Originally posted Sunday, December 23, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
This is typically a week packed with football and classic Christmas films.
But believe it or not, some networks continue to air original episodes of shows. (I see you, "Real Housewives of Atlanta"!)
In the meantime, Fox brings back "The Orville" Sunday while Cher is feted by the Kennedy Center Honors on CBS Wednesday.
Plus, NBC's drama "Midnight, Texas" and comedy "I Feel Bad" are having their season finales air during this relatively dead time of year for TV. While "Midnight, Texas" was officially cancelled, NBC has resisted saying the same for "I Feel Bad" despite poor ratings. (The producers are shopping "Midnight, Texas" elsewhere, according to TVLine.)
This covers Monday, December 24 through Sunday, December 30, 2018.
CHRISTMAS EVE
"It's a Wonderful Life" 8 p.m. NBC — George Bailey to Mr. Potter: "Well in my book, my father died a much richer man than you'll ever be!"
"A Christmas Story" 8 p.m. TBS (24-hour marathon, aired 12 times in a row) — Ralphie: "In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenity that, as far as we know, is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." (TNT starts its marathon at 9 p.m.)
"Elf" 8:30 p.m. AMC— Buddy: "Santa, oh my God! I know him!"
"The Santa Clause" 8:55 p.m. Freeform— Scott Calvin: "Charlie, stay away from those things. They're reindeer, you don't know where they've been. They all look like they've got key lime disease."
CHRISTMAS DAY
"Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors" 8 p.m. ABC — A Christmas night showdown between LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
"Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas" 8 p.m. GPB — A documentary tells the story of the Jewish immigrants who have written some of the most popular Christmas music.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" 8 p.m. NBC — "Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store!"
"Bad Santa" 8 p.m. Comedy — If you need a lot of cursing with your Christmas dinner...
"Love Actually" 9 p.m. TNT — Andrew Lincoln as Mark will forever be parodied for his cue cards. Stalker or hopeless romantic? You be the judge...
WEDNESDAY
"The 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors" 8 p.m. CBS — Cher, Philip Glass, Reba McEntire, Wayne Shorter and "Hamilton" co-creators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler and Alex Lacamoire are honored.
"Catfish: The TV Show" 9 p.m. MTV — L.A. fashion designer Truth is hot for his online crush Ray'Quan despite the fact he's in a relationship IRL.
"Property Brothers" 9 p.m. HGTV — A suburban family is eager to cut down their commute and move into a home in central Nashville. Drew learns that when momma's happy, everyone's happy, and is surprised when the search leads to familiar grounds.
"Vikings" 9 p.m. History — Ivar the Boneless insists his leadership over the Great Heathen Army. Meanwhile, Lagertha reigns Kattegat.
THURSDAY
"I Feel Bad" 8:30 p.m. NBC (first season finale) — When work threatens to get in the way of Emet's vacation, she finds a creative solution to spend some time away with her family. She asks the guys at GamePunch to housesit while she's away.
"Botched" 8 p.m. E! — An Irish model travels to the United States for larger breasts; the doctors help a woman who almost died from a nightmarish tummy tuck; a young father with a broken nose hopes for a nose just like his daughter's.
"Top Chef" 9 p.m. Bravo — It's probably the earliest they've ever done restaurant wars!
"Beat Bobby Flay" 10 p.m. Food — Lawrence Letrero and Jack Moore match wit with each other for a chance at Bobby Flay.
FRIDAY
"Midnight, Texas" 8 p.m. NBC (second season finale) — With Midnight now under the rule of Dark Witches, the surviving Midnighters must band together in one last, desperate attempt to save their town
"Popstar's Best of 2018" 9 p.m. the CW — Elizabeth Stanton and James Maslow count down the greatest and most memorable moments of 2018.
"Tanked" 9 p.m. Animal Planet — Tracy Morgan's giant shark tank revealed.
"Z Nation" 9 p.m. Syfy (fifth season finale) — The gang breaks into Altura in an attempt to bring Pandora and Estes to justice, when Cooper reappears, shocking Warren.
"Van Helsing" 10 p.m. Syfy (third season finale) — Vanessa and Sam face off to find the Last Elder, with Scarlett, Axel, and Mohamad caught in the crossfire.
WEEKEND
"Ready to Love" 8 p.m. Saturday OWN — The reunion show which will reveal who coupled up and who didn't.
"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" 8 p.m. Sunday Bravo —Cynthia plans an intimate college send-off for Noelle that ends in a major meltdown.
"Outlander" 8 p.m. Sunday Starz — Jamie and Claire keep secrets from one another as they try to help Brianna process her recent trauma; the secrets they keep cause a bigger familial rift once they are revealed.
"The Orville" 8 p.m. Sunday Fox (second season debut) — The Orville heads towards Moclus for Bortus' special once-a-year ceremony, while Ed discovers Kelly has moved on and has started dating.
"Ray Donovan" 9 p.m. Sunday Showtime — The Staten Island cops take a drastic measure that sends Ray on a warpath.
"Dirty John" 10 p.m. Sunday Bravo — Debra makes a decision about John. In Ohio, John captures the attention of Detective Dennis Luken.
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