Most series wrap up or go on hiatus over the next couple weeks, making plenty of room for seasonal specials.
Christmas Through the Decades (Finale, 10 p.m. Wednesday, History) – This series ends in the 1990s with a look at Mikhail Gorbachev’s resignation on Christmas Day 1991, Beanie Baby mania and then-First Family the Clintons’ cat Socks getting in the holiday spirit.
A Christmas Melody (8 p.m. Saturday, Hallmark Channel) – “All I Want for Christmas” queen Mariah Carey makes her directorial debut in a holiday movie shot right here in the Tristate. What more do you need to know? Starring Lacy Chabert — reportedly Carey’s favorite actress from her favorite film, Mean Girls — as a fashion designer who moves to Ohio with her daughter Emily, A Christmas Melody also features Carey in front of the camera. She plays Chabert’s high school rival who’s now a PTA queen bee in charge of Emily’s school holiday pageant. OK, this is basically all the best elements of Mean Girls — through Mariah’s lens. Perfection. Look out for scenes shot in downtown Wyoming and Hyde Park Square!
The Great Christmas Light Fight (Finale, 8 p.m. Monday, ABC) – The Griswolds IRL.
Saturday Night Live Christmas (9 p.m. Monday, NBC) – From “The Hanukkah Song” to “Dick in a Box.”
The Great Holiday Baking Show (Finale, 10 p.m. Monday, ABC) – In the final episode of this American version of the U.K. hit The Great British Bake-Off, three remaining bakers compete in three themed challenges. They’ve already mastered cake, cookie and pastry — perhaps pie is next?
And tune into ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas, a marathon of holiday classics and sequels you never knew existed that continues through Christmas Day.
WEDNESDAY 16
American Horror Story: Hotel (10 p.m., FX) – John assists Alex in controlling an outbreak; Iris and Liz Taylor try to break out for good; The Countess’ intentions are revealed.
THURSDAY 17
Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2015 (9:30 p.m., ABC) – It’s been revealed that Bradley Cooper, Amy Schumer, Tracy Morgan, Ronda Rousey, Bernie Sanders, Misty Copeland and Donna Karan are all on the list — who will round it out? Bets on Caitlyn Jenner, Adele, Sarah Koenig, Martin Shkreli, the cast of Empire, Robert Durst, Donald Trump, the Duggars, Scientology’s David Miscavige or Kylie Jenner’s lips.
Running Wild with Bear Grylls (10 p.m., NBC) – Barack Obama embarks on an Alaskan adventure, begging the question: Will the president of the United States drink his own pee on TV?
FRIDAY 18
F is for Family (Series Premiere, Netflix) – This new animated series from comedian Bill Burr looks at family life in the pre-P.C. days of the 1970s. Laura Dern and Justin Long also lend their voices.
The Knick (Season Finale, 10 p.m., Cinemax) – Thack refuses to take Zinberg’s advice, opting for a riskier route; Cornelia confronts her brother about the family’s business; Barrow must account for his actions at the new Knick.
The Soup (Series Finale, 10 p.m., E!) – Joel McHale has been offering his sarcastic take on America’s sorry excuse for popular culture since he started hosting the clip show in 2004. But The Soup really dates back to 1991, when it was known as Talk Soup (focusing mostly on daytime and late-night talk shows) and hosted by Greg Kinnear, John Henson, Hal Sparks and Aisha Tyler for various years through 2002. This week, we take one last taste of that delicious Chat Stew.
SATURDAY 19
Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m., NBC) – Tina Fey and Amy Poeher co-host; Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band perform. A true Christmas miracle!
CONTACT JAC KERN: [email protected]
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