OK, so I’ll sound like that cranky previous man (“Get off my lawn!”), however again in my day, there have been solely two vacation specials of observe, NBC’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (with these Norelco adverts) and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (on CBS). I’ll throw in “Frosty the Snowman” for good measure — however solely as a result of comic Jackie Vernon voiced Frosty. Otherwise, meh on that one.
Those have been the times (and nights) of the three-network tv panorama. Now, in 2022, there are hundreds of holiday specials throughout broadcast, cable, streaming and doubtless another platform I’m forgetting about. Two networks, Lifetime and Hallmark Channel, additionally drop vacation films over the summer time months — a intelligent advertising and marketing twist which, delivers wholesome viewership numbers. Nowadays, the specials begin to seem earlier than Halloween. That’s scary sufficient.
But there’s no doubting the starvation for holiday-themed films and specials. Sadly, we will’t write about or point out all of them. So, here’s a snapshot checklist of what tv (in all of its types) has to supply this month within the type of unique vacation films and specials.
Notable: “A New Orleans Noel”
Saturday, Dec. 3 (8 p.m.)
Grace Hill (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Anthony Brown (Brad James) couldn’t be extra completely different … however after they’re each employed to work collectively on the house of New Orleans praline icon Loretta Brown (Patti LaBelle), they discover themselves butting heads over extra than simply structure. Tim Reid co-stars as Marcel, a retired buddy who catches Loretta’s eye.
Notable: “Christmas at The Greenbrier” (now streaming).
The community’s second vacation film stars Emmy nominee Alicia Leigh Willis and Josh Murray as widowed mom Abby and former professional soccer participant Ben, who dated beforehand however ended their relationship when Ben turned professional. They unexpectedly reconnect throughout a keep at The Greenbrier — and sparks fly.
Notable: “Christmas at the Golden Dragon”
Thursday, Dec. 8 (10 p.m.)
With the city’s landmark Chinese restaurant closing, two siblings discover themselves reevaluating their lives alongside the restaurant’s loyal patrons. Starring Kara Wang, Osric Chau, Sara Canning, Antonio Cupo, Barbara Niven.
Notable: “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas”
Thursday, Dec. 1 (8 p.m.)
It’s a modern-day film musical concerning the making of a community TV particular and follows the backstage story and on-camera outcomes of Parton’s want to uplift an exhausted world’s spirits by sharing the distinctive “mountain magic” she has all the time present in and round Dollywood at Christmas. Co-starring Tom Everett Scott, Angel Parker and Ana Gasteyer with musical friends together with Willie Nelson, Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus.
Notable: “Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To All!”
Tuesday, Dec. 20 (8-10 p.m.)
Carey’s live performance particular was filmed at Madison Square Garden enviornment — with Carey, after all, crooning her perennial favourite “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Notable: “A Very Backstreet Holiday”
Wednesday, Dec. 14 (8 p.m.)
The ’90s-era Boy Band — Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and Nick Carter — croon tunes from their new vacation album together with “White Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Notable: “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 2.
Another tackle the acquainted Charles Dickens story — however this one is a “supernatural, time-traveling musical adaptation” that includes the voices of Luke Evans, Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman and Johnny Flynn.
Notable: “A Christmas Story Christmas” (now streaming)
The traditional vacation film “A Christmas Story” is up to date with Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) all grown up and coping with the vacations — as a dad. Returning forged members embody Ian Petrella (Randy), Zack Ward (Scut Farkus, he of the “yellow eyes”), Scott Schwartz (Flick) and R.D. Robb (Schwartz).
Notable: “B&B Merry”
Sunday, Dec. 4 (8 p.m.)
Renowned luxurious journey blogger Tracey Moore (Jen Lilley) is invited to a Christmastime getaway in trade for reviewing a small-town B&B — the place, naturally, she falls for the proprietor’s son, Graham (Jesse Hutch).
Sunday, December 4, 8 p.m. ET
VH1/Comedy Central/Paramount Network
Notable: “All I Didn’t Want For Christmas”
Wednesday, Dec. 7 (8 p.m.) on VH1
Emily, who’s attempting to enhance her life and circumstances, writes a letter to Santa — and, wouldn’t you already know it, her “wine-soaked” needs begin coming true (regardless that she will be able to’t keep in mind most of them). Starring Gabourey Sidibe, Lorette Devine, Kel Mitchell, Karen Knox and Andrew Bushell.
Notable: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”
Sunday, Dec. 25
The animated movie relies on Charlie Mackesy’s e-book of the identical identify, which follows the journey and the unlikely frienship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse touring collectively within the boy’s seek for residence. Stars embody Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Gabriel Byrne and Jude Coward (as The Boy).
Notable: “Christmas in Wolf Creek”
Sunday, Dec. 25 (7 p.m.)
A runaway reindeer threatens the annual Christmas play — and a struggling younger couple should work collectively to avoid wasting Christmas for the city, and for one another. Starring Tim Rozon, Nola Martin, Art Hindle and Madeline Leon.
Notable: “The Great Nickmas Tree Sliming … Hosted by That Girl Lay Lay”
Thursday, Dec. 15 (7 p.m.)
When Lay Lay by accident zaps Santa’s sleigh out of the sky, it seems to be like Christmas will probably be cancelled — until she and her superstar associates (together with Drew Barrymore, Keke Palmer and Hayley Kiyoko) assist Santa repair the sleigh to ship presents. Nick stars making appearances embody Isaiah Crews, Young Dylan and the forged of “Danger Force.”
Notable: “A Christmas Open House”
Wednesday, Dec. 7 (10 p.m.)
Atlanta property stager Melissa Norwood (Katie Stevens) groups up along with her previous highschool crush, actual property agent David Phelps (Victor Rasuk), to organize and promote her mother’s residence earlier than the vacations — helped by native artists Henry and Sarah Wright (HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier.)
