TV Best Bets

Friday, Dec. 16: The 85th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade

Hollywood Christmas Parade Mike Windle/Getty Images for The Hollywood Christmas Parade

All Times Eastern.

Friday, Dec. 16

The 85th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade
The CW, 8pm
Olivia Newton-John will serve as the grand marshal of the largest Christmas celebration in America. This Hollywood tradition features larger-than-life inflatable character balloons and celebrity-filled cars coasting down the parade route, while musical performances shine from two stages along the route. Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain and Montel Williams host the parade down Hollywood Boulevard with help from special cohosts Elizabeth Stanton and Garrett Clayton.

Barry
Netflix
Original Film!
Vikram Gandhi’s film is about one pivotal year in the life of the young, pre-president Barack Obama (played by newcomer Devon Terrell), known to his friends as Barry, as he arrives in New York City in the fall of 1981 to begin his junior year at Columbia University. In a crime-ridden and racially charged environment, Barry finds himself pulled between various social spheres and he struggles to maintain a series of increasingly strained relationships with his Kansas-born mother, his estranged Kenyan father and his classmates. The film follows Obama grappling with the same issues that the country he would lead 30 years later is still coming to terms with. Ashley Judd and Jenna Elfman also star.

MacGyver: “Scissors”
CBS, 8pm
In the new episode “Scissors,” MacGyver (Lucas Till) and Jack (George Eads) search for Riley (Tristin Mays) after she mysteriously disappears and hacks into the NSA, possibly unleashing World War III.

Dr. Ken: “A Park Family Christmas”
ABC, 8:30pm
Allison wants to show off her fun side to her Welltopia coworkers and throws an office Christmas party — but Ken’s a reluctant participant. Meanwhile, D.K. and Dave dress as Santa and his elf at the library’s annual Christmas party for kids.

Hawaii Five-0: “Ka’ili Aku (Snatchback)”
CBS, 9pm
Guest Star Alert!
Five-0 races to Mexico where Chin (Daniel Dae Kim) puts his life on the line after his niece (guest star Londyn Silzer) is kidnapped. George Takei guest-stars as Chin’s uncle and Duane “Dog” Chapman guest-stars as himself in the new episode “Ka’ili Aku (Snatchback).”

The Exorcist: “Chapter Ten: Three Rooms”
FOX, 9pm
Season Finale!
Forty years ago, a demon was denied its prize, and now it will stop at nothing to destroy Angela Rance (Geena Davis) and her family. Their only hope lies in two determined priests: Marcus (Ben Daniels) and Tomas (Alfonso Herrera). While FOX is calling this the season finale, iffy ratings may spell the death of this horror series.

Joshua Bell’s Seasons of Cuba
PBS, 9pm
Award-winning, world-famous violinist Joshua Bell leads a Live From Lincoln Center event with musicians from America and Cuba, building a bridge between cultures and artistry.

Z Nation: “Everybody Dies in the End”
Syfy, 9pm
Season Finale!
Addy and Doc have no idea where Lucy is when they’re approached by a very unusual zombie bitten by Lucy. It seems the zombie virus is receding, and he’s able to help. Doc and Addy catch up with Warren and the others, but the reunion is short-lived. The Man holds Lucy captive at the highest point for miles, awaiting an aircraft from Zona, and the heroes must battle Zona Blends, Enders, Zombies and The Man to get to her. When the heroes finally reach the top, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Lidia Celebrates America: “Holiday for Heroes”
PBS, 10pm
Join host Lidia Bastianich for an unforgettable holiday special celebrating veterans, who discuss the importance of family during holidays, the challenges and sacrifices of their work, and the pride they take in having defended our country.

Saturday, Dec. 17

College Football
ABC & ESPN, beginning at 12pm Live
College football’s bowl season begins today, and ESPN and ABC combine to air five games. ABC airs the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl from Atlanta and the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. ESPN airs the Gildan New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque; the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Ala.; and the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

College Basketball
CBS, beginning at 12:30pm Live
Saturday college hoops on CBS begin with the Memphis Tigers at the Oklahoma Sooners, followed by the CBS Sports Classic doubleheader at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. the UCLA Bruins and the Kentucky Wildcats vs. the North Carolina Tar Heels.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!
ABC, 8pm
Everyone’s doing their own thing for Christmas vacation, so Lucy and Linus’ little brother Rerun asks Snoopy to invite his wayward brother Spike for the holidays.

Big Game
CBS, 8pm
Air Force One has been shot down, leaving the president of the United States to trust a young boy in the wilderness to help him survive. Samuel L. Jackson, Onni Tommila and Ray Stevenson star in this 2014 action thriller.

My Christmas Love
Hallmark Channel, 8pm
Original Film!
A hopeless romantic (Meredith Hagner) starts receiving gifts from the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” compliments of an anonymous benefactor. As she tries to figure out the gifter’s identity with the hope that the person on the other end of the parade of presents will be her one true love, she discovers that what she was looking for was right in front of her the entire time. Also stars Bobby Campo and Gregory Harrison.

NFL Football: Miami at N.Y. Jets
NFL Network, 8:20pm Live
The AFC East’s Miami Dolphins and N.Y. Jets meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Week 15 Saturday primetime game on NFL Network.

Sunday, Dec. 18

Figure Skating: ISU Grand Prix Final
NBC, 4pm
NBC airs an encore presentation of the 2016 ISU Grand Prix Final in Marseille, France, featuring the top six skaters in each discipline competing for the championship.

The Sound of Music
ABC, 7pm
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1965 classic about the real-life von Trapp family, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, features the beloved singalong favorites “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” and, yes, “The Sound of Music.”

Breakthrough Prize
FOX, 7pm
The 5th Annual Breakthrough Prize recognizes and honors todays’ most prominent scientists and mathematicians in a Silicon Valley awards ceremony. Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman hosts the awards and Alicia Keys is scheduled to perform.

Sleigh Bells Ring
Hallmark Channel, 8pm
Original Film!
Single mom Laurel Bishop (Erin Cahill) is ready to be promoted to city manager, but first she needs to put together a gorgeous Christmas parade in just two weeks! When she finds a beautiful old sleigh, she knows it will be perfect for the Santa float if she can fix it up in time. But things go awry as the magical sleigh seems to have a mind of its own and keeps nudging her back to her handsome former high-school sweetheart (David Alpay).

NCIS: Los Angeles: “Tidings We Bring”
CBS, 8:30pm
In the new episode “Tidings We Bring,” Sam (LL Cool J) partners with Anna (returning guest star Bar Paly) and Callen (Chris O’Donnell) goes with Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) as the team investigates the disappearance of a Navy officer who is working with the NSA on foreign cyber threats. And, yes, the team still manages to celebrate the holidays together.

A Christmas to Remember
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, 9pm
Original Film!
When Jennifer (Mira Sorvino), a harsh TV personality, needs a break from her own life, she hops in a car and drives to a small-town mountain retreat. On her way there, a blizzard sends her car veering off the road, and she crashes and suffers amnesia. A handsome widower (Cameron Mathison) with three kids takes her in and assimilates her into his family. As Jennifer starts remembering who she is, she prefers the new life she’s built.

Great Performances: “The Hollow Crown: Henry VI, Part II”
PBS, 9pm
Bitter rivalries erupt. The feeble King Henry is overshadowed by Queen Margaret. Edward IV takes the throne, but youngest brother Richard has his eyes on the crown. With Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Sturridge, Sophie Okonedo and Keeley Hawes.

Shameless
Showtime, 9pm
Season Finale!
Nothing is certain but death and taxes and the fact that Frank Gallagher will always be a hopelessly drunk screwup. But the guy does have a heart. Shameless wraps up Season 7 with the Gallagher family patriarch (Emmy winner William H. Macy) reeling from the return of his gallivanting soulmate Monica (Chloe Webb), who has been stricken with a probably lethal brain aneurism.

Madam Secretary: “The Race”
CBS, 9:30pm
Israel and Iran are on the brink of war in the new episode “The Race,” and Elizabeth (Téa Leoni) tries to broker a peace between them. Meanwhile, the House’s vote on the U.S. presidential election is imminent.

Eyewitness: “Mother’s Day”
USA Network, 10pm
Season Finale!
Helen reels from her discovery that Ryan is the killer. When she learns Philip and Lukas are missing, she must race to find them before it’s too late.

Elementary: “Pick Your Poison”
CBS, 10:30pm
In the new episode “Pick Your Poison,” Watson (Lucy Liu) is implicated in a DEA investigation into doctors writing illegal prescriptions, and Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) helps her search for the person using her medical license to sell drugs.

Monday, Dec. 19

College Football: Miami Beach Bowl
ESPN, 2:30pm Live
ESPN has coverage of the Miami Beach Bowl from Marlins Park in South Florida.

First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell to the White House — An Oprah Winfrey Special
CBS, 8pm
Oprah Winfrey speaks to first lady Michelle Obama for her final one-on-one interview inside the White House in this new special. Topics will include details about Obama’s life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, her eight years as first lady, the legacy she’ll leave behind and her plans for the future.

“America’s Got Talent” Holiday Spectacular
NBC, 8pm
America’s Got Talent celebrates the holidays with a festive, star-studded special, featuring this season’s winner, Grace VanderWaal, along with fan favorites The Clairvoyants, Brian Justin Crum, Olate Dogs and crooner Sal Valentinetti, who performs “Santa Baby” with Heidi Klum. Additional performances include Season 9 winner Mat Franco, special guests Penn & Teller, The Regurgitator and daredevil Professor Splash, who will perform a dive into a pool of eggnog.

NFL Football: Carolina at Washington
ESPN, 8:15pm Live
The disappointing Carolina Panthers head to FedEx Field in Landover, Md., as the Washington Redskins host this Week 15 Monday Night Football matchup.

Man With a Plan: “Adam Steps Up”
CBS, 9pm
Adam (Matt LeBlanc) is definitely out of his element in the new episode “Adam Steps Up,” but he still comes through for his oldest daughter, Kate (Grace Kaufman), while his wife, Andi (Liza Snyder), is away.

Marie Claire Young Women’s Honors Presented by Clinique
The CW, 9pm
This first annual awards ceremony shares untold stories of inspiration and empowerment from females worldwide. Award-winning actress and socially conscious crusader Gina Rodriguez will serve as host and executive producer. Honorees include Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, Paralympic champion Tatyana McFadden and critical care physician Dr. Vanessa Kerry.

Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Laura Osnes and Martin Jarvis
PBS, 9pm
Hear Broadway star Laura Osnes, acclaimed British screen actor Martin Jarvis and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in the annual Christmas concert. Joining Osnes and Jarvis are four distinguished Metropolitan Opera soloists.

Leave It to Stevie
VH1, 9pm
New Series!
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star Stevie J is looking for a fresh start with his five children. Newly single Stevie is putting his family as his top priority, and resolves to forge deeper connections with them and return to the studio to create new music. Stevie embarks on life as a bachelor and family man with the help of longtime buddies Yung Joc and Lil Scrappy, but an old friend has him considering a romantic relationship.

2 Broke Girls: “And the Planes, Fingers and Automobiles”
CBS, 9:30pm
A road trip is in store in the new episode “And the Planes, Fingers and Automobiles.” When Max (Kat Dennings) decides to head to Los Angeles to win back Randy (guest star Ed Quinn), she and Caroline (Beth Behrs) embark on a cross-country road trip with Han (Matthew Moy) at the wheel.

K. Michelle: My Life
VH1, 9:30pm
Season Premiere!
In the third season, K. Michelle is ready to discover the real “Kimberly Pate” by embracing her roots and reconnecting with her past. After coming off her “Hello Kimberly” tour, she returns to Atlanta to launch her new restaurant, Puff & Petals, and develop young talent. And while on a trip to Memphis, K’s hometown secrets will be revealed by her family, friends and her sister Shalah.

Scorpion: “Wreck the Halls”
CBS, 10pm
Team Scorpion attempts to have an electronics-free holiday getaway in the new episode “Wreck the Halls.” The plan goes awry on Christmas Eve when they come across gun smugglers who kidnap Ralph (Riley B. Smith).

This Is History: 2016
History, 10pm
This original documentary special asks how the year 2016 will be viewed by future generations. After polling Americans about the most significant historic events of their lifetimes, these results are connected with the events of the past year. A diverse range of experts from the fields of politics, journalism, technology and more are on hand to weigh in on the year that was.

The Wall
NBC, 10pm
Sneak Preview!
This is a preview of a new game show that makes its series premiere Jan. 3. Executive-produced by NBA superstar LeBron James, and hosted by Chris Hardwick, the show offers a pair of teammates life-altering cash prizes. The rules are simple: Get a question correct and a green ball will fall down the wall and add the value of the slot to the players’ winning total. Miss a question and an ominous red ball will fall and deduct the value from the team. Wildly unpredictable, the wall is capable of millions of different outcomes.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hungry
Netflix
This special marks comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ Netflix original standup comedy debut and his sixth comedy special. He reflects on his life and more before a sold-out house in Chicago.

College Football: Marmot Boca Raton Bowl
ESPN, 7pm Live
Teams from the American Athletic Conference and Conference USA compete in the third annual Boca Raton Bowl, held at FAU Stadium on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Terry Crews Saves Christmas: “Reynolds Family”
The CW, 8pm
New Series!
Actor Terry Crews is a Christmas super-fan and he’s on a mission to make the holidays merrier for others. In each of five episodes — airing over four consecutive nights — Crews visits a hopeless holiday enthusiast and puts him or her through a hilarious Christmas crash course. Tonight, the Reynolds family has decided to take over the tradition of hosting the family “Game Day” Christmas party, and Terry and his experts need to come up with a winning game plan.

Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas
FOX, 8pm
In this half-hour animated special, in his rush to help prepare for the holidays, Sid (John Leguizamo) destroys Manny’s (Ray Romano) treasured Christmas rock. Manny gets so upset that he convinces Sid he is on Santa’s naughty list, so Sid, Crash (Seann William Scott), Eddie (Josh Peck) and Peaches (Ciara Bravo) take off for the North Pole to plead their case to Santa (Billy Gardell).

Michael Bublé Sings and Swings
NBC, 8pm
Michael Bublé is back with his sixth annual special for NBC. Taped before a live audience in Manchester, England, the program features the singer performing fan-favorite pop hits as well as jazz standards.

The Year: 2016
ABC, 9pm
Join Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, David Muir, Michael Strahan, Amy Robach, Lara Spencer, Dan Harris, Juju Chang, Byron Pitts and Elizabeth Vargas for a wide-ranging look at the year in politics, celebrity romance, pop trends, viral videos and more. The two-hour special features the most iconic and historic moments of 2016 — from the rollercoaster ride that was the presidential race to the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis and the Black Lives Matter movement — and new interviews with the young stars of Stranger Things, plus rapper DJ Khaled, Olympians Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles, and the cast of Fuller House.

Family Time: “Merry Kwanzaa”
Bounce TV, 9pm
In a cheerful holiday spirit, Lisa (Angell Conwell) decides to celebrate Kwanzaa with her family and Donnie (Clayton Thomas). As the holiday approaches, chaos erupts after Lisa, Lori (Paula Jai Parker) and Rachel (Tanjareen Thomas) join a caroling group with Vivian (Erica Shaffer).

Scream Queens: “Drain the Swamp”
FOX, 9pm
Season Finale!
The Green Meanie sets its final plan for revenge in motion as Hester (Lea Michele) makes a bold move to secure her future, and Dr. Brock Holt (John Stamos) performs a dangerous surgery to save the life of Dean Munsch (Jamie Lee Curtis).

Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come
NBC, 9pm
Join the ageless, iconic crooner and some of entertainment’s biggest stars for a heartwarming evening of music and memories filmed at Radio City Music Hall. Featuring performances by Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, Diana Krall and others, the star-packed event offers fans old and new a fresh opportunity to get to know Bennett as a world citizen, humanitarian, inspiration and unrivaled performer.

Aftermath: “Whispers of Immortality”
Syfy, 10pm
Season Finale!
The end of the world has arrived, and the Copelands must use every ally and every bit of knowledge they possess to survive. It still might not be enough.

Shooter: “Killing Zone”
USA Network, 10pm
Bob Lee (Ryan Phillippe) tracks down his former instructor Rathford O’Brien (William Fichtner) to help him find the shooter. Nadine (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) interrogates Payne (Eddie McClintock), while Isaac (Omar Epps) discovers he is in over his head and a reporter approaches Julie (Shantel VanSanten) with a deal.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Undercover Boss
CBS, 8pm
Season Premiere!
Season 8 of Undercover Boss kicks off with back-to-back episodes tonight featuring Build-A-Bear Workshop president and CEO Sharon Price John, and women’s fashion retailer New York & Company CEO Greg Scott.

Terry Crews Saves Christmas: “Godina Family”
The CW, 8pm
Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Terry Crews and his team of food, beverage and design experts provide tips and tricks to help the Godina family pull off a holiday fiesta that will astound friends and family members.

A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas
FXX, 8pm
Six years after their last adventure, the stoner buds make some holiday mischief after they inadvertently burn down Harold’s father-in-law’s prized Christmas tree. Kal Penn, John Cho and Neil Patrick Harris star in this madcap 2011 comedy.

Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas
NBC, 8pm
This annual favorite holiday special is based on the hit film Elf and its Broadway spinoff Elf: The Musical. In the one-hour stop-motion-animated program, Santa (Ed Asner) narrates the story of Buddy the Elf’s (Jim Parsons) travels to New York City to meet the father he never knew he had. Mark Hamill, Fred Armisen, Jay Leno, Matt Lauer, Gilbert Gottfried, Kate Micucci and Rachael MacFarlane also provide voices.

College Football: San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
ESPN, 9pm Live
Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego is the site of the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, featuring BYU (pending bowl eligibility) vs. a team from the Mountain West Conference.

Vikings: “In the Uncertain Hour Before the Morning”
History, 9pm
Lagertha attempts to fulfill a long-held ambition; Ragnar negotiates an unexpected concession from King Ecbert.

Code Black: “Exodus”
CBS, 10pm
As if tensions weren’t high enough at Angels Memorial, things take a turn for the worse in the new episode “Exodus” when a citywide blackout leaves the hospital without power or backup generators, forcing staff to relocate the most at-risk patients.

Incorporated: “Cost Containment”
Syfy, 10pm
The Larsons clash with Elizabeth (Julia Ormond) over life choices; Theo (Eddie Ramos) resists an order to cripple a basketball prodigy; Roger (Douglas Nyback) seeks help uncovering Ben’s (Sean Teale) secrets; Aaron and Theo plan a daring heist.

Thursday, Dec. 22

College Football: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
ESPN, 7pm Live
It may not be the most postcard-perfect place for a college football bowl game, but the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise gives a Mountain West and a MAC team the chance to play on Albertsons Stadium’s cool blue turf.

Terry Crews Saves Christmas: “Abrolat Family”
The CW, 8pm
The Abrolats’ idea of a Christmas party is a Santa pillow on the sofa and a potluck dinner where the guests do the cooking. Terry and his team of experts — chef Dean Sheremet and interior designer Vanessa Deleon — teach the busy family that a casual party can be a success with a little planning and effort.

NBA Basketball
TNT, beginning at 8pm Live
TNT’s Thursday night NBA doubleheader has the L.A. Lakers on the road to face the Miami Heat, followed by the San Antonio Spurs at the L.A. Clippers.

NFL Football: N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia
NBC & NFL Network, 8:20pm Live
The season finale of Thursday Night Football features a Week 16 matchup between fierce NFC East rivals, the N.Y. Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.

The Selection: Special Operations Experiment: “Man in the Arena”
History, 10pm
The instructors send the remaining 15 participants to rescue a “downed pilot,” an exercise designed to test the teamwork of the group as well as the leadership abilities of a select few. The group also attempts to keep up with instructor Haggerty as he leads the team on an unbelievable physical feat.

Falling Water: “Circular Time”
USA Network, 10pm
Season Finale!
Surrounded by enemies on all sides, Tess struggles to protect the Boy, while Taka tries to appease the Green, and Burton attempts to heal the Woman in Red.

Friday, Dec. 23

Trollhunters
Netflix
New Series!
This animated series from DreamWorks and creator/executive producer Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy) is a tale of two worlds set to collide after a teenager discovers a secret underground civilization of mighty trolls beneath his small town. The boy ends up forced to take on the mantle of Trollhunter, sworn to protect the good trolls from powerful enemies bent on revenge. Anton Yelchin, who recorded most of his dialogue before his accidental death this year, is among the voice cast, along with Kelsey Grammer, Steven Yeun (late of The Walking Dead) and frequent del Toro collaborator Ron Perlman.

College Football
ESPN, beginning at 1pm Live
ESPN has a college football postseason tripleheader today with the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl in Nassau, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Dollar General Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

The Simpsons
FXX, beginning at 6pm
FXX is letting it snow tonight in a 12-episode stunt of The Simpsons featuring a wintry mix of ice, snow and the holiday season. Highlights include “Lisa on Ice,” “Miracle on Evergreen Terrace,” “Grift of the Magi” and “Skinner’s Sense of Snow.”

Terry Crews Saves Christmas: “Elric Family/Child Family”
The CW, 8pm
Season Finale!
In the two-hour, two-episode finale, Terry Crews and his team help families fix their festive faux pas and enjoy epic holiday bashes. First, Terry helps a pair of newlyweds host a party, and then Terry helps a family update their dated holiday décor.

A Home for the Holidays
CBS, 8pm
This special features uplifting stories of adoption from foster care and raises awareness of this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced with performances by some of today’s most popular artists, including Miranda Lambert, Alessia Cara and Rachel Platten.

Christmas With the Kranks
FX, 8pm
With their daughter out of the country during the holiday season, Luther and Nora Krank decide that perhaps they’ll skip Christmas this year. Such nonconformity, however, doesn’t sit well with the neighbors, and soon the Kranks are involved in a wintertime war of wits, fighting for their right not to be jolly. Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Aykroyd star in this 2004 holiday comedy.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
NBC, 8pm
Chuck Jones directed this classic animated special based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved book. Boris Karloff both voices the Grinch and serves as narrator, with June Foray voicing Cindy Lou Who.

How Murray Saved Christmas
NBC, 8:30pm
Based on Mike Reiss’ (The Simpsons) best-selling children’s book, this is a half-hour animated holiday musical special. The story centers on a cranky deli owner, Murray Weiner (Jerry Stiller), who is forced to fill in for Santa (Kevin Michael Richardson) one Christmas and, with the help of Edison Elf (Sean Hayes), does a weirdly wonderful job. Jason Alexander, Dennis Haysbert and John Ratzenberger also provide voices.

Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love
NBC, 9pm
Original Film!
In case you missed the premiere a few weeks ago, or just want to watch it again, here’s your chance. The second film based on the life and works of Dolly Parton finds Dolly’s beloved daddy (Rick Schroder) scheming to surprise Mama (Jennifer Nettles) with a Christmas gift that he could never afford. Young Dolly (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and her siblings excitedly join in the scrimping and saving in a selfless act of love.

Shakespeare Live! From the RSC
PBS, 9pm
In honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Great Performances presents the RSC’s star-studded gala, with David Tennant, Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench, Joseph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, David Suchet and many more.

Miracle at Gate 213
Bounce TV, 11pm
It’s Christmas Eve and an unexpected weather delay at the airport has left travelers stranded, including a recently widowed father and his daughter, and a young man trying to run from his past. Stars Louis Gossett Jr., Shirley Jones, Della Reese, Savannah Paige Rae and Deniece Williams.

Saturday, Dec. 24

The Santa Clause 2
FX, 5pm
Tim Allen is back as Scott Calvin, who, in 1994’s The Santa Clause, accidentally offed the big guy and inherited his job. Eight years later, Bernard the Elf discovers the “Mrs. Clause,” and Scott has to act fast if he wants to save Christmas and ho-ho-hold on to his bowlful-of-jelly belly.

Stellar Tribute to the Holidays
Bounce TV, 7pm
In this musical holiday spectacular, enjoy holiday messages and music from gospel performers, including Beverly Crawford, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell, Smokie Norful, Yolanda Adams, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Byron Cage and Ricky Dillard.

College Football: Hawai’i Bowl
ESPN, 8pm Live
Mountain West Conference and Conference USA teams get to spend Christmas Eve at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu for the 2016 Hawai’i Bowl on ESPN.

NFL Football: Cincinnati at Houston
NFL Network, 8pm Live
With Christmas Day on Sunday this year, the NFL moved the bulk of its Week 16 games to Christmas Eve Saturday. Tonight on NFL Network, the Cincinnati Bengals visit Houston’s NRG Stadium to share season’s greetings with the Texans.

It’s a Wonderful Life
NBC, 8pm
James Stewart and Donna Reed star in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic about a man on the brink of ending it all who gets a second chance after finding out what life would be like without him, thanks to the aid of a kindly guardian angel.

24 Hours of “A Christmas Story”
TBS, beginning at 8pm
Ralphie’s quest for that Red Ryder BB gun in this 1983 classic just never gets old.

A Fare to Remember
Bounce TV, 10pm
In this 1999 movie starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Challen Cates, Tracee Ellis Ross, Peter Birkenhead, John Ratzenberger and Joseph C. Phillips, a high-powered advertising executive in Seattle takes an assignment on Christmas Eve despite knowing she is to get married in Los Angeles immediately after the holiday.