Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Monday, December 12. All times are Eastern.
Top picks
WWE Monday Night RAW (USA, 8 p.m.): Finally, WWE Holiday Week is here. “Celebrate” with another three hours of Monday Night RAW—only this time, it’s festive. With Roadblock 2: The Re-Blockening only six days away, this episode might actually be the rare Christmas episode of RAW to try and move the plot along. And while that would be great for Kyle Fowle, that’s useless for those of us who just want to see some hothead jump out of a giant present box. And now to cross our fingers and hope that his week of WWE programming features anything even half as amazing as this moment:
If ever there were a reason to get the WWE Network, it would be to watch this episode of Monday Night RAW. For Saaaaaantaaaaaaa!
Timeless (NBC, 10 p.m.): Timeless’ fall finale sees “The Capture Of Benedict Arnold,” and yes, you may insert your very clever Turn: Washington’s Spies jokes here. “A stunning turn during the American Revolution prompts Lucy, Wyatt, and Rufus to question whether they’ve been fighting on the wrong side this whole time.” Really? None of the Rittenhouse stuff made them question that? None of Flynn’s protestations that he’s actually the good guy made them question that? Timeless, we love you for how ridiculous you are, but this is especially ridiculous. Allison Shoemaker continues to be tasked with making sense of any of this, so good luck.
America’s Next Top Model (VH1, 10 p.m.): The CW’s trash is apparently VH1’s treasure; though, if you keep reading, The CW’s holiday “treasure” tonight is rather suspect. But what we’re saying is: Tonight marks the 23rd season/VH1 series premiere of America’s Next Top Model, now hosted by Rita Ora. You’re probably wondering what knowledge or authority Rita Ora has in terms of being a top model or even an American.
Premieres and finales
VR And The Future Of News (Viceland, 7 p.m.): It’s time to look into a real life episode of Black Mirror, as this Viceland special investigates “the impact of virtual reality on the future of journalism.” Will virtual reality confirm what do and do not constitute as facts? You just have to watch and find out.
Kevin Can Wait (CBS, 8 p.m.): It looks like Kevin is going to have to prove he actually can wait, as tonight marks the series’ first fall finale, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas… Maybe.” Well, if he can wait, he certainly can’t be decisive. As for the episode’s plot: “Kevin gets into the Christmas spirit when he volunteers to help Mott (Chris Roach) and his seven kids prepare for the holidays while his wife’s away, leaving Donna high and dry until Kyle swoops in to help her”
Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown 2016 (The CW, 9 p.m.): The CW’s filler scheduling continues to be a brand all of its own, and tonight, that comes in the former a holiday commercials-based countdown. “Television personalities Kevin Frazier (Entertainment Tonight) and Keltie Knight (The Insider) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever: one for each of the 12 days of Christmas.”
Billboard Women In Music 2016 (Lifetime, 9 p.m.): “Hailee Steinfeld hosts this event honoring the year’s most successful women in music. Honorees include: Madonna, Andra Day, Shania Twain, Halsey, Meghan Trainor, Maren Morris, Kesha, and Alessia Cara.” That’s all great, but the greatest part is Hailee Steinfeld hosting and giving us a reason to include this music video:
The Odd Couple (CBS, 9:30 p.m.): “Felix Navidad,” huh. Pretty sneaky, sis… er… The Odd Couple. CBS is going full Christmas with its fall finales tonight, but unlike Kevin Can Wait, this episode of television guest stars Jessica Walter and Fred Willard. That settles who the winner is tonight, now doesn’t it?
Booze Traveler (Travel Channel, 10 p.m.): Booze Traveler returns for its third season of being about alcohol and not anything related to this Blues Traveler. Boo.
Big Night Out (Viceland, 10/10:30 p.m.): This brand new Viceland series takes us to “Purgatory In Paradise” (then “Bolero Of The Balkans,” but the former is a cooler title), spotlighting Greece’s nightlife. Yes, this is a show all about party culture. Kind of like ABC’s deceased Super Fun Night, only… not.
Regular coverage
People Of Earth (TBS, 9 p.m.)
Streaming pick
Chuck, “Chuck Versus The Santa Claus” (Amazon Video/Google Play/iTunes/Vudu/YouTube): Die Hard is a Christmas movie. End of discussion.