What to Watch Today

Black Beauty, Frosty, The Grinch, Minions and Santa Claus, Virgin River Season 2 and More

Black Beauty Movie on Disney Plus
Courtesy of Disney+

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.

  • Disney+
    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.)

  • Netflix
    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.

  • Netflix
    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.

  • Netflix
    Sugar Rush: Christmas

    Season 2 premiere (all six episodes): Professional teams of bakers compete in festive challenges for a $10,000 prize.

  • Netflix
    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.)

  • Lifetime
    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.

  • Hallmark Channel
    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.

  • CBS
    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.)

  • NBC
    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.

  • Comedy Central
    Jeff Dunham's Completely Unrehearsed Last-Minute Pandemic Holiday Special

    The comedian performs in front of a small, socially distanced audience in Malibu, Calif.

  • Disney Channel
    Raven's Home

    Nia gets matched with a high school mentor whose personality, values and sense of style are completely different from her own.

  • ABC
    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.

  • NBC
    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.)

  • The CW
    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.

  • Cinemax
    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.

  • HBO
    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.