Re: Selected programming for Dec. 14-15, 2024

On 12/14/24 2:53 PM, Robin Miller wrote:

Note: The programming list for the rest of the week will be posted separately.
            Previously released:
  It Ends With Us     (movie)       (Netfix, Dec. 9)
 A florist's seemingly perfect relationship unravels when an old flame re-enters the picture, forcing her to make a difficult choice about her future. Stars Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, and Kevin McKidd. 2024 film;  2hr 10m. Not available on ad tier.
 https://www.netflix.com/title/81762778
 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10655524/     [rating 6.5]

So, this went to Netflix? I guess I'm never seeing it.

         Saturday, Dec. 14
  The Holiday Junkie       (movie)       (8 pm, Lifetime Channel)
 Andie and her mother Mimi run a company called The Holiday Junkie, a decorating and planning service for all holiday needs. But after Mimi passes away, Andie is forced to face her first Christmas without her mother and carry The Holiday Junkie torch all on her own. Despite the challenges, Andie may also find some love at Christmas along the way! Stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Brian Hallisay, Kristin Chenoweth, Lynn Andrews, and Debra Christofferson.

:/

The Santa Class        (movie)        (8 pm, Hallmark Channel)
 Kate North (Kimberley Sustad) finds herself reluctantly taking over her father’s once acclaimed and now struggling Santa School. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and the school’s next session, Kate and her new co-worker Dan (Benjamin Ayres) discover who they believe to be the real Santa Claus, lost and without his memories after his sled steered off course and crashed near the school. They decide to help him remember who he is by inviting him to participate in the intense Santa training program. There’s a lot at stake this year with Kate’s school needs to best the rival St. Nicholas School or be forced to close their doors, and Nick (Santa Claus) needs to remember who he is, or the fate of Christmas might be at stake.

Also pass.

Get Him Back for Christmas        (movie)        (8 pm, Great American Family)
 In "Get Him Back for Christmas," up-and-coming singer songwriter Bella Harlan (Alexa PenaVega) comes home for Christmas and enlists her high- school songwriting partner Jack Grayton (Carlos PenaVega) to craft a song to win back her rockstar boyfriend by Christmas. As the two reunite for the first time in a decade, they embark on a Christmas journey down memory lane, and soon realize true love may be closer than they thought. The heart of the movie centers on Jack’s role with The Salvation Army, and Bella soon finds herself inspired by his devotion and passion to a life of doing the most good. Filled with charming original music and its share of twists and turns, "Get Him Back for Christmas" demonstrates the importance of never losing sight of the ones who matter the most.

The PenaVegas = Strong pass!

         Sunday, Dec. 15
  A Novel Christmas        (movie)         (7 pm, UPtv)
 Chloe Anderson, a beloved children’s book author, has always drawn inspiration from her cherished childhood memories. During her final book signing at the Noelleville bookstore, Chloe encounters Ethan, a devoted single father, and his book-loving, aspiring writer daughter, Alex. Their shared passion for literature sparks an immediate connection. Just when Chloe believes she’s on the brink of embracing her future, her publisher extends a dazzling opportunity for a high-profile New Year’s Eve appearance on a major network show. Now, she must decide whether to stand firm in her resolve to focus on her novel and personal life, or succumb to the allure of her demanding career. Stars Brigitte Kingsley, Landy Cannon and Ariella Cannon. Canadian film.

Another third-rate cast from UP!

Yellowstone      (season 5 finale)       (8 pm, Paramount Network)
 While Yellowstone was previously slated to end with season 5, Paramount Network is now marketing the last episode of season 5 as the "season finale" instead of the "series finale."
 https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2024/12/14/yellowstone- season-6-spinoffs/76920583007/

Yeah, it's very unclear if what is next is "season #6", or a "spinoff with existing characters". I think if they're smart, they'll go the latter route. So of course they'll likely choose the former!!

Christmas on the Alpaca Farm       (movie)       (8 pm, Lifetime Channel)
 Jess (Kirsten Comerford) the “Queen of Christmas Sweaters,” quits her job at the hottest fashion label in NYC, intent on winning a Christmas competition with her own line of sustainable luxury knits. Getting her hands dirty, she teams up with Andrew (Matt Wells), a single dad and struggling alpaca farmer, as she helps bring Christmas joy to the farm and love into both of their hearts. Canadian film that, according to IMDb, was released in the UK in November 2023 and is being released everywhere else now.

I like Kristen Comerford, so, maybe...

Following Yonder Star        (movie)         (8 pm, Hallmark Channel)
 Abby Marshall, once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a scandal. She retreats to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas only to find herself without a room due to a booking mishap. All the local hotels are booked up due to a rare astronomical event ­ a beautiful star said to mirror the Star of Bethlehem will appear on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Abby finds a room at a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire, who is also a high school astronomy teacher. Since his wife’s passing, Tom has taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, including running the inn and directing the local church’s Christmas pageant. Empathizing with Tom, Abby offers to help with the pageant and various activities around the inn and finds herself enjoying both the projects and Tom’s company. Through newfound community, family and love, Abby discovers that hope sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways. Stars Brooke D'Orsay and John Brotherton.

I also like Brooke D'Orsay.

An Evening With Dua Lipa      (special)        (8:30 to 10 pm ET, CBS)
 The Grammy-winning singer is backed by a 53-piece orchestra during a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall. Airs at 8 pm in the Pacific time zone, and perhaps CT and MT also.

:|

Dexter: Original Sin         [new; linear premiere)         (10 pm, Showtime)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Q936R8Hwk
 https://www.metacritic.com/tv/dexter-original-sin/     [score 50]

I'll leave this to Rhino(?).