Rueben's Ramblings

Here is the list of the programming options to expect on TV this coming week:

On November 18, the season finale of Inspector Ellis will air online on Acorn TV.

The Roku Channel movie Jingle Bell Love will debut online on November 18. The film follows Jack Cooper (Joey McIntyre) as he visits his late wife’s hometown for Christmas — and he gets more than he bargained for when his determined daughter decides to match him up with a charming local shop owner (Michelle Morgan).

On November 19, the behind-the-scenes NBC special Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked will air at 10 PM (ahead of the theatrical release on November 22). The special features Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang and Marissa Bode, who all star in “Wicked,” as they share personal memories, intimate video diaries and revealing secrets about their personal journeys through the making of the Universal Pictures film. The special was filmed on the set of the film and will also include a scene from the film that has not yet been seen.

The action-comedy Interior Chinatown will debut online on Hulu on November 19. Based on Charles Yu’s award-winning book of the same name, the show follows the story of Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang), a background character trapped in a police procedural called Black & White. Relegated to the background, Willis goes through the motions of his on-screen job, waiting tables and dreaming about a whole world beyond Chinatown. When he inadvertently becomes a witness to a crime, Willis begins to unravel a criminal web in Chinatown, his family’s buried history, and what it feels like to be in the spotlight. The cast includes Chloe Bennet, Archie Kao, Diana Lin, Lisa Gilroy, Ronny Chieng and Sullivan Jones.

On November 20, the Netflix holiday movie The Merry Gentlemen will debut online. To save the Rhythm Room, her parents’ small-town performing arts venue, a former big-city dancer (Britt Robertson) stages an all-male, Christmas-themed revue. The ensemble cast includes Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Coles Prattes and Maxwell Caulfield.

The 58th Annual CMA Awards will air on ABC at 8 PM on November 20.

On November 21, the small screen series adaptation of the box office movie Cruel Intentions will debut online on Amazon Prime. Twenty-five years after the iconic film captivated audiences with its provocative drama, sex, and scandal, this series introduces a new class of cruel characters who are ready to take their games and manipulation to a whole new level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or new to the twisted tale, the series promises binge-worthy fun that audiences won’t want to miss. The series is led by Sarah Catherine Hook as Caroline Merteuil and Zac Burgess as her step-brother Lucien Belmont. The cast also includes Savannah Lee Smith, Sara Silva, John Harlan Kim, Khobe Clarke and Brooke Lena Johnson as well as original cast member Sean Patrick Thomas as Professor Hank Chadwick.

The BET+ holiday movie A Wesley South African Christmas will debut online on November 21. When his international business venture comes to a screeching halt, Todd must stick around Durban, South Africa during the Christmas holiday to close the deal, but not without the Wesley family and all their holiday shenanigans. The large ensemble cast includes Dorien Wilson, Jasmine Guy, Terrence “TC” Carson, Jesse Suntele, Ayanda Banda-Ngubane, Kiki Haynes, Rolonda Rochelle, Judi Johnson, Novi Brown, Terayle Hill, Bheki Mkhwane, Baby Cele, Dineo Langa, Bohang Moeko, Trevor Gumbi, Nay Maps and Chazitear.

On November 21, the Hallmark Mystery movie A Novel Noel will debut at 8 PM. A successful New York City book editor (Julie Gonzalo), who is losing touch with her passion after a few setbacks this year learns she was chosen to run a bookstore in the small town of Saint Ives for the month of December. While realizing a childhood dream, but butting heads with the handsome son (Brendan Penny) of the bookstore owners, she comes to realize that her love for bringing out the creativity of others is still her true calling, and untapped talent (and love) can be found anywhere even in the writings of a cranky business-minded man, especially at Christmas.

The Hallmark+ movie Unwrapping Christmas: Lily’s Destiny will debut online on November 21. Lily (Ashley Newbrough), the marketing guru of All Wrapped Up, believes the universe guides us to our destiny and it appears that it’s guiding her toward a celebrity realtor. However, when she feels an unexpected spark with journalist Sean Whitlock (Torrance Coombs) during an interview, her heart starts to question everything. As her chemistry with Sean grows, Lily begins to wonder if he’s the true match she’s been waiting for all along.

Also on November 21, the Netflix movie A Man on the Inside will debut online. A retired professor (Ted Danson) gets a new lease on life when a private investigator hires him to go undercover inside a San Francisco retirement home. Stephanie Beatriz co-stars.

The Netflix animated movie Spellbound will debut online on November 22. The story of Ellian (voiced by Rachel Zegler), a teenager who comes of age using her magical powers to defend her family when the opposing forces of light and darkness threaten to divide her kingdom. The voice cast includes John Lithgow, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess and John Ratzenberger.

On November 22, the World War II box office movie Blitz will have its streaming debut online on Apple TV+. The film follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.

The Hallmark Channel holiday movie Christmas on Call will debut on November 22 at 8 PM. In the lead-up to Christmas, emergency room doctor Hannah Michaels (Sara Canning) juggles her demanding job and a budding romance with EMT Wes Sullivan (Ser’Darius Blain) in Philadelphia. They spend time together as Wes helps her become more acquainted with the sights, sounds and tastes of Philadelphia, it’s clear that they’re starting to fall for each other. As the local First Responders balance duty with holiday celebrations, they come together to face challenges, support each other and find moments of joy. Features a cameo appearance by Donna Kelce.

November 22, the second part of season 7 of Outlander will premiere on Starz at 8 PM.

The Disney+ movie Out of My Mind will debut online on November 22. Melody Brooks (Phoebe-Rae Taylor and voiced by Jennifer Aniston), a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, has a quick wit and a sharp mind, but because she is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, she is not given the same opportunities as her classmates. When a young educator notices her student’s untapped potential and Melody starts to participate in mainstream education, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it. The cast includes Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, Michael Chernus, Courtney Taylor and Judith Light.

On November 22, the British feature film Joy will debut online on Netflix. Based on a true story, this drama follows three pioneering British scientists (Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy) in the ’60s and ’70s and their struggle to develop IVF — against all odds.

The box office movie The Piano Lesson will debut online on Netflix on November 22. A brewing battle over the fate of an heirloom piano threatens to tear a family apart in this drama based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The cast includes John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins, Michael Potts, Stephan James and Jerrika Hinton.

On November 23, the UPtv movie The Search for Secret Santa will debut at 7 PM. Cub reporter Sofia (Skye Coyne) thinks she’s found a Christmas story that will save her career when she discovers a long-lost, undelivered Secret Santa gift addressed from B. to Claire. The film stars Alex Trumble and Jackee Harry.

The Great American Family movie A Little Women’s Christmas will debut on November 23 at 8 PM. This version is a contemporary retelling of the beloved classic novel, following the lives and loves of the March sisters in a small Tennessee town at Christmas. The cast includes Jillian Murray as Jo March, Trevor Donovan as Friedrich “Fritz” Baehr, Jen Lilley as Meg March, Laura Osnes as Beth March, Julia Reilly as Amy March and Jesse Hutch as John. Gladys Knight will also be featured, singing the song “Joy.”

On November 23, the Lifetime holiday movie Christmas in the Spotlight will debut at 8 PM. The film follows Bowyn (Jessica Lord), a popular musician and celebrity, who despite always singing about love and relationships, hasn’t found Mr. Right yet. Her fame and busy recording schedule make it nearly impossible to date, but when she meets Drew (Laith Wallschleger), a pro football player, backstage at her show with his niece, there’s an undeniable spark between the two of them. When Drew publicly declares he has a crush on Bowyn, they decide to give dating a shot, much to the excitement of her manager Mira (Jeannie Mai). With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger, but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family, including Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole (Haley Kalil). The pair has until the end of the holiday season to decide if they want to stay together, or let it go down in flames.

The sequel movie Three Wiser Men and a Boy will debut on the Hallmark Channel on November 23 at 8 PM. The story begins five years later with the Brenner brothers preparing for another memorable Christmas. In a crazy turn of events, possibly brought on accidently by the brothers themselves, the director of Luke’s (Andrew Walker) son Thomas’ (newcomer Miles Marthaller) school holiday musical steps down. Luke is desperate to make his son’s stage dreams come true, so he enlists the help of his brothers Taylor (Tyler Hynes) and Stephan (Paul Campbell). Meanwhile, the trio navigates meeting their mom Barbara’s (Margaret Colin) new boyfriend and the brothers grapple with their own feelings about this relationship. In true Brenner brother fashion, they are all in for a Christmas they will never forget.

On November 24, the finale of From will air on MGM+ at 9 PM.

The Great American Family holiday movie Christmas By Candlelight will debut at 8 PM on November 24. Juliet (Erin Agostino) pitches Christmas candles to her boss to earn a promotion and enlists the help of a candle store owner who refuses at first but reluctantly agrees when he realizes the money will help make his daughter’s Christmas wish come true. Harmon Walsh co-stars.

On November 24, Festival of Trees is the new holiday movie that will debut at 7 PM on UPtv. Jacquie Miller (Kate Miner) is an interior designer desperate to catch a break. The city’s annual Festival of Trees decorating competition, known for putting local artists on the map, may be just the answer! But competing with the city’s top designers is not for the faint of heart. With the help of her quirky assistant, a charming stranger and an inspirational young girl, Jacquie embarks on a humor-filled and heart-warming journey to create a tree that will knock the stockings off Santa himself. The cast includes Greg Perrow and Josie Davis.

Sincerely, Truly Christmas is the latest holiday movie that will debut on Lifetime on November 24 at 8 PM. When event planner Christina (Paula Brancati) is fired just before Christmas, she makes a wish that magically comes true. Armed with the ability to hear what people want for Christmas, Christina learns that bringing reclusive one-hit-wonder Dan Copen (Howard Hoover) out of retirement could help get her job back. But to get to Dan, she’ll need to go through handsome realtor Robert (Jake Epstein) who needs help finding the perfect Christmas gift for his son.

Lastly, also November 24, the Hallmark Channel movie To Have and To Holiday will debut at 8 PM. When Celeste (Madeleine Arthur) gets engaged to Jason (Robert Bazzocchi) after just a few months of dating, her father and the couple’s would be officiant, Pastor Mark (Eric Close), insists on putting them through a pre- wedding “bootcamp” filled with Christmas-themed challenges. As the couple grows stronger through the festive activities, Celeste considers following her dreams in the fashion industry. Meanwhile, Pastor Mark learns to trust his daughter’s choices, leading to a heartwarming holiday season for the whole family.

Mark your calendars!

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Trying to figure out what to watch tonight? Be it new episodes of the TV season, reairs of cable series or a movie, here are some suggestions:

NOTE: The finale of Inspector Ellis will air online on Acorn TV while the holiday movie Jingle Bell Love will debut online on The Roku Channel.

5 PM:
Jumanji: The Next Level movie on Freeform

6 PM:
Confessions of a Christmas Letter movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

6:20 PM:
Unstoppable movie on HBO

6:50 PM:
Dune: Prophecy on HBO 2 (Encore)

7 PM:
From on MGM+ (Encore)

7:30 PM:
Thor: Love and Thunder movie on FX
Black Adam movie on TNT

8 PM:
Superman & Lois on CW (NEW)
9-1-1: Lone Star on FOX (NEW)
Emperor of Ocean Park on MGM+ (Encore)
My Norwegian Holiday movie on Hallmark Channel (Reair)
Homegrown Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Tombstone movie on AMC
Jungle Cruise movie on Freeform
The Shawshank Redemption movie on Paramount Network

8:15 PM:
Three Women on Starz (Encore)

8:50 PM:
Emperor of Ocean Park on MGM+ (Encore)

9 PM:
Rescue: Hi-Surf on FOX (NEW)
Lioness on Showtime (NEW)
Sweetpea on Starz (Encore)
NCIS on CBS (Reair)

9:30 PM:
Dune: Prophecy on HBO (Encore)
F9: The Fast Saga movie on Syfy

10 PM:
Brilliant Minds on NBC (NEW)
Holiday Crashers movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Christmas Tree Lane movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

Enjoy!

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Trying to figure out what to watch tonight? Be it new episodes of the TV season, reairs of cable series or a movie, here are some suggestions:

NOTE: The new drama Landman will debut online today on Paramount+ while the finale of Tulsa King will also air online on Paramount+.

4:30 PM:
Forrest Gump movie on CMT

5 PM:
Dognapped: A Hound for the Holidays movie on UPtv (Encore)
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom movie on FX

5:15 PM:
Ford v Ferrari movie on FXM

6 PM:
Jingle Bell Run movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
‘Tis the Reason for the Season movie on Hallmark Mystery (Encore)

6:05 PM:
Dune: Part Two movie on HBO

6:15 PM:
The Incredibles (animated) movie on Freeform

7 PM:
A Very English Christmas movie on UPtv (DEBUT)
Yellowstone on Paramount Network (Reair)

8 PM:
Tracker on CBS (NEW)
A Cozy Christmas Quilt movie on Great American Family (DEBUT)
Confessions of a Christmas Letter movie on Hallmark Channel (DEBUT)
Holiday in Happy Hollow movie on Lifetime (DEBUT)
Lioness on Showtime (Encore)
Sweetpea on Starz (Encore)
Howards End on Masterpiece on PBS (Reair)
Time For Him to Come Home for Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Jumanji: The Next Level movie on FX

8:30 PM:
Ford v Ferrari movie on FXM

9 PM:
The Equalizer on CBS (NEW)
The Marlow Murder Club on PBS (NEW – Season Finale)
Yellowstone on Paramount Network (Encore)
Incredibles 2 (animated) movie on Freeform
The Polar Express (animated) movie on TNT

9:30 PM:
Three Women on Starz (Encore)

10 PM:
Yellowstone on Paramount Network (Encore)
Write Before Christmas movie on Hallmark Channel (Reair)
A Godwink Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

10:20 PM:
Sweetpea on Starz (Encore)

Enjoy!

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