Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
The Neighbors (ABC, 8:30 p.m., Friday): ‘Twas two weeks before Christmas, and all through TV / Networks aired holiday specials, and we took note at A.V. / The specials and concerts were planned out with care / Here are the things you should watch as they air. First up: Todd VanDerWerff checks-in on The Neighbors’ Christmas episode. Although we dropped the show from regular coverage earlier this year, we’re happy to see it thriving. And just to prove there are no hard feelings—Todd’s bringing a fruitcake with him.
REGULAR COVERAGE
Grimm (NBC, 9 p.m., Friday): Kevin McFarland already hung his stockings by the chimney with care last night just to clear his schedule for Grimm’s two-hour holiday episode, which features a deadly crime wave and an evil Santa Claus.
Raising Hope (Fox, 9 p.m., Friday): Meanwhile, on an hour-long Raising Hope, Burt wants to be mayor so Virginia can plug in the town Christmas tree. Phil Dyess-Nugent is settling down with his ‘kerchief and cap for Christmas with the Chances.
Comedy Bang! Bang! (IFC, 10 p.m., Friday): Comedy Bang! Bang! is celebrating Christmas next week, so David Sims will enjoy Cobie Smulders’ appearance without visions of sugarplum fairies dancing in his head.
Saturday Night Live (NBC, 11:30 p.m., Saturday): SNL isn’t celebrating Christmas this week either, but a large, jolly man is helming the show. David Sims hopes John Goodman’s 13th time hosting SNL will be just as delightful as the first twelve.
TV CLUB CLASSIC
The X-Files (1 p.m., Saturday): Our X-Files coverage is coincidentally holiday themed as well. Zack Handlen marks the Yuletide season with the Christ-like birth of Scully’s baby in the eighth season finale.
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
Lilyhammer (Netflix, 12 a.m., Friday): Enjoy a snowy Norwegian winter from the comfort and warmth of your bed as you marathon all eight episodes of Steve Van Zandt’s fish-out-of-water dramedy. The second season of this “Netflix original”—which has already aired in Norway—follows the continuing misadventures of a New York mobster who relocates to Scandinavia.
Silent Night (PBS, 9 p.m., Friday): Based on the 2005 film, Joyeux Noel, this Pulitzer Prize winning opera tells the stories of opposing WWI forces who called a cease-fire to celebrate Christmas together. It’s the perfect gift for the history-and-opera-loving grandparent in your life.
Say Yes To The Dress (TLC, 9 p.m., Friday): This TLC holiday special, “The 12 Dresses Of Christmas,” features holiday-inspired bridal looks and tips for adding Christmas cheer to a wedding. Our tip: Dress up as a Christmas tree for that extra-special holiday flair.
Another Day, Another Time (Showtime, 10 p.m., Friday): The Avett Brothers, Patti Smith, Jack White, and many more artists perform songs from the early 1960s at a concert inspired by the Coen Brothers’ latest film, Inside Llewyn Davis. We’re still holding out hope for a No Country For Old Men concert next year.
The Sound Of Music Live! (NBC, 8 p.m., Saturday): It’s a holiday miracle for those who missed their chance to tweet snarky things about Carrie Underwood during the first live broadcast. NBC is reairing the special hot on the heels of the announcement that these live musical broadcasts will become an annual event.
24/7 Red Wings/Maple Leafs (HBO, 10 p.m., Saturday): This all-access look at the NHL teams preparing for the Winter Classic in Ann Arbor is the perfect rough-and-tumble antidote for all that holiday merriment.
White Christmas (AMC, 7 p.m., Friday): Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen put on a show in this holiday classic all about snow, snow, Snow, SNOW, SNOW!!!!!
Toy Story 3 (ABC Family, 8:20 p.m., Friday): Those looking for a heartwarming film that doesn’t center around a religious holiday need look no further than Toy Story 3. It’s a nondenominational romp the whole family can enjoy.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (ABC Family, 11:30 p.m., Saturday): It’s worth staying up late for this delightful Muppet film, which features Michael Caine as a pitch-perfect Ebenezer Scrooge in a surprisingly loyal adaptation of Dickens’ classic.
NBA Basketball: Lakers at Thunder (ESPN, 8 p.m., Friday): Last time these two teams met, the Oklahoma City Thunder bounced the Lakers from the second round of the playoffs. The Thunder are favored to win this match-up as well, but that shouldn’t stop Lakers fans from hoping for a holiday miracle.
Heisman Trophy Presentation (ESPN, 8 p.m., Saturday): After being cleared of rape charges due to a lack of evidence, Jameis Winston is favored to win the 2013 Heisman Trophy. While the ceremony will likely ignore this recent controversy, the accuser’s attorney is holding a press conference on Friday to reveal more information.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Elementary: Did Holmes successfully sponsor a fellow-recovering addict? Only Myles McNutt—and anyone who watched the episode—knows for sure!