TV OT: Joyful holiday viewing, plus Netflix celebrates … going to the movies?
Oh, the weather outside is…pleasant, actually. But I live in Los Angeles. If you don’t: Bundle up. It’s time for TV OT.
Joyful, joyful
Every year, there’s always at least one day where I find myself searching for the holiday joy those jewelry commercials tell me I should be feeling. My antidote besides going to Jared? Some happy holiday viewing. Here’s a mix of old and new viewing options to keep you in the spirit.
“The Great British Bake-Off: Holidays” (Dec. 3, Netflix) – Season 4 of this holiday special is just what you knead if you’re feeling like a soggy bottom. This year, judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are joined by regular host Matt Lucas and fill-in Tom Allen as they welcome back to the tent alums Jamie and Rosie (from the 2019 edition), Ruby from 2018 and James from 2017.
“Young Rock” Christmas special (Dec. 15, NBC) – The Freshman season of “Young Rock” was one of the most joy-filled parts of the regular year, so this Christmas special is sure to provide the same amount of good vibes. The special takes place in three time periods. In 1982, “an unexpected guest” puts a damper on little Dwayne’s holiday. In 1987, Rocky and his son take some mall jobs, and in 1993, Dwayne must spend Christmas with Coach O.
“Puppies Crash Christmas” (streaming now, Hulu) – This special, which premiered in 2017, is an old viewing recommendation. But you know what? It’s new to someone and that someone will probably get a lot of joy from watching puppies frolic among presents.
“Live in Front of a Studio Audience: The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes” (Dec. 7, ABC) – Not all joy has to come exclusively from holiday-themed content. Enter this special. The last time Jimmy Kimmel produced one, it was a hoot. This time, with Jennifer Aniston in the role of Blair and Gabrielle Union as Tootie, another great time is surely in store.
“The Rescue” (Dec. 3, Disney+) – To my above point, this harrowing documentary, about the 2018 rescue of a Thai soccer team and their coach from a flooded cave, has its share of tragedy and drama. But what moved me most while previewing it (a screener was provided to press) was how inspiring it was to watch the resilience of the human spirit — from the divers who risked it all, to the community who came together to save this group of children. This documentary is all about the type of courage only the best among us are capable of and what the rest of us should be striving to be when called to.
“Dragons: The Nine Realms” (Dec. 23, Hulu) – Here’s one for the kids from the “How To Train Your Dragon” franchise. The series is set 1,300 years after the events of the film and is about a group of “misfit kids,” who “uncover the truth about dragons and where they’ve been hiding,” according to a logline. All six episodes will be available to binge.
“20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir” (Dec. 13, PBS – check local listings) – Last year was a somber holiday, but I remember one bright spot being virtually viewing the gorgeous Cathedral Choral Society’s Joy of Christmas concert with family members across the country. This year, it’s a little easier for us all to get together, but don’t sleep on the joy-inducing powers of a pre-recorded Christmas concert. In this special, PBS and family entertainment network BYUtv team up to honor two decades of tradition with a two-hour special hosted by Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. This choir nerd is excited. (Other choir nerds, I also recommend revisiting the CCS special if you haven’t already seen it. “In the Bleak Midwinter” had me sobbing on my couch.)