Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Wednesday, December 21. All times are Eastern.
Top picks
Terry Crews Saves Christmas (The CW, 8 p.m.): Go on. You had us at Terry, which could have ended up really badly. “Comedy superstar and Christmas superfan Terry Crews visits a hopeless holiday enthusiast and puts them through a hilarious crash-course in how to do Christmas right! After spying the makings of a Christmas mess, an expert team, led by Terry and his no-nonsense food, beverage, and design experts, intervene to provide tips and tricks to pull off a memorable Christmas.” All right then. We’re completely sold. But wait, there’s more. “After the Godina family attempts a holiday fiesta, which ends up in an epic fail, Terry and his team come in to inject their desired Mexican flare. Is there time for a do-over?” Well, this is making it to air, so…. maybe. If anyone can save Christmas—with Mexican flare, even—it’s Terry Crews.
Undercover Boss (CBS, 8 p.m.): That’s right, y’all—it’s not a regular boss, it’s an Undercover Boss. And how do you ruin Christmas with your season premiere and without Terry Crews’ help? You make the first episode of a two-episode season premiere center around “Sharon Price John, the president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop.” What chance is there that every employee loves her and no child has to worry about the head of Build-A-Bear being a tyrant? We’re hearing the answer is “zero.” The second episode is how you really start a season in the holiday… season, as “Greg Scott, CEO of New York & Company, meets the people who keep his fashion retailer ‘en vogue.’” Will Greg Scott free his mind after this? All we know is that the rest will follow:
Time Presents: Milestones 2016 – A Tribute To The Stars We’ve Lost (Reelz, 9 p.m.): This should be exceptionally depressing. Good luck to you if you make this your viewing choice.
Premieres and finales
Game Changers With Robin Roberts (ABC, 10 p.m.): “Host Robin Roberts spends time getting to know some of the most influential people of 2016, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Michael Phelps, Chance The Rapper, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, and Ashley Graham.” This is obviously the less morbid version of the previous viewing choice. Also: Say, have you heard about Hamilton?
Joe’s Pub Presents: A Holiday Special (IFC, 10 p.m.): Come here, you hipsters—we’ve got something for you. Really, IFC does, in the form of a comedy/music holiday special starring Tony Hale. “The Dap-Kings will serve as the house band, and Bridget Everett, Jo Firestone, and Jen Kirkman are all slated to appear.” Then, you can end your night right with the showing of that independent film classic from 2010, Jonah Hex.
Surprise! Instant XMas Carol (TBS, 10 p.m.): “Celebrity carolers spread Christmas cheer via their own unique interpretations of holiday songs. The merry songsters include Conan O’Brien, Rashida Jones, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Jane Lynch, Ludacris, Kenny G, Tony Sirico, Fred Willard, and T-Pain.” Shaquille O’Neal, you say? Well here’s an early Christmas present along those lines:
Regular coverage
Vikings (History Channel, 9 p.m.)
Streaming pick
Too Many Cooks (Adult Swim/YouTube): Tonight’s episode of Total Divas (E!, 8 p.m.) is titled “Too Many Cooks.” It pretty much asked for this.