What to watch, and more! Nov. 28 – Dec. 4
A ‘Christmas Vacation’ marathon, Hallmark goes country & the Grinch steals Christmas…again!
Beverly D’Angelo & Chevy Chase in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’
FRIDAY, Nov. 28
Left-Handed Girl
A conservative Taiwanese grandfather forbids his young left-handed granddaughter from using her “devil hand,” unraveling generations of family secrets (Netflix).
The Baltimorons
Director Jay Duplass’s tale of a couple (Michael Strassner and Liz Larson) on a wild Christmastime adventure through Baltimore (Sundance Now and AMC+)
SATURDAY, Nov. 29
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Marathon
It wouldn’t be Christmas season without this 1989 Chevy Chase comedy, and you can watch a full 24 hours of it. Didya know this is the only film in the Vacation franchise to NOT feature the Lindsey Buckingham song “Holiday Road”? ( 8 p.m., TNT).
A Grand Ole Opry Christmas
TV movie about a young woman confronting her past when Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry invites her to honor her late country star dad at their Christmas celebration. Watch for real-world Opry stars Pam Tillis, Bill Anderson, Riders in the Sky and Brad Paisley (Hallmark).
SUNDAY, Nov. 30
Words + Music
New musical performance spotlight series (above) kicks off tonight with John Legend, with following episodes to feature fellow Grammy winners Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette (MGM+).
Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell
Glee’s Amber Riley stars in this tale (adapted from a Harlequin novel) about a woman who loves to cook…and a kitchen re-modeler who may become the missing ingredient needed to heat up her love life (8 p.m., The CW).
MONDAY, Dec. 1
Troll 2
When a dangerous new troll is awakened, unleashing devastation across Norway, adventurers Nora (Ine Marie Wilmann), Andreas (Kim Falck) and Captain Kris (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen) are thrust into their most perilous mission yet (Netflix).
The Merchants of Joy
Heartwarming doc (above) about Christmas tree merchants in New York City who turn local streets into jolly holiday outposts every year (Prime).
TUESDAY, Dec. 2
CMA Country Christmas
Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis host this musical holiday spectacular, with performances by Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollom and many others (9:01 p.m., ABC).
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 3
My Secret Santa
A vivacious single mom (Alexandra Brekenridge) in need of a job decides to disguise herself as a man to get get a gig as the seasonal Santa at a luxury ski resort. With Ryan Eggold and Tia Mowery (Netflix).
Oh. What. Fun
A star-studded cast (Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Denis Leary, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria) play members of a loving but dysfunctional family in this heartwarming comedy about the unsung heroes of any holiday season: the moms! (Prime Video).
Christmas at Rockefeller Center
Reba McEntire hosts the holiday celebration from the iconic plaza in Midtown Manhattan, with performances by Halle Bailey, New Edition, Gwen Stefani and more (8 p.m., NBC and Peacock).
THURSDAY, Dec. 4
Next Level Baker
Carla Hall and Candice Nelson join Gordon Ramsey as mentors in this all-new three-week event challenging top-tier bakers to create eye-popping holiday delights as the triple-decker set is transformed into a winter wonderland (9 p.m., Fox).
Do You Fear What I Fear
It’s no friendly game of “Secret Santa” when a young woman discovers Christmas decorations disappearing in her home, accompanied by anonymous notes. Starring Cianna Hanna and Josh Henderson (8 p.m., LMN).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas / Frosty the Snowman
Tune for these two back-to-back, half-hour animated classics, friendly TV “ghosts” of Christmas past (8 p.m., NBC).
BRING IT HOME
Saddle up for Yellowstone: The Complete Series, the new DVD set of the modern-day western that launched five TV spinoffs. All five seasons (with a sprawling cast including Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes and many others) are here, plus a wagon-load of special features and behind-the-scenes moments.
June Squibb stars in the acclaimed Eleanor The Great (AV Entertainment) as a retired woman who tells a tale that takes on a life of its own—and makes a new friend, a young college student (Erin Kellyman) working to become a journalist. It’s a cross-generational delight. (Purchase at https://www.moviezyng.com/eleanor-the-great-dvd-june-squibb/043396646841)
NOW HEAR THIS
The music of so many movies is so important to how we absorb what we’re seeing. Case in point: The new Jaws soundtrack (Universal), newly released with scene-setting “mood music” from Oscar-winning John Williams, all newly remastered for the movie’s recent 50th anniversary. You may not be able to hum them, but you’ll certainly recognized the movie moments that go with “Chrissie’s Death,” “The Indianapolis Story,” “Preparing the Cage” and—of course—the “Main Title/Theme.” Duh-dum, duh-dum, duh-dum, duh-dum…
The Media Tourist 