Thanksgiving TV is Elementary, my dear Watson
Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, November 26. All times are Eastern.
Top Pick
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.): Holidays are a time for family and who knows family better than a fertility technician? Unfortunately, one winds up murdered on this week’s Elementary, leaving Sherlock and Watson to unravel the mystery of her secret personal life. Genevieve Valentine hopes this is the episode that finally reveals that Elementary and Jane The Virgin take place in the same universe and the technician is actually Luisa! And, hey, maybe the NYPD detective investigating Watson this week secretly went to school with Michael and… okay, we’ll leave our crossover fanfic for Tumblr.
Also Noted
Jessica Jones (Netflix, 10 a.m.): The second episode of Jessica Jones ended with a big Luke Cage-related reveal. Now he and Jessica kick off a new phase of their relationship while Jessica moves forward with her plan to stop Kilgrave. Oliver Sava deep dives into the third episode of this gritty, thematically rich superhero series while Caroline Siede has holiday binge-watchers covered with her full set of binge reviews.
What else is on?: Thanksgiving Edition
Between sibling rivalries, dwindling dinner rolls, and drunken political confrontations, Thanksgiving can be a stressful time. So let this holiday edition of What’s On Tonight guide you through the best distractions for (and from) your family.
For holiday special lovers
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC, 9 a.m.): It’s the 89th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Pat Benetar, Mariah Carey, Questlove, and Cirque du Soleil are on hand to celebrate. While much-beloved Hamilton isn’t one of the Broadway shows performing this years, viewers can enjoy musical numbers from Fiddler On The Roof, Finding Neverland, The King & I, On Your Feet!, and Something Rotten. Plus the cast of The Wiz Live! is on hand to help the parade ease on down the road.
National Dog Show (NBC, 12 p.m.): Celebrate Thanksgiving just like the characters on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: By watching the National Dog Show and doing shots of tequila.
The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration (Fox 8 p.m.): Meanwhile those who prefer to watch their dog-themed programming in the evening can tune in for this special instead. Because nothing brings out celebrities like adorable animals, the famous faces introducing adoptable puppies include Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Bell, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, Betty White, and Kristin Chenoweth.
Broadway At The White House (TLC, 8 p.m.): In addition to the adoption special, Kristin Chenoweth pulls double duty tonight as she also co-hosts this TLC special with Matthew Morrison. They run a symposium for 40 high school students with dreams of working in the theater. Gloria Estefan, Christian Borle, Cicely Tyson, and Michelle Obama lend a hand too.
Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary (PBS, 8 p.m.): Enjoy something a little less saccharine this holiday as Ario Guthrie performs his famous satirical musical monologue over on PBS.
Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow (Lifetime, 10 p.m.): Those who missed the first airing of this Ludacris-hosted special can check out Lifetime’s rebroadcast. Perhaps it plays better for viewers in a turkey coma than it did for Erik Adams.
For those who want to pretend today isn’t a holiday
SuperMansion (Crackle, 3 a.m.): Bryan Cranston keeps doing his voiceover-thing in the latest episode of Crackle’s stop-motion animation superhero satire.
Life In Pieces (CBS, 8:30 p.m.): A hospital trip, a sexy anniversary gift, and a swearing six-year old take center stage in “Hospital Boudoir Time-Out Namaste.”
Mom (CBS, 9 p.m.): Violet wants to get closer to Christy while Bonnie tries to make amends with her nemesis.
2 Broke Girls (CBS, 9:30 p.m.): Caroline offers to make a wedding cake for her newly engaged ex-fiancé and starts to second guess her choice to break-up with him.
For movie lovers
The Godfather Marathon (AMC, 5:30 p.m.): Those dissatisfied with their own families can spend the day with the Corleones instead. Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
Ratatouille (ABC Family, 6 p.m.): Depending on what time your family eats their Thanksgiving meal, use this food-centric film as either an appetizer, a dessert, or even a main course.
Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns (BET, 7 p.m.): Angela Bassett escapes the stresses of inner city Chicago for the warm embrace of her extended family in Georgia.
Desk Set (TCM, 8 p.m.): TCM kicks of a mini Katharine Hepburn/Spencer Tracy marathon with their 1957 romantic comedy, Desk Set. Set at the Federal Broadcasting Network, Spencer’s efficiency expert finds his match in Hepburn’s bright researcher. Those who really want to test their Thanksgiving stamina can stick around for Woman Of The Year at 10 p.m., State Of The Union at 12 a.m., Pat And Mike at 2:15 a.m., and Adam’s Rib at 4 a.m.
Back To The Future (VH1, 9 p.m.): A true crowd-pleaser guaranteed to bring together even the most argumentative of families.
For football lovers
NFL: Panthers at Cowboys (CBS, 4:30 p.m.)
NFL: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (NBC, 8 p.m.)
College Football: South Florida at Central Florida (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.)
In case you missed it
The Man In The High Castle: Scott Von Doviak checks in on the third episode of The Man In The High Castle. Meanwhile those who are planning to marathon the show this holiday weekend can follow along with Shelby Fero’s binge reviews.