Thanksgiving Day in the United States in 2015 is Thursday, Nov. 26. Leading up to, and including, that day, there are, as usual, plenty of TV shows, movies, programming marathons and sports to enjoy. Here are a few highlights from this year.
Thanksgiving 2015 TV Programming (All Times Eastern)
Thanksgiving Week — Nov. 15-Nov. 21 from 8pm-11pm on Food Network. With a premiere every night at 8p, Food Network celebrates the countdown to Thanksgiving with a week of new episodes including The Pioneer Woman’s Ultimate Thanksgiving, Chopped Junior Thanksgiving, Guilty Pleasures & Top 5 Restaurants Thanksgiving, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Ultimate Turkey Fest. Guy’s Big Bite Thanksgiving, Guy’s Grocery Games Thanksgiving, Beat Bobby Flay Thanksgiving, All-Star Thanksgiving and a special Clash of the Grandma’s: Thanksgiving.
Supergirl: “Livewire” — Nov. 16 at 8pm on CBS. Kara’s Thanksgiving may be ruined when she suspects her foster mother, Dr. Danvers (Helen Slater), who is coming to town, disapproves of her new role as a superhero. Also, when an accident transforms a volatile CatCo employee into the villainous Livewire, she targets Cat and Supergirl.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: “My First Thanksgiving With Josh!” — Nov. 16 at 8pm on The CW. Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) scores an invite to the Chan family Thanksgiving festivities, where Josh’s (Vincent Rodriguez III) parents fall in love with her, much to Valencia’s (guest star Gabrielle Ruiz) dismay. Meanwhile, Greg (Santino Fontana) struggles with taking care of his dad and wanting to pursue his dreams.
Casual Thanksgiving episode: “Bottles” — Available to stream Nov. 18 on Hulu. Laura, now living at her father’s house, invites her dad’s girlfriend and her estranged grandparents to Thanksgiving dinner.
Holiday Entertaining With Kin Community — Nov. 18 at 10pm on Ovation. Ovation has partnered with Kin Community, an online community of lifestyle creators from around the world, to create this half-hour special. It will feature segments from Kin Community’s talented creators. From eggnog with Rachel and Byron Talbott to an egg frittata with roasted potatoes from Entertaining with Beth, Kin Community creators will help viewers pull their holidays together like a seasoned pro. Hosted by Kin Community lifestyle creator Kelly Bryson Pearce, who will provide a roundup of everything to make the holiday season shine, the special will provide viewers with the information they need to make the holidays easy, special, and beautiful.
The Big Bang Theory: “The Platonic Permutation” — Nov. 19 at 8pm on CBS. Sheldon and Amy try hanging out as friends when they spend Thanksgiving together at the aquarium. Also, Wolowitz reluctantly agrees to volunteer at the soup kitchen with Bernadette, Raj and Emily, and Penny discovers that Leonard knows more about her than she thought.
Bones: “High Treason in the Holiday Season” — Nov. 19 at 8pm on FOX. The team investigates the high-stakes murder of a political journalist who was found dead after recently publishing an article exposing corruption in the NSA. Due to the nature of the investigation, Hodgins’ paranoia takes over as the team realizes their every move is being watched. Meanwhile, Brennan secretly tries to plan a surprise for Booth and the whole team celebrates Thanksgiving together.
Life in Pieces: “Godparent Turkey Corn Farts” — Nov. 19 at 8:30pm on CBS. Joan invites their recently widowed neighbor, Gary Timpkins (Martin Mull), to Thanksgiving dinner, during which everyone has a bad reaction to Colleen’s cauliflower dish. Also, Tim and Sophia try to find a last-minute replacement for Heather’s spoiled turkey, Jen and Greg debate who to name as Lark’s godparent and John takes Samantha to the Harvest Festival, where she sneaks into the corn maze with her boyfriend.
Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow — Nov. 21 at 8pm on Lifetime. A recently divorced dad (Jay Harrington) and his children head to the quaint hamlet of Turkey Hollow to spend Thanksgiving with his eccentric Aunt Cly (Mary Steenburgen). Bored with the rusticity and lack of Wi-Fi, the kids get caught up in a hunt for the town’s mysterious urban legend, the Howling Hoodoo. Lisa Henson, daughter of the late Jim Henson and CEO of The Jim Henson Company, says of the family film, “I’m so proud of the fact that there’s something there for everybody.”
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar — Nov. 22 at 7pm on Disney Channel. The epic storytelling of Disney’s The Lion King continues when this original movie introduces Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, who is destined to become the leader of the Lion Guard, a team of animals comprised of the Pride Lands’ fiercest, bravest, fastest, strongest and keenest of sight. Features the voices of Rob Lowe, Gabrielle Union, Max Charles, Atticus Shaffer and Sarah Hyland, and James Earl Jones and Ernie Sabella reprise their roles as Mufasa and Pumbaa, respectively.
The Wizard of Oz — Nov. 22 at 8pm and 10:17pm, and Nov. 27 at 3:45pm on TBS. The 1939 classic.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: “Ava” — Nov. 22 at 8:30pm on FOX. Terry leaves Jake in charge of entertaining his pregnant wife, Sharon, while he and Rosa head to Rikers to learn more about the Douglass Street murders. But when Sharon’s water breaks sooner than expected, crisis ensues at the precinct. Meanwhile, due to an internet outage, Amy and Charles must process all the paperwork by hand to avoid the bullpen from overflowing with perps and Holt is forced to confront his ex-boyfriend.
Saints and Strangers — Nov. 22 at 9pm on NGC. Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men), Ron Livingston (Boardwalk Empire), Barry Sloane (Revenge) and Raoul Trujillo (Salem) lead an all-star cast in this dramatic two-night event that recounts what most Americans call “the Thanksgiving story” in a way that is nothing like the version you learned in school. Told from the perspective of both factions aboard the Mayflower — the Saints and the Strangers — and the Native Americans, this is what really happened after 102 searching souls boarded the Mayflower on Sept. 6, 1620, and set sail for America.
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Modern Marvels: “The Turkey” — Nov. 23 at 11pm on H2. It’s the centerpiece on your Thanksgiving dinner table–and one of the most famous birds in North America. From the moment a baby turkey pecks through its shell to the factory that transforms turkey waste into crude oil, see a world few have ever seen.
The Real Story of Thanksgiving — Nov. 23 at 11:03pm on History. The story of Thanksgiving, with its costumed Pilgrims, turkeys and pumpkin pie, zigzags through American history with some surprising twists.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving — Nov. 24 at 8pm on ABC. Pop the popcorn, toast some toast and gather your family for the beloved 1973 Peanuts special that sees Charlie Brown trying live up to Peppermint Patty’s expectation of a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers follows.
Pretty Little Liars: “5 Years Forward” — Nov. 24 at 8pm on ABC Family. This episode offers fans a glimpse at what everyone’s favorite characters have been up to inside and outside of Rosewood over the past five years. The episode will feature never-before-seen scenes, backstage tours of brand new PLL sets, interviews with the cast and crew surrounding the highly anticipated time jump, including the style evolution of the Liars, and more.
NCIS: “Blood Brothers” — Nov. 24 at 8pm on CBS. In the hopes of sparing a family further tragedy, the Secretary of the Navy calls on NCIS to help a sailor battling leukemia locate a bone marrow transplant after his two Marine siblings are killed in the line of duty. Also, Bishop returns home to Oklahoma for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown — Nov. 24 at 8pm on The CW. Kevin Frazier (“Entertainment Tonight”) and Keltie Knight (“The Insider”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous.
Grandfathered: “Gerald’s Two Dads” — Nov. 24 at 8pm on FOX. Jimmy plans his annual Malibu Thanksgiving day with one of the hottest stomach models on Instagram, but his plans get derailed when he swings by Sara’s house for an obligatory holiday visit and feels threatened by the return of her ex-boyfriend, Bruce (guest star Andy Daly).
American Experience: “The Pilgrims” — Nov. 24 at 8pm on PBS (check local listings). Explore the converging forces, circumstances, personalities and events that propelled a group of English men and women across the Atlantic in 1620. Their personal histories, religious beliefs and will to survive reveal much about our nation’s beginnings.
The Grinder: “Giving Thanks, Getting Justice” — Nov. 24 at 8:30pm on FOX. After spending several holidays away from the family, Dean is thrilled to be reunited with them for his first real Thanksgiving celebration in a long time. But his overexcitement and meddling brings a major, unexpected family secret to light. Meanwhile, a series of flashbacks reveal the chain of events that led to Dean’s departure from his hit TV drama, “The Grinder,” and its subsequent cancellation.
NCIS: New Orleans: “Billy and the Kid” — Nov. 24 at 9pm on CBS. The murder of a Marine provides new clues in the first case Pride and Lasalle ever worked together, just before Hurricane Katrina struck the city and washed away any evidence. Also, the team celebrates Thanksgiving together in Pride’s bar.
Scream Queens: “Thanksgiving” — Nov. 24 at 9pm on FOX. Chad takes Chanel to his family home for Thanksgiving, where she meets his brothers, Brad (guest star Chad Michael Murray) and Thad (guest star Patrick Schwarzenegger), as well as his parents (guest stars Alan Thicke and Julia Duffy). However, an uninvited guest throws the holiday into chaos. Meanwhile, Dean Munsch gathers the survivors at Kappa House, but dinner quickly explodes into accusations of who among them is really the killer. Then, the Red Devil carves up a deadly main course as another victim falls.
Wild Kratts and Nature Cat — Nov. 25 on PBS; check local listings. The “Creature Christmas” episode of Wild Kratts focuses on how certain creatures are disappearing around the globe. Then, the series premiere of Nature Cat follows the title character (voiced by Taran Killam), who is a backyard nature explorer.
Gone With the Wednesday — Nov. 25 beginning at 9am on AMC. Four straight airings of the 1939 classic Gone With the Wind.
College Basketball — Nov. 25 beginning at 12pm live on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. Load up on college basketball today on ESPN networks with games from the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, the Maui Jim Maui Invitational in Hawaii and the MGM Grand Main Event in Las Vegas.
Mountain Monsters Marathon — Nov. 25 from 5pm-9pm on Destination America.
Alaskan Bush People Marathon — Nov. 25 from 5pm-10pm on Discovery Channel.
My Big Fat Fabulous Life Marathon — Nov. 25 from 6pm -10pm on TLC.
The Middle: “Thanksgiving VI” — Nov. 25 at 8pm on ABC. With the Heck house in disarray due to the kitchen sink hole and miniature dining room table, Frankie suggests that the family enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at the local King’s Feast buffet. But all does not run so smoothly when Sue invites her boyfriend Darrin to dine with the family and gets the feeling that Mike doesn’t like him very much, Brick invites his quirky girlfriend Cindy, and Axl is forced by Frankie to invite a girl he doesn’t even know to the holiday meal.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles — Nov. 25 at 8pm on The CW. John Hughes’ 1987 comedy classic stars Steve Martin and John Candy as mismatched travelers who share a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get one of them home for Thanksgiving.
Once Upon a Holiday — Nov. 25 at 8pm on Hallmark Channel. When a princess runs away from her official obligations and duties for a couple of days to see how the other half lives, she winds up falling for a good Samaritan who is unaware of her real identity. Will the guy still feel the same way once he learns the truth? Starring Briana Evigan, Paul Campbell and Greg Evigan.
The Making of “The Wiz Live!” — Nov. 25 at 8pm on NBC. From NBC News’ Peacock Productions, this hour-long special will give viewers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the incredible teamwork it takes to create this holiday’s highly anticipated television event, “The Wiz Live!” (premiering Dec. 3 on NBC). From casting to costume design, “The Making of The Wiz Live!” is an all-access pass to The Land of Oz.
The Goldbergs: “A Goldberg Thanksgiving” — Nov. 25 at 8:30pm on ABC. As a bet, Beverly challenges Erica to participate in Jazzercise after she thinks her mom’s obsession is lame. When she wins, Erica decides to opt out of celebrating Thanksgiving, so Beverly must find a way to win her daughter back to celebrate the holiday with the family. Meanwhile, Uncle Marvin shows up for his annual visit to the Goldberg home and unexpectedly bonds with Adam, which annoys Murray.
Modern Family: “Three Turkeys” — Nov. 25 at 9pm on ABC. Phil is cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year with Luke as his sous chef, and Claire has no confidence in them and prepares a secret turkey of her own as backup. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria had plans to spend the holiday away, but when the trip gets canceled last minute, they decide not to tell anyone, which quickly becomes the worst idea ever since the family dinner gets suddenly moved to their house, and it turns into a mad scramble to cover their tracks.
SNL Thanksgiving — Nov. 25 at 9pm on NBC. The best Thanksgiving-related moments from Saturday Night Live.
Hallmark Movies and Mysteries’ Yule Log — Nov. 25 beginning at 11pm, continuing through most of the daylight hours on Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving), on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. This Yule Log comes with a bonus: a dog and a cat, both named Happy for some reason, stretching and snoozing by the TV hearth.
Swampsgiving — Nov. 25 at 11:03pm, and Nov. 26 at 2pm on History. Gator season has come and gone, but down in the swamp, life goes on for the beloved gator hunters of Swamp People. SWAMPSGIVING offers viewers a glimpse of the world of the swamp in the off-season–in particular, the varied traditions surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday in the Atchafalaya River basin, and the ways in which all of these born hunters and fishers go about procuring their fish and fowl for the big meal.
Secrets of World War II Marathon — Nov. 26 from 6am-12am on American Heroes Channel.
House of Payne Marathon — Nov. 26 from 6am-7pm on BET.
Chrisley Knows Best Marathon — Nov. 26 from 6am-4pm on USA Network.
James Bond Movie Marathon on Syfy — Nov. 26 beginning at 6:30am through Nov. 28 on Syfy. Kicking off with the first Bond film, Dr. No, this marathon ends Nov. 28 with Daniel Craig’s second 007 film, Quantum of Solace.
Thanksgiving With Your Godfather — Nov. 26 beginning at 9am on AMC. Daylong airings of The Godfather and The Godfather Part II.
Despicable Me 2 Marathon — Nov. 26 from 9am-3am on FX.
James Bond Movie Marathon on EPIX — Nov. 26 at 7:15am to Nov. 28 at 6:45am on EPIX. If seeing Spectre in theaters got you excited about seeing more 007 movie action, you’ll enjoy this two-day marathon featuring several of Bond’s previous adventures, including Goldfinger, Thunderball, The Spy Who Loved Me and more.
The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS — Nov. 26 at 9am Live (tape-delayed at 9am PT). This year’s 55th installment of the annual event, which is anchored by Kevin Frazier and Keltie Knight live from New York City. Performances during the parade will include the casts of the Tony Award-winning Broadway productions of “Jersey Boys” and “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.” Dropping by to talk with Frazier and Knight will be Wayne Brady, Renée Elise Goldsberry, model Taylor Hill and actor George Takei.
Railroad Alaska: Real Time Train Ride — Nov. 26 from 9am-2pm, with an immediate encore, on Destination America. With the expressed purpose of putting you to sleep on Thanksgiving, in case the turkey dinner doesn’t do it, this five-hour special simply shows the real-time journey of a train traversing Alaska’s critical 500-mile long railroad. You will see nothing –or, almost nothing — other than what the cameras themselves see attached to the train.
RELATED: MORE ABOUT DESTINATION AMERICA’S “REAL TIME TRAIN RIDE”
The 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — Nov. 26 from 9am-noon in all time zones, with same-day encore from 2pm-5pm, on NBC. Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker anchor the annual favorite. Joining the festivities this year are Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Mariah Carey, Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson, Cirque du Soleil, Daughtry, Andra Day, Andy Grammer, Sandra Lee, Shawn Mendes, MercyMe, MIPSO, Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell, Jennifer Nettles, NHL legends Mark and Marty Howe, Jake Owen, Panic! at the Disco, Plain White T’s, Rachel Platten, Questlove with the cast & the Muppets of “Sesame Street”, Prince Royce, the cast of Broadway’s “School of Rock,” Trey Songz, Jordin Sparks, Chica and the gang from Sprout and Train. Joining the parade as a signature element kicking off the holiday season will be the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. The national broadcast also showcases the best theatrical productions. Set for a 34th Street performance will be “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Finding Neverland,” “The King & I,” “On Your Feet!” and “Something Rotten.” In addition, spectators will get a sneak preview performance from NBC’s upcoming “The Wiz Live!”
College Basketball — Nov. 26 beginning at 12pm live on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. ESPN networks have a big Thanksgiving Day spread as part of Feast Week, with college basketball games from the AdvoCare Invitational in Orlando, Fla., the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, the NIT Season Tip-Off at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and the DIRECTV Wooden Legacy in Fullerton, Calif.
The National Dog Show — Nov. 26 at noon in all time zones on NBC. John O’Hurley and David Frei return to co-host the 14th annual event, with Mary Carillo reporting from the benching area and inside the show ring. Included this year are seven new AKC-sanctioned breeds — the Lagotto Romagnolo (sporting group), the Berger Picard (herding group), the Miniature American Shepherd (herding group), the Bergamasco (herding group), the Spanish Water Dog (herding group), the Cirneco dell’Etna (hound group) and the Boerboel (working group) — bringing the total recognized breeds for the competition to 199.
NFL Football — Nov. 26 beginning at 12:30pm live on FOX, CBS and NBC. Thanksgiving Day always comes with a huge helping of the NFL. The day starts on FOX with the Philadelphia Eagles at the Detroit Lions. Then on CBS, Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers visit AT&T Stadium for a matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. The feast concludes on NBC as the Chicago Bears try to turn their fortune around against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
10 Days of Thanksgiving — Nov. 26 at 1pm through Dec. 6 on Nat Geo Wild. A marathon of programming begins Thanksgiving Day with several DisneyNature films. Then, the network’s annual Big Cat Week begins Nov. 27 and runs through Dec. 6.
Naked and Afraid XL Marathon — Nov. 26 from 3pm-midnight on Discovery Channel.
Swampsgiving 2 — Nov. 26 at 3pm on History. It’s holiday time on the bayou and Swampers are preparing for their upcoming harvest feasts. They’re out to stock their tables full of traditional delicacies straight from the swamp. But when a family fishing trip turns into a race against the elements and a Swampers traps come up empty, both are forced to quickly find a new plan to save their family celebrations.
The Simpsons Thanksgiving Day Marathon — Nov. 26 from 4pm-10pm on FXX. Twelve of the best holiday episodes of The Simpsons.
Modern Family Marathon — Nov. 26 from 4pm-1am on USA Network.
Idiotest Marathon — Nov. 26 from 5pm-8pm on GSN. Exercise your brain while you’re waiting for the turkey to cook with a marathon of GSN’s hit game show, “Idiotest.” Gather the family ‘round to watch host Ben Gleib (“Chelsea Lately”) quiz contestants with increasingly difficult brain teaser puzzles to determine which team of two are true “idiots.”
Railroad Alaska Marathon — Nov. 26 from 7pm-12am on Destination America.
The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration — Nov. 26 at 8pm on FOX. Actress, producer and animal advocate Hilary Swank and Michael Levitt are re-teaming with FOX to executive-produce this second annual event celebrating America’s rescue dogs. Throughout the two-hour family-friendly special, celebrity guests will introduce the audience to adoptable rescue dogs and honor the people who dedicate their lives to caring for animals in need. Kaley Cuoco hosts the event, with celebrity appearances scheduled to include Miley Cyrus, Chelsea Handler, Paula Abdul, Valerie Bertinelli, Carrie Ann Inaba, Cesar Millan, Florida Georgia Line, Kathy Griffin, Scarlett Johansson, Whitney Cummings, Olivia Munn, Emmy Rossum, Sia and Zendaya.
12 Gifts of Christmas — Nov. 26 at 8pm on Hallmark Channel. Anna, an unemployed fine arts painter, is hired to become a personal Christmas shopper for Marc, an uptight corporate exec. As they begin working together, Marc learns that Christmas giving has less to do with the amount of money spent and more to do with the importance of the gift, while Anna discovers she might find success as an artist in a way she never expected. Starring Katrina Law, Aaron O’Connell and Donna Mills.
Broadway at the White House — Nov. 26 at 8pm on TLC. The stage is set, the orchestra is ready and the curtains open as a spotlight shines on some of America’s best and brightest teens who hope to make it on The Great White Way. This Thanksgiving, TLC cameras will follow deserving high school students who were chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend an all-day symposium on careers in theater. Held at the White House, and alongside some of the biggest names on Broadway, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will transform into a space for students to explore their creative aspirations and dig into molding their emerging talent. The special will be hosted by Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Morrison with special guest, First Lady Michelle Obama. Also participating throughout the day will be Whoopi Goldberg, Gloria Estefan, Christian Borle, Cicely Tyson and other current Broadway performers.
I Hope You Dance: The Power of Spirit and Song — Nov. 26 at 9pm on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Based on the popular song, this inspirational special explores how the Grammy award winning mega hit has motivated real people to transform their lives, to chase their dreams, to overcome obstacles and to persist in the face of extreme adversity. Featured are Dr. Maya Angelous, Joel Osteen, Brian Wilson, Graham Nash and Vince Gill.
What Not to Wear Marathon — Nov. 27 from 6am-midnight on TLC.
Fresh Prince of Bel Air Marathon — Nov. 27 from 7am-7pm on BET.
Dirty Jobs Marathon — Nov. 27 from 9am-3pm on Animal Planet.
Black Belt Friday Marathon — Nov. 27 from 11:30am-8pm on Esquire Network. In honor of what would have been Bruce Lee’s 75th birthday, Esquire airs a selection of the martial arts legend’s best film work, including The Big Boss, Fists of Fury and Game of Death.
College Basketball — Nov. 27 beginning at 12:30pm live on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. It’s Black Friday, but you won’t have to fight the crowds to get great college basketball on ESPN networks today. Action features the AdvoCare Invitational in Orlando, Fla., the NIT Season Tip-Off championship game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Battle 4 Atlantis championship in the Bahamas, the DIRECTV Wooden Legacy in Fullerton, Calif., and the Hoophall Miami Invitational in Florida.
NHL Hockey: NHL Thanksgiving Showdown — Nov. 27 beginning at 1pm live on NBC and NBCSN. The NHL’s Black Friday tradition returns, this year featuring two national TV games. First up, the N.Y. Rangers battle the Bruins at Boston’s TD Garden on NBC. Then a Western Conference Finals rematch is in store on NBCSN as the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Honda Center in Anaheim to face the Ducks.
Gold Rush Marathon — Nov. 27 from 4pm to 10pm on Discovery Channel.
The Haunted Marathon — Nov. 27 from 5pm-10pm on Destination America.
Home Alone 25th Anniversary Airings — Nov. 27 and 28 at 6pm & 8:30pm on AMC.
Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer — Nov. 27 at 8pm on The CW. Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
The Holderness Family Christmas Jammy Jam — Nov. 27 at 8pm on UP. The special follows the famed viral video family Penn and Kim Holderness, and kids Lola (8) and Penn Charles (5), during the most wonderful time of their year – Christmas. Despite the pressures of packing to move, producing another hit viral video and preparing for their office Christmas party, Penn and Kim are determined to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Kung Fu Panda Holiday — Nov. 27 at 9pm on The CW. The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman provide voice talent.
Merry Madagascar — Nov. 27 at 9:30pm on The CW. When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas.
Frosty the Snowman — Nov. 28 at 8pm on CBS. The annual animated classic.
Frosty Returns — Nov. 28 at 8:30pm on CBS. John Goodman provides the voice in this followup special.
The Story of Santa Claus — Nov. 28 at 9pm on CBS. An animated musical holiday special featuring the voices of Edward Asner, Betty White and Tim Curry, the story revolves around a gentle toymaker whose only wish is to deliver a toy to every child on Christmas.
Spymasters: CIA in the Crosshairs — Nov. 28 at 9pm on Showtime. For the first time ever, all 12 living directors of the CIA — including George H.W. Bush, Robert Gates, George Tenet, Leon Panetta, David Petraeus and current director John Brennan — along with some of the agency’s top operatives, talk candidly about America’s spy network. The documentary film is written by Chris Whipple, who also wrote The President’s Gatekeepers. Homeland star Mandy Patinkin narrates.
Alaska: The Last Frontier Marathon — Nov. 29 from 1pm-10pm on Discovery Channel.
The Walking Dead Midseason Finale — Nov. 29 at 9pm on AMC. Season 6 of AMC’s zombie phenomenon reaches the halfway point. New episodes return in February 2016.
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Saints and Strangers: © National Geographic Channels. Credit: David Bloomer
The Pilgrims: Courtesy of Kristen Oney/Plimoth Plantation
The Middle: ABC/Michael Ansell
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Macy’s, Inc.
Are the animals on hallmark animated or live