This was posted Sunday, December 18, 2016 by Rodney Ho on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
We're in the Christmas home stretch, people!
There are still plenty of classic holiday movies to watch (we see you, George Bailey!) and specials galore, including more light fight mayhem on ABC, an "America's Got Talent" holiday episode Monday on NBC, Terry Crews helping out families all week on the CW, Michael Buble doing his holiday crooning on NBC Tuesday and celebrity Christmas caroling on TBS Wednesday.
We also get to celebrate Tony Bennett's 90th birthday on Tuesday on NBC, a man who can still sing, too. And CBS gives Michelle Obama a shot to say goodbye from the White House Monday with Oprah Winfrey as the interviewer.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Plus, "Project Runway" wraps up Thursday night's 15th season and CBS brings back "Undercover Boss" for an incredible eighth season Wednesday.
This covers Monday, December 19 through Christmas Day.
MONDAY
"The Great Christmas Light Fight" 8 p.m. ABC (fourth season finale) —Displays include a replica of the Space Needle in Maple Valley, Wash., a light show in Alexandria, La., a two-acre exhibit in Manchester, Tenn., and a theme park in Boulder Valley, Nev.
"First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell to the White House" 8 p.m. CBS — Oprah Winfrey speaks to First Lady Michelle Obama for her final one-on-one interview inside the White House.
"America's Got Talent: Holiday Spectacular" 8 p.m. NBC — Fan-favorite acts from "America's Got Talent" celebrate the holidays with music, magic and variety. Appearing: Penn and Teller; Grace VanderWaal; the Clairvoyants; Brian Justin Crum; Olate Dogs; Sal Valentinetti; Jackie Evancho; Mat Franco; the Regurgitator; and Professor Splash.
"Risky Drinking" 8 p.m. HBO — A look at alcohol use and abuse surveys medical professionals' views of addiction and dependence.
"Christmas With Mormon Tabernacle Choir" 9 p.m. GPB — Broadway's Laura Osnes and British actor Martin Jarvis join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a Christmas celebration that also features Metropolitan Opera soloists Erin Morley, Tamara Mumford, Ben Bliss and Tyler Simpson.
"Leave it to Stevie" 9 p.m. VH1 (new series) — The crew deal with overwhelming psychological pressures; scientists examine the impact of extreme isolation.
"Mars" 9 p.m. NGC (first season finale) — The crew deal with overwhelming psychological pressures; scientists examine the impact of extreme isolation.
"People of Earth" 9 p.m. TBS (first season finale) — Ozzie has an important breakthrough.
"2 Broke Girls" 9:30 p.m. CBS — Max decides to head to Los Angeles to win back Randy, so she and Caroline embark on a cross-country road trip with Han at the wheel.
"Scorpion" 10 p.m. CBS — The team's electronics-free getaway in the mountains on Christmas Eve takes a dangerous turn when they encounter a group of gunrunners who kidnap Ralph. Meanwhile, Tim makes an important decision about his role with Team Scorpion.
"The Wall" 10 p.m. NBC — In the series premiere, two-person teams answer questions for cash and prizes. Chris Hardwick hosts.
TUESDAY
"Terry Crews Saves Christmas" 8 p.m. the CW — Christmas super-fan Terry Crews visits a hopeless holiday enthusiast and put them through a hilarious crash-course in how to do Christmas right.
"Michael Buble Sings and Swings" 8 p.m. NBC — Michael Bublé performs fan-favorite pop hits plus jazz standards. Recorded in Manchester, England.
"Tony Bennett Celebrates 90" 9 p.m. NBC — Appearances by Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Elton John, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Rufus Wainwright and Stevie Wonder.
"The Year: 2016" 9 p.m. ABC— Year in review anchored by Robin Roberts. Surely, Donald Trump will be mentioned, right?
"Good Behavior" 9 p.m. TNT — Letty and Javier attend Javier's family reunion.
"Shooter" 10 p.m. USA — Bob Lee tracks down his former instructor.
WEDNESDAY
"Undercover Boss" 8 p.m. CBS (eighth season debut) — Is there still a way to fool employees at this point?
"Duck Dynasty" 9 p.m. A&E — Bella has a sleepover and Willie and Jep supervise.
"Game Changers With Robin Roberts" 10 p.m. ABC — Host Robin Roberts spends time getting to know some of the most influential people of 2016, including Lin-Manuel Miranda; Michael Phelps; Chance the Rapper; Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha; and Ashley Graham.
"Incorporated" 10 p.m. USA — The Larsons and Elizabeth don't see eye to eye when it comes to certain life choices.
"Surprise! Instant Xmas Carol" 10 p.m. TBS — Celebrity carolers spread Christmas cheer via their own unique interpretations of holiday songs. The merry songsters include Conan O'Brien, Rashida Jones, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Jane Lynch, Ludacris, Kenny G, Tony Sirico, Fred Willard and T-Pain.
THURSDAY
"Project Runway " 8 p.m. Lifetime (two-hour 15th season finale) — Laurence is a favorite to win but Roberi has been riding high toward the end.
"Alone " 9 p.m. History — The remaining adventurers dig in for the long run and build shelters, where one receives an unwelcome visitor in the night.
"The Selection" 10 p.m. History — The remaining 15 participants are sent to rescue a "downed pilot," in an exercise that tests teamwork and leadership. The group also struggles to keep up on an unbelievably physical feat.
"Top Chef" 10 p.m. Bravo — The chefs must create dishes using an odd mix of ingredients and tools found inside gift boxes.
"Falling Water" 10 p.m. USA (first season finale) — Tess tries to protect the boy.
FRIDAY
"Travelers" 3:01 a.m. Netflix (new series) — Hundreds of years from now, the last surviving humans discover the way to send consciousness back through time, directly into people in the 21st century.
"A Home For the Holidays" 8 p.m. CBS — Miranda Lambert, Alessia Cara and Rachel Platten perform during this annual event to raise awareness about adoption and foster care.
"Married to Medicine" 8 p.m. Bravo — Mariah and Quad's friendship wilts following a huge argument at Toya's prom party.
"Terry Crews Saves Christmas" 9 p.m. the CW (first season finale) — The team help a newlywed couple plan a Christmas party.
WEEKEND
"It's a Wonderful Life" 8 p.m. Saturday NBC — "My mouth's bleeding, Bert! My mouth's bleedin'!" - George Bailey.
"A Christmas Story" 8 p.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday TBS (24-hour marathon) — "Randy....how do the little piggy's eat?" - Mommy.
"The Librarians" 8 p.m. Sunday TNT — The team tries to prevent the spread of pure evil by searching for the Eye of Ra and cracking the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle.
"Beauty and the Beast" 8 p.m. Sunday ABC — "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere! I want it more than I can tell!" – Belle
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" 7:45 p.m. Sunday Freeform — "Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?" - Clark
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