’s once acclaimed and now struggling Santa School. In the weeks
leading up to Christmas and the school’s next session, Kate and her new
co-worker Dan (Benjamin Ayres) discover who they believe to be the real
Santa Claus, lost and without his memories after his sled steered off
course and crashed near the school. They decide to help him remember who
he is by inviting him to participate in the intense Santa training
program. There’s a lot at stake this year with Kate’s school needs to
best the rival St. Nicholas School or be forced to close their doors,
and Nick (Santa Claus) needs to remember who he is, or the fate of
Christmas might be at stake.

Also pass.

Post by Robin Miller
Get Him Back for Christmas        (movie)        (8 pm, Great American
Family)
In "Get Him Back for Christmas," up-and-coming singer songwriter Bella
Harlan (Alexa PenaVega) comes home for Christmas and enlists her high-
school songwriting partner Jack Grayton (Carlos PenaVega) to craft a
song to win back her rockstar boyfriend by Christmas. As the two reunite
for the first time in a decade, they embark on a Christmas journey down
memory lane, and soon realize true love may be closer than they thought.
The heart of the movie centers on Jack’s role with The Salvation Army,
and Bella soon finds herself inspired by his devotion and passion to a
life of doing the most good. Filled with charming original music and its
share of twists and turns, "Get Him Back for Christmas" demonstrates the
importance of never losing sight of the ones who matter the most.

The PenaVegas = Strong pass!

Post by Robin Miller
        Sunday, Dec. 15
A Novel Christmas        (movie)         (7 pm, UPtv)
Chloe Anderson, a beloved children’s book author, has always drawn
inspiration from her cherished childhood memories. During her final book
signing at the Noelleville bookstore, Chloe encounters Ethan, a devoted
single father, and his book-loving, aspiring writer daughter, Alex.
Their shared passion for literature sparks an immediate connection. Just
when Chloe believes she’s on the brink of embracing her future, her
publisher extends a dazzling opportunity for a high-profile New Year’s
Eve appearance on a major network show. Now, she must decide whether to
stand firm in her resolve to focus on her novel and personal life, or
succumb to the allure of her demanding career. Stars Brigitte Kingsley,
Landy Cannon and Ariella Cannon. Canadian film.

Another third-rate cast from UP!

Post by Robin Miller
Yellowstone      (season 5 finale)       (8 pm, Paramount Network)
While Yellowstone was previously slated to end with season 5, Paramount
Network is now marketing the last episode of season 5 as the "season
finale" instead of the "series finale."
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2024/12/14/yellowstone-
season-6-spinoffs/76920583007/

Yeah, it's very unclear if what is next is "season #6", or a "spinoff
with existing characters". I think if they're smart, they'll go the
latter route. So of course they'll likely choose the former!!

Post by Robin Miller
Christmas on the Alpaca Farm       (movie)       (8 pm, Lifetime Channel)
Jess (Kirsten Comerford) the “Queen of Christmas Sweaters,” quits her
job at the hottest fashion label in NYC, intent on winning a Christmas
competition with her own line of sustainable luxury knits. Getting her
hands dirty, she teams up with Andrew (Matt Wells), a single dad and
struggling alpaca farmer, as she helps bring Christmas joy to the farm
and love into both of their hearts. Canadian film that, according to
IMDb, was released in the UK in November 2023 and is being released
everywhere else now.

I like Kristen Comerford, so, maybe...

Post by Robin Miller
Following Yonder Star        (movie)         (8 pm, Hallmark Channel)
Abby Marshall, once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother
on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a
scandal. She retreats to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas only to
find herself without a room due to a booking mishap. All the local
hotels are booked up due to a rare astronomical event ­ a beautiful star
said to mirror the Star of Bethlehem will appear on Christmas Eve.
Thankfully, Abby finds a room at a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire, who
is also a high school astronomy teacher. Since his wife’s passing, Tom
has taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, including running the inn
and directing the local church’s Christmas pageant. Empathizing with
Tom, Abby offers to help with the pageant and various activities around
the inn and finds herself enjoying both the projects and Tom’s company.
Through newfound community, family and love, Abby discovers that hope
sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways. Stars Brooke D'Orsay and
John Brotherton.

I also like Brooke D'Orsay.

Post by Robin Miller
An Evening With Dua Lipa      (special)        (8:30 to 10 pm ET, CBS)
The Grammy-winning singer is backed by a 53-piece orchestra during a
performance at London's Royal Albert Hall. Airs at 8 pm in the Pacific
time zone, and perhaps CT and MT also.

:|

Post by Robin Miller
Dexter: Original Sin         [new; linear premiere)         (10 pm,
Showtime)
http://youtu.be/f_Q936R8Hwk
https://www.metacritic.com/tv/dexter-original-sin/     [score 50]

I'll leave this to Rhino(?).