Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Monday, December 5. All times are Eastern.
Top picks
National Christmas Tree Lighting (Hallmark Channel, 7 p.m.): Eat your heart out, Rockefeller Center. You’re not the only tree-lighting joint in TV town. And this one has Kelly Clarkson and Chance The Rapper—as well as Garth Brooks, but we’re saving excitement for that one until we get Chris Gaines confirmation—on the guest list.
The Trans List (HBO, 8 p.m.): HBO’s latest documentary is a compilation of interviews that “shines a light on transgender Americans, several of whom share their insights on trans rights, the fight for equality, and their personal struggles and accomplishments.” Take a look:
Timeless (NBC, 10 p.m.): While some time travel shows are fighting off aliens, Timeless knows how to keep it simple: Crime. So this week, “the team evades justice with history’s most wanted couple”: Bonnie and Clyde. Not to be confused with Barbie and Clive, of course. In “Last Ride Of Bonnie & Clyde,” “on the run with the bank-robbing Barrow gang, the team needs to gain the trust of ill-fated lovers Bonnie (guest star Jacqueline Byers) and Clyde (guest star Sam Strike) in order to find out Flynn’s target in the Depression-era South.” We just know Allison Shoemaker appreciates how an episode synopsis can say something like “on the run with the bank-robbing Barrow gang,” as though that’s the norm. It’s not.
Premieres and finales
The Great Christmas Light Fight (ABC, 8/9 p.m.): ABC has decided that The Great Christmas Light Fight’s fourth season deserves a two-hour season premiere, and who are we to argue against that? Exactly, we’re no one. At least not when it comes to Christmas light fights; those are serious business. And for those who don’t know what this is all about: “The first two episodes of The Great Christmas Light Fight feature families from across America decorating their homes to the extreme for Christmas in hopes that they will win $50,000 and the coveted Light Fight trophy ($300,000 total in prizes for the season).” Only in America.
Showtime At The Apollo (Fox, 8 p.m.): 2016 marks the 82nd year of the Apollo’s legendary Amateur Night, and Steve Harvey hosts tonight’s two-hour broadcast of the event. They say the crowd at the Apollo is “the toughest audience in the world,” but we’re wondering if any of these talents (including Steve Harvey) have ever been in a Christmas light fight.
Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night (VH1, 9 p.m.): “Holiday-inspired musical numbers are featured. Performers include Mariah Carey; Patti LaBelle; Chaka Khan; Teyana Taylor; and Vanessa Williams.” Um, what more do you need to know?
Conviction (ABC, 10 p.m.): Conviction’s fall finale, “A Different Kind Of Death,” sees the CIU take on the death penalty. No big deal. Also, this episode is directed by Andrew McCarthy. Now that is a big deal. Yes, these are our priorities. We mean, we did hear the news about Conviction.
Timber Creek Lodge (Bravo, 10 p.m.): The series premiere of Bravo’s latest reality show “follows the upstairs downstairs antics of the hardworking and sexy staff whose job is to serve a slew of elite clientele at an ultra-luxurious North America ski lodge.” Hmm. Do the cast members of Après Ski know about this? Is this how they find out their show’s been canceled? Whoops.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (CBS, 10 p.m.): Ooh, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd are all performing tonight. There’s also something about lingerie in Paris, but come on, you guys—Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd are all performing tonight.
StarTalk (NatGeo, 11 p.m.): You know what? Terry loves stars. Yes, we’re talking Terry Crews, and Terry Crews is talking stars.
Regular coverage
WWE Monday Night RAW (USA, 8 p.m.)
People Of Earth (TBS, 9 p.m.)
Streaming pick
Ugly Betty, “Fake Plastic Snow” (ABC/Amazon Video/Google Play/Hulu/iTunes/Vudu): Your friendly neighborhood What’s On Tonight contributor would love to continue her yearly tradition of recommending A Diva’s Christmas Carol, but lack of completely reliable streaming options made her change course ever so slightly to this. So please enjoy a first-season, holiday season appropriate episode of Ugly Betty.