On TV this Friday: Netflix pays a return trip to Virgin River, the broadcast nets revisit holiday classics, and Disney+ saddles up a new Black Beauty. Here are 16 programs to keep on your radar; all times are Eastern.
Courtesy of Disney+
What to Watch Today
Black Beauty, Frosty, The Grinch, Minions and Santa Claus, Virgin River Season 2 and More
Courtesy of Disney+
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Black Beauty
Originally intended for theaters, the seventh film adaptation of Anna Sewell’s timeless classic features Oscar winner Kate Winslet as the voice of the wild mustang, who bonds with a grieving teen (Interstellar‘s Mackenzie Foy); Iain Glen (Game of Thrones) and Claire Forlani (Hawaii Five-0) co-star. (Watch trailer.)
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Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
The Shonda Rhimes-produced documentary follows a group of Debbie Allen’s dance students as they prepare for an annual presentation of The Nutcracker.
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The Great British Baking Show
Collection 8 finale: The last three bakers face three final tests — including a magnificent dessert tower for their final Showstopper — before a winner is revealed.
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Sugar Rush: Christmas
Season 2 premiere (all six episodes): Professional teams of bakers compete in festive challenges for a $10,000 prize.
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Virgin River
Season 2 premiere (all 10 episodes): Mel is resigned to a love without love, but her relationship with Jack remains the talk of the town. (Read preview, get scoop and more scoop.)
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Dear Christmas
TV-movie premiere: Sparks ignite between a podcast host (Sabrina‘s Melissa Joan Hart) and a firefighter (90210‘s Jason Priestley); Tree Hill‘s Hilarie Burton and Antwon Tanner make cameos.
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Five Star Christmas
TV-movie premiere: When a travel writer (One Tree Hill‘s Bethany Joy Lenz) pays a surprise visit to their dad’s B&B, the Ralston family pretend to be guests in hopes of a good review.
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Frosty the Snowman
In this 1969 cartoon, comedian Jackie Vernon voices the titular snowman, who sets off for the North Pole to keep from melting. (Frosty Returns follows at 8:30 pm.)
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The classic cartoon follows the title character (voiced by Boris Karloff) on his mission to steal Christmas customs from the people of Whoville.
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Jeff Dunham's Completely Unrehearsed Last-Minute Pandemic Holiday Special
The comedian performs in front of a small, socially distanced audience in Malibu, Calif.
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Raven's Home
Nia gets matched with a high school mentor whose personality, values and sense of style are completely different from her own.
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Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
This 1970 Rankin/Bass stop-motion classic follows a young Kris Kringle as he thwarts the evil Burgermeister Meisterburger.
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Minions Holiday Special
The primetime event consists of four mini-movie escapades, also featuring characters from Sing and The Secret Life of Pets. (Watch trailer.)
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Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Based on the goofy holiday song, this animated special follows young Jake Spankenheimer’s adventure to find his missing g’ma and prove that Santa Claus is real.
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Warrior
In the penultimate Season 2 episode, Chao and Mai Ling seek shelter as Chinatown erupts into chaos, and Sophie opens her eyes to Leary’s world.
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How to With John Wilson
Season 1 finale: To thank his elderly landlord for all the times she has cooked and cleaned for him, John attempts to make the perfect risotto.
♦ ON THIS DAY IN TV HISTORY ♦
On November 27, 1986, Cheers‘ “Thanksgiving Orphans” Sam, Diane, Norm et al all found themselves at Carla’s home for the holiday — culminating in an iconic food fight.
