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Archive for the ‘Television’ Category

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: There will be a marathon of episodes of The Pitt on HBO today. Check your local listings for airtimes and episodes.

5 PM:
Selena movie on CMT
Avengers: Age of Ultron movie on FX
The Batman (2022) movie on HBO

5:15 PM:
Captain America movie on TBS

5:45 PM:
Galaxy Quest movie on BBC America

6 PM:
Christmas on Duty movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Five Gold Rings movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
The Equalizer 2 movie on Paramount Network

6:30 PM:
Outlander on Starz (Reair)

7 PM:
Robin Hood on MGM+ (Encore)
Incredibles 2 (animated) movie on Disney
Captain Marvel movie on TruTV

7:30 PM:
Outlander on Starz (Reair)
Brave (animated) movie on Freeform

8 PM:
Recipe for Romance movie on CW (DEBUT)
Tracker on CBS (Encore)
A Veteran’s Christmas movie on Hallmark Channel (Reair)
A Bramble House Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back movie on AMC
Spaceballs movie on BBC America
Avengers: Infinity War movie on FX
Hidden Figures movie on HBO
The Equalizer movie on Showtime
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom movie on Syfy
Captain America: Civil War movie on TBS
Wonka movie on TNT

9 PM:
Fire Country on CBS (Encore)
The Day After Tomorrow movie on Paramount Network

9:15 PM:
Spies in Disguise (animated) movie FXM

9:30 PM:
Encanto (animated) movie on Freeform

9:45 PM:
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning movie on MGM+

10 PM:
The More the Merrier movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
A Glenbrooke Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

10:15 PM:
The Equalizer 2 movie on Showtime

10:30 PM:
While You Were Sleeping movie on VH1

Enjoy!

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Every year there are lots of awards shows, some important, some just fun and numerous just plain silly or nonsensical, but the following list – despite the pandemic – is just some of the top winners over the course of this year:

GOLDEN GLOBES (January)

Best Motion Picture Drama – The Brutalist
Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy – Emilia Perez
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement – Wicked
Best Actress Motion Picture Drama – Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here
Best Actor Motion Picture Drama – Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Best Actress Motion Picture Musical or Comedy – Demi Moore, The Substance
Best Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy – Sebastian Stan, A Different Man
Best Supporting Actress Motion Picture – Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez
Best Supporting Actor Motion Picture – Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Best Director – Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
Best Original Score – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Challengers
Best TV Drama Series – Shogun (FX/Hulu)
Best TV Comedy Series – Hacks (HBO/MAX)
Best TV Limited Series – Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
Best Actress TV Drama Series – Anna Sawai, Shogun
Best Actor TV Drama Series – Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun
Best Actress TV Comedy Series – Jean Smart, Hacks
Best Actor TV Comedy Series – Jeremy Allen White, The Bear (FX)
Best Actress Limited Series – Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country (HBO)
Best Actor Limited Series – Colin Farrell, The Penguin (HBO)
Best Supporting Actress – Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer
Best Supporting Actor – Tadanobu Asano, Shogun

LONDON CRITICS’ CIRCLE FILM AWARDS (February)

Film of the Year – The Brutalist
Animated Film of the Year – Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Director of the Year – RaMell Ross, Nickel Boys
Actress of the Year – Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths
Actor of the Year – Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
Supporting Actress of the Year – Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez
Supporting Actor of the Year – Kiernan Culkin, A Real Pain
Breakthrough Performer – Mikey Madison, Anora

GRAMMY AWARDS (February)

Record of the Year – Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”
Album of the Year – Beyonce, “Cowboy Carter”
Best New Artist – Chappell Roan
Best Pop Solo Performance – Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile”
Best Pop Vocal Album – Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet”
Best Rock Performance – The Beatles, “Now and Then”
Best Country Solo Performance – Chris Stapleton, “It Takes A Woman”
Best Country Song – Kacey Musgraves, “The Architect”
Best Country Album – Beyonce, “Cowboy Carter”

CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS (February)

Best TV Drama – Shogun
Best Actor TV Drama – Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun
Best Actress TV Drama – Kathy Bates, Matlock
Best Supporting Actor TV Drama – Tadanobu Asano, Shogun
Best Supporting Actress TV Drama – Moeka Hoshi, Shogun
Best TV Comedy – Hacks
Best Actor TV Comedy – Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This
Best Actress TV Comedy – Jean Smart, Hacks
Best Supporting Actor TV Comedy – Michael Urie, Shrinking
Best Supporting Actress TV Comedy – Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Best Made-for-TV Movie – Rebel Ridge
Best Actor Limited Series – Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Best Actress Limited Series – Cristin Milioti, The Penguin
Best Motion Picture – Anora
Best Actor Motion Picture – Adrian Brody, The Brutalist
Best Actress Motion Picture – Demi Moore, The Substance
Best Young Actress Motion Picture – Maisy Stella, My Old Ass
Best Acting Ensemble Motion Picture – Conclave
Best Director Motion Picture – Jon M. Chu, Wicked
Best Costume Design Motion Picture – Wicked
Best Visual Effects Motion Picture – Dune: Part Two
Best Animated Motion Picture – The Wild Robot
Best Comedy Motion Picture – Deadpool & Wolverine and A Real Pain [TIE]

PRODUCERS GUILD OF AMERICA (February)

Outstanding Producer of Motion Picture – Anora
Outstanding Producer of Animated Motion Picture – The Wild Robot
Outstanding Producer of Episodic TV Drama – Shogun
Outstanding Producer of Episodic TV Comedy – Hacks
Outstanding Producer of Limited TV Series – Baby Reindeer
Outstanding Producer Documentary Motion Picture – Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Outstanding Children’s TV Program – Sesame Street
Outstanding Sports Program – Simone Biles Rising

DGA AWARDS (February)

First Time Directorial Feature – RaMell Ross, Nickel Boys
Drama Series – Frederick E.O. Toye, Shogun
Comedy Series – Lucia Aniello, Hacks
Children’s Program – Amber Sealey, Out of My Mind

AARP MOVIES FOR GROWNUP AWARDS (February)

Best Picture – A Complete Unknown
Best Actress – Demi Moore, The Substance
Best Actor – Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Best Supporting Actress – Joan Chen, Didi
Best Supporting Actor – Peter Sarsgaard, September 5
Best Director – Jacques Audiard, Emilia Perez
Best Screenwriter – Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, Wicked
Best Ensemble – Sing Sing
Best TV Actress – Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country
Best TV Actor – Jon Hamm, Fargo
Best TV Series – Shogun

SAG AWARDS (February)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast, Motion Picture – Conclave
Outstanding Actress in Leading Role – Demi Moore, The Substance
Outstanding Actor in Leading Role – Timothee Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
Outstanding TV Ensemble, Comedy TV Series – Only Murders in the Building
Outstanding Actress in Limited TV Series – Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer
Outstanding Actor in Comedy TV Series – Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Outstanding Action by Stunt Ensemble, Motion Picture – The Fall Guy

NAACP IMAGE AWARDS (February)

Entertainer of the Year – Keke Palmer
Outstanding Motion Picture – The Six Triple Eight
Outstanding Actress, Motion Picture – Kerry Washington, The Six Triple Eight
Outstanding Actor, Motion Picture – Martin Lawrence, Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Outstanding Actress, TV Drama – Queen Latifah, The Equalizer
Outstanding Actor, TV Drama – Michael Rainey Jr., Power Book II: Ghost
Outstanding Actress, TV Comedy – Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Actor, TV Comedy – Damon Wayans, Poppa’s House
Outstanding Soundtrack Album – Wicked: The Soundtrack
Outstanding Talk Show – The Jennifer Hudson Show
Outstanding Actor Made-for-TV Movie – Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge
Outstanding TV Comedy – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Comedy – Danielle Pinnock, Ghosts
Outstanding TV Drama Series – Cross
Outstanding TV Documentary – Black Barbie: A Documentary
Outstanding Independent Film – Sing Sing
Outstanding Supporting Actor, Motion Picture – Denzel Washington, Gladiator II
Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture – Ebony Obsidian, The Six Triple Eight
Outstanding Writing, Motion Picture – RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes, Nickel Boys
Outstanding Animated Movie – Inside Out 2
Outstanding Original Score for TV – Star Wars: The Acolyte
Outstanding Costume Design – Paul Tazewell, Wicked
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative, Motion Picture – Malcolm Washington, The Piano Lesson
Outstanding Performance by a Youth on TV – Leah Sava Jeffries, Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Outstanding Directing in TV Movie – Tina Mabry, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat
Outstanding News Series – The Reidout

SPIRIT AWARDS (February)

Best Feature – Anora
Best First Feature – Didi
Best Director – Sean Baker, Anora
Best Screenplay – Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain
Best Cinematography – Jomo Fray, Nickel Boys
Best Documentary – No Other Land
Best New Scripted TV Series – Shogun

BAFTA AWARDS (February)

Best Film – Conclave
Leading Actress – Mikey Madison, Anora
Leading Actor – Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Costume Design – Paul Tazewell, Wicked

WRITERS GUILD AWARDS (February)

TV Drama Series – Shogun
TV Comedy Series – Hacks
TV Limited Series – The Penguin
TV and Streaming Movie – The Great Lillian Hall
Quiz and Audience Participation – Pop Culture Jeopardy

OSCARS (March)

Best Picture – Anora
Best Actor – Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Best Actress – Mikey Madison, Anora
Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez
Best Director – Sean Baker, Anora
Best Adaped Screenplay – Conclave
Best Costume Design – Paul Tazewell, Wicked
Best Original Song – El Mal, Emilia Perez
Best Sound – Dune: Part Two

GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS (March)

Outstanding TV Comedy Series – Hacks
Outstanding TV Drama Series – 9-1-1: Lone Star
Outstanding New TV Series – Agatha All Along
Outstanding TV or Streaming Film – The Groomsmen: Second Chance
Outstanding Kids and Family Program or Film, Live Action – Heartstopper

PEABODY AWARDS (May)

Children’s/Youth – Out of My Mind (Disney+)
Entertainment – Will & Harper (Netflix)
Entertainment – Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
Entertainment – Ripley (Netflix)
Entertainment – Shogun (FX/Hulu)

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS (May)

Entertainer of the Year – Lainey Wilson
Female Artist of the Year – Lainey Wilson
Male Artist of the Year – Chris Stapleton
Duo of the Year – Brooks & Dunn
Group of the Year – Old Dominion
New Female Artist of the Year – Ella Langley
New Male Artist of the Year – Zach Top
New Duo or Group of the Year – The Red Clay Strays
Album of the Year – “Whirlwind” Lainey Wilson
Songwriter of the Year – Jessie Jo Dillon

BAFTA TV AWARDS (May)

Leading Actress – Marisa Abela, Industry
Limited Drama – Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office
Sound: Fiction – Slow Horses
Special, Visual and Graphic Effects – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (May)

Artist of the Year – Billie Eilish
New Artist of the Year – Gracie Abrams
Collaboration of the Year – Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, Die With A Smile
Favorite Male Pop Artist – Bruno Mars
Favorite Female Country Artist – Beyonce
Favorite Country Duo or Group – Dah + Shay
Favorite Rock Artist – Twenty One Pilots
Favorite Rock Song – Linkin Park, The Emptiness Machine

GOTHAM TV AWARDS (June)

Breakthrough Comedy Series – The Studio
Breakthrough Drama Series – The Pitt
Breakthrough Limited Series – Adolescence
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series – Kathy Bates, Matlock
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Comedy Series – Poorna Jagannathan, Deli Boys
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series – Ben Whishaw, Black Doves
Outstanding Performance in an Original Film – Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge (Netflix)

TONY AWARDS (June)

Best Musical – Maybe Happy Ending
Best Play – Purpose
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical – Nicole Scherzinger, Sunset Blvd.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical – Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play – Sarah Snook, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play – Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play – Kara Young, Purpose
Best Costume Design of a Musical – Paul Tazewell, Death Becomes Her

GOLD LIST TV (June)

Outstanding Series – Squid Game
Outstanding Writing – Deli Boys
Outstanding Lead Performance – Lee Jung-jae, Squid Game
Outstanding Supporting Performance – Dichen Lachman, Severance

TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION (August)

Program of the Year – The Pitt
Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries or Specials – Adolescence
Outstanding Achievement in Family Programming – Doctor Who
Heritage Award – Sesame Street

EMMY AWARDS (September)

Outstanding Drama – The Pitt
Lead Actress Drama – Britt Lower, Severance
Lead Actor Drama – Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Supporting Actress Drama – Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Supporting Actor Drama – Tramell Tillman, Severance
Guest Actor Drama – Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt
Lead Actress Comedy – Jean Smart, Hacks
Supporting Actress Comedy – Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Outstanding Reality Host – Alan Cumming, The Traitors
Lead Actress Limited Series – Cristin Milioti, The Penguin

HUMANITAS PRIZE WINNER (September)

Drama Teleplay – The Pitt, 2:00 P.M
Limited Series Teleplay – Dying for Sex
Drama Feature Film – Sing Sing
Children’s Teleplay – Heartstopper

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (September)

Video of the Year – Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Best Pop Artist – Sabrina Carpenter
Best Rock – Coldplay – “All My Love”
Best Direction – Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
Best Group – Blackpink
Best Album – Sabrina Carpenter – “Short n’ Sweet”
Artist of the Year – Lady Gaga
Best Alternative – Sombr – “Back to Friends”
Best New Artist – Alex Warren
Latin Icon Award – Ricky Martin

HONORARY OSCARS AT THE GOVERNORS AWARDS (November)

Tom Cruise (Acting)
Debbie Allen (Choreographer and Acting)
Dolly Parton (Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award)
Wynn Thomas (Production Design)

COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) AWARDS (November)

Entertainer of the Year – Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year – ‘you look like you love me’ – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Album of the Year – Whirlwind by Lainey Wilson
Song of the Year – ‘you look like you love me’ by Riley Green, Ella Langley and Aaron Raitiere
Female Vocalist of the Year – Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year – Cody Johnson
Vocal Group of the Year – The Red Clay Strays
Musician of the Year – Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
New Artist of the Year – Zach Top
Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award – Vince Gill

GOTHAM (FILM) AWARDS (December)

Best Feature – One Battle After Another
Outstanding Lead Performance – Sope Dirisu, My Father’s Shadow
Outstanding Supporting Performance – Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners

NEW YORK FILM CRITICS AWARDS (December)

Actor – Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
Actress – Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Supporting Actor – Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
Supporting Actress – Amy Madifan, Weapons
Animated Film – KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)

Congratulations to all of the above winners (and the countless others who won awards) this year. Are any of the above your favorites? Do you think there was an actor or actress who was overlooked this year? Please share your thoughts.

TOMORROW: Condolences

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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:

5:30 PM:
F9 The Fast Saga movie on Paramount Network
Mrs. Doubtfire movie on WE TV

5:40 PM:
The Hunt for Red October movie on MGM+

5:45 PM:
Never Been Kissed movie on TNT

6 PM:
A Make or Break Holiday movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
This Time Each Year movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Point Break (original) movie on IFC
My Fair Lady (classic) movie on MOVIES!

6:45 PM:
Avatar: The Way of Water movie on Freeform

7 PM:
The Bodyguard movie on BET

8 PM:
Fire Country on CBS (Encore)
Oy to the World movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
The Da Vinci Code movie on MGM+
Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie on TBS
Sweet Home Alabama movie on TNT

8:30 PM:
Cover Girl (classic) movie on MOVIES!

8:45 PM:
Walking Tall (original) movie on TCM

9 PM:
Fire Country on CBS (Encore)

10 PM:
Fire Country on CBS (Encore)
She’s Making a List movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie on USA Network

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.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

NOTE: The BET+ holiday movie A Soulful Christmas will debut online today. Also, the second part of the final season of Stranger Things will premiere online on Netflix today.

5:30 PM:
The Holiday movie on WE TV

5:35 PM:
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring movie on HBO 2

6 PM:
A Grand Ole Opry Christmas movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
A Pickleball Christmas movie on Lifetime (Encore)
A Bride for Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Toy Story (animated) movie on FX

6:15 PM:
Shadow Force movie on Starz

6:30 PM:
Top Gun: Maverick movie on Paramount Network

6:45 PM:
Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love movie on CMT

7 PM:
Ocean’s Eleven movie on Showtime 2
Angels in the Outfield (classic) movie on TCM

7:45 PM:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 movie on USA Network

8 PM:
Call the Midwife Holiday Special on PBS (DEBUT)
A Suite Holiday Romance movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
My Christmas Family Tree movie on the Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune movie on Lifetime (Reair)
Sleepless in Seattle movie on Encore
Toy Story 2 (animated) movie on FX
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina movie on Starz

8:30 PM:
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers movie on HBO 2
Mrs. Doubtfire movie on WE TV

9 PM:
Steel Magnolias movie on CMT
Ocean’s Twelve movie on Showtime 2
12 Days of Christmas Eve movie on MOVIES!

9:30 PM:
Top Gun movie on Paramount Network

9:50 PM:
Apollo 13 movie on Encore

10 PM:
Elsbeth on CBS (Encore)
Spartacus: House of Ashur on Starz (Encore)
Call the Midwife Holiday Special on PBS (Encore)
Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Dear Christmas movie on Lifetime (Reair)
The Bodyguard movie on BET
Toy Story 3 (animated) movie on FX

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 Netflix movie Goodbye June will debut online today.

5 PM:
Braveheart movie on Showtime 2

5:30 PM:
Back to the Future movie on E!

5:50 PM:
Mrs. Doubtfire movie on MGM+

6 PM:
Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas movie on OWN (Encore)
The Christmas Note movie on Hallmark Channel (Reair)
Return to Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

6:30 PM:
Serendipity movie on Showtime
Shrek Forever After movie on TNT

7 PM:
Raiders of the Lost Ark movie on Paramount Network
An Affair to Remember (classic) movie on TCm

7:30 PM:
Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors movie on CMT

8 PM:
The Christmas Showdown movie on OWN (Encore)
Miracle in Bethlehem, PA movie on Hallmark Channel (Reair)
Reunited at Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
It’s a Wonderful Life (classic) movie on NBC
A Minecraft Movie (2025) on HBO
Titanic movie on Showtime
Red One movie on Syfy and USA Network

9:15 PM:
Holiday Affair (classic) movie on FMC

9:30 PM:
Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors movie on CMT
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade movie on Paramount Network

9:45 PM:
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie on HBO

10 PM:
FBI on CBS (Encore)
Christmas Above the Clouds movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Very Merry Mystery movie on OWN (Encore)
Christmas Land on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

10:30 PM:
Red One movie on E! and USA Network
Shooter movie on Showtime 2

Enjoy!

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While this year has been quite tumultuous within the political spectrum as well as natural disasters and unbelievable worldwide events, television (both linear and streaming) has not failed to provide viewers with lots of programming options: good, bad or otherwise.

The following list is just some of the highlights from 2025 (listed in no particular order):

Top Actress – Gina Torres, 9-1-1: Lone Star (FOX)

While there is little chance that the folks over at the Emmy’s will even consider nominating the performance of Gina Torres in the final season of 9-1-1: Lone Star, I think she had a stellar year playing Tommy Vega, especially that unexpected cancer storyline twist as well as what is being called the “otherworldly” reunion with her late character’s husband Charles that had all fans of the show wondering whether Tommy would survive or not [SPOILER ALERT] she did survive and was seen on the mend in the show’s series finale.

Fresh New Face (Actress) – Anna Lambe, North of North (Netflix)

The Netflix comedy North of North, based in Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, stars Inuk actress Anna Lambe, who ironically hails from Iqaluit herself. She plays the lead role of Siaja, a young wife and mother, who is struggling to build a future after a very public exit from her marriage and learning some unexpected truths about her origin. Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize Anna from her supporting role in last season’s True Detective: Night Country.

Top Actor – Noah Wyle, The Pitt (HBO Max)

Despite starring in the long-running medical drama ER for 12 seasons, Noah Wyle never won an Emmy for his role in that show (even though he was nominated five times); instead he finally won an Emmy for his role in the streaming hit medical drama The Pitt where he was exceptional as Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinovich, the chief attendant in the emergency room at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. Between his PTSD over the loss of his beloved mentor during the pandemic, the loss of a young drowning victim or the failed resuscitation of his character’s “stepson’s” girlfriend, was just incredible and moving to watch.

Most Buzzed About Drama – Outlander: Blood of My Blood (Starz)

Each TV season there is typically one stand-out new drama that performs better in the ratings than any other drama; but this year, the overall ratings for new (or even returning) dramas have been rather lacking for the most part. But there was one new drama that, much like its predecessor, caught viewers attention and held on: Outlander: Blood of My Blood.

While there was no actual source material, based on the popular book franchise by author Diana Gabaldon other than a few lines of dialogue in Outlander, this prequel series turned out to be just as vibrant, action-packed and filled with sultry chemistry. The casting of leads Jamie Roy and Harriet Slater as Jamie’s parents and Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine as Claire’s parents was nearly heaven-sent as they bear uncanny resemblances to the lead stars of the mothership.

Best Couple – Karl and Cassandra, Murder in a Small Town (FOX)

This FOX drama, based on the crime novels by L.R. Wright, may be set in the sleepy village of Gibsons in British Columbia but the murders that are investigated there by former Minneapolis detective, now Chief of Police, Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) and his deputies are anything but sleepy or simple. Karl is a different kind of cop, but he sure has a unique way of solving the crimes that plague his new home. But, it’s his relationship with local librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk) that really makes the show zing. Their relationship isn’t easy, and it has hit quite a number of bumps in the short time the show has been on the air; but they have great chemistry and are my top pick for Best Couple this year.

Worst Show – Zero Day (Netflix)

You would think that with a cast that includes Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, Connie Britton, Joan Allen, Matthew Modine, Dan Stevens, Jesse Plemons and Lizzy Caplan as well as Clark Gregg, Gaby Hoffmann and Colin Donnell that the 6-episode Netflix mini-series Zero Day would be a hit, right? Well, sadly, it didn’t. Viewers and critics alike seemed to really dislike this mini-series that was supposed to be a timely conspiracy thriller – think House of Cards and Homeland – but it got “bogged down in endless exposition and bonkers plot twists.” What’s more the show had “too many characters and storylines” for viewers to try and comprehend. In the end, a luminous cast does not equate to good TV.

Handsome Newcomer – Milo Callaghan, The Rainmaker (USA Network)

This British actor landed the prime role of hotshot young lawyer Rudy Baylor in the TV adaptation of the John Grisham novel once made famous by Matt Damon in the box office flick. Filled with youthful optimism and a nose for the law, Rudy ended up working for a small-time ambulance chaser and her less-than-honest paralegal, but made quite an impression on them and the prestigious white-collar firm from which he was fired on his first day. Viewers might remember Milo from his small roles in The Spanish Princess and Rivals.

Unbelievable Storyline – Paradise (Hulu)

As viewers watched the debut episode of this Sterling K. Brown-led political thriller, it appeared to be about the much-unexpected death of the President of the United States, played by James Marsden. But in actuality, the big reveals [SPOILER ALERT] were the fact that what seemed like Washington, D.C. was a city-sized underground bunker in Colorado three years after a doomsday event.

Most Disappointing Cancellations [TIE] -The Residence (Netflix) and Poker Face (Peacock)

Unfortunately, despite a fairly sizable cliffhanger for season two and the popularity of this Peacock drama, the plug was pulled on the Natasha Lyonne-led Poker Face with the unusual potential caveat that the show MIGHT come back with Peter Dinklage taking over as Charlie Cale, a character with the uncanny ability to know when someone is lying merely by talking to them.

Also, the Netflix mystery comedy drama The Residence, which starred Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Ken Marino, Randall Park, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee and Bronson Pinchot (among countless others), came to a close after only one season. The best part of the show was the whodunnit search by Detective Cordelia Cupp (Aduba) – all while on her mission as an avid birder. This screwball comedy could have been yet another hit for the streaming service, but…

Best Dance Number – Will Trent (ABC)

The 13th episode of season 3 of Will Trent, entitled “One of Us Now,” was both lucky and unlucky for the lead character, played by Ramon Rodriguez, because he was still reeling from the accidental shooting of a child during the pursuit of a criminal, and his using that tragedy as a way to get closer to a suspected cult leader. When he was found out to be a cop, that cult leader drugged him, and out of that drug-fused state came one of the best sequences in the show’s run so far. He had a fever dream where he hallucinated dancing to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” with all of the main cast members – as well as his beloved dog Betty and recurring guest star Gina Rodriguez – and even confessed his love for Angie (series lead Erika Christensen).

You can watch that dance sequence below:

NOTE: What’s even more interesting is the fact that the powers that be on the show had four days prep time on the dance sequence and less than a full day of shooting. Pretty impressive!

Best Villain – Julianne Nicholson, Paradise (Hulu)

The new TV series Paradise is part of this year’s Hits and Misses once again because of the performance by Julianne Nicholson, who plays Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond, the tech billionaire who created that underground bunker mentioned above. Her character is multi-layered, and far more powerful within that world than expected, and far more evil than anticipated. Her grief caused her to create that bunker, but then her need for control caused everything else to go to hell…fast.

Ubiquitous Star of the Year – Helen Mirren in 1923 (Paramount+), MobLand (Paramount+) and The Tuesday Murder Club (Netflix)

Dame Helen Mirren has played an expert in wet work in RED, Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen, the mother of Jason Statham in the Fast movie franchise and a detective in Prime Suspect along with countless other memorable roles, but this year she was the ubiquitous star of the year appearing as Cara Dutton, the matriarch of the Dutton family in the Taylor Sheridan series 1923, the precursor to Yellowstone; Maeve Harrigan, yet another matriarch – but of the Harrigan family – the crime family in MobLand and Elizabeth Best, a retired MI6 officer, investigating a cold case murder in the Netflix flick The Thursday Murder Club.

The Saddest Deaths of the TV Year – Nikki Batista, Alert: Missing Persons Unit (FOX); Bobby Nash, 9-1-1 (ABC) and Joel Miller, The Last of Us (HBO)

TV deaths are just par for the course on the small (and big) screen, but there are some TV deaths that are just either extremely unexpected, very hard to watch or just unnecessary – even if the powers that be behind the show “claim” that it helps the story move along.

This TV season, viewers watched as Nikki Batista (series lead Dania Ramirez) on the now defunct FOX drama Alert: Missing Persons Unit was kidnapped by the Irish mob and then found in a shallow grave out in the woods. While her demise was not shown on screen, it was still hard for fans to wrap their heads around her death because it was extremely unexpected.

Then there was the brutal death of Joel Miller (series lead Pedro Pascal) in The Last of Us on HBO, who was killed in the second episode of season two. While his death was a testament to the show’s commitment to its source material, it was still very hard for the show’s fans to watch.

Lastly, the hardest TV death to deal with was Bobby Nash (series lead Peter Krause) in 9-1-1 on ABC. While dealing with a fire at a bio-lab, the 118 firefighters ended up trapped inside that lab with a deadly new virus. Howard “Chimney” Han (series regular Kenneth Choi) was the first to be infected, but not the last. As the episode came to an end, the firefighters and the viewers learned that Bobby Nash was also infected, but there was only one antidote so he self-sacrificed in order to save Chimney’s life. His loss was tragic, to say the least, and completely unexpected. In fact, showrunner Tim Minear confirmed the loss of Bobby was entirely a creative decision on his part, which really upset the show’s base.

Coolest TV Episode – Wheezervision, SkyMed (Paramount+)

This Canadian medical drama delivered an extremely interesting storyline in episode 6 of season 3 when Pilot William “Wheezer” Heaseman (series regular Aaron Ashmore) was dealing with blindness from a green laser flashing in his eyes when he was flying on a medical mission. While recovering in his hospital room, he played out stories of his friends as if they were movies – one was a B&W film noir story, one was a horror story, one was a western, one was a soap opera and then an ongoing issue with a patient in room 3B, which was the hospital room that he was actually in.

What have been the stand-out moments on the small screen (networks or streaming) for you? Who was your favorite actor for the year? What series, special or TV event disappointed you the most? Please share your thoughts on TV from this year below.

TOMORROW: The Rhythm is Gonna Get You

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On December 27, the new series The Copenhagen Test will debut online on Peacock.

This drama is about a first-generation Chinese American intelligence analyst named Alexander Hale (Simu Liu), who realizes his brain has been hacked (think the Zachary Levi-led TV series Chuck but with much less comedy and slapstick), giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out who is responsible and prove where his allegiance lies.

Melissa Barrera co-stars.

Here is a trailer for The Copenhagen Test:

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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:

5:30 PM
The Karate Kid (original) movie on BBC America

5:50 PM:
Shooter movie on Showtime

6 PM:
Christmas Under the Clouds movie movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Homegrown Christmas movie on Hallmark Mysteries (Reair)
Merry Swissmas movie on Lifetime (Reair)

7 PM:
The Lion King (animated) movie on FX
Ocean’s Eleven movie on Paramount Network
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom movie on Showtime 2

8 PM:
High Potential on ABC (Encore)
Murder in a Small Town on FOX (Encore)
Christmas at the Catnip Cafe movie movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Christmas Everyday movie on Lifetime (Encore)
Mystery on Mistletoe Lane movie on Hallmark Mysteries (Reair)

8:30 PM:
The Karate Kid Part II movie on BBC America

9 PM:
High Potential on ABC (Encore)
Doc on FOX (Encore)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade movie on Showtime 2

9:30 PM:
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle movie on FX
Ocean’s Twelve movie on Paramount Network

10 PM:
High Potential on ABC (Encore)
The Christmas Baby movie on Hallmark Channel (Encore)
Deck the Hallways movie on Lifetime (Encore)
Northern Lights of Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Ghostbusters (original) movie on Sundance TV
Shrek the Third (animated) movie on TNT

Enjoy!

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

On December 24, the Netflix movie Goodbye June will debut online. The film centers on four siblings whose lives change when their ailing mother takes a turn for the worse over the holiday season. The ensemble cast includes Kate Winslet (who also directed the film), Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, Stephen Merchant and Raza Jaffrey.

The second part of the final season of Stranger Things will premiere online on Netflix on December 25.

On December 25, the BET+ holiday movie A Soulful Christmas will debut online. When the children of two legendary — and feuding — R&B artists are forced to collaborate on a holiday song remake, their rivalry turns into unexpected romance. But between family legacies, long-buried grudges, and a looming Christmas Eve deadline, they’ll need to find harmony both on and off the stage to create the hit that could heal two families. The cast includes Kaci Walfall, Myles Truitt, Shanice and Kenny Lattimore.

The Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2025 will debut on December 25 at 8 PM on PBS. Senior members of the convent embark on a mercy mission, swapping the snowy East End of London for the sun-drenched terrain of Hong Kong. The rise in hospital births, and wider changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings. But their mission to the Far East is a chance to take flight and work out what really matters. For her part, Sister Julienne suddenly finds herself excited about the Order’s future. After years of battling change, she decides to embrace it and see what love can do.

On December 26, the season finale of Pluribus will air online on Apple TV.

The new series The Copenhagen Test will debut online on Peacock on December 27. This drama is about a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst named Alexander Hale (Simu Liu), who realizes his brain has been hacked (think the Zachary Levi-led TV series Chuck but with much less comedy and slapstick), giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out who is responsible and prove where his allegiance lies. Melissa Barrera co-stars.

Lastly on December 28, the season finale of Mayor of Kingstown will air online on Paramount+; meanwhile, that same day, the season finale of Robin Hood will air on MGM+ at 9 PM.

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:

6 PM:
A Homecoming for the Holidays movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)
Independence Day movie on TNT

7 PM:
Robin Hood on MGM+ (Encore)
The Bourne Ultimatum movie on Starz

7:45 PM:
Invincible movie on FXM

8 PM:
Mayor of Kingstown on Showtime (NEW)
Rogue Heroes on MGM+ (Encore)
The Christmas Campaign movie on Lifetime (Encore)
Christmas in Angel Falls movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

8:45 PM:
Braveheart movie on Showtime

9 PM:
The Pitt on TNT (NEW)
FBI on CBS (Encore)
Rogue Heroes on MGM+ (Encore)
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare movie on Encore

10 PM:
The Pitt on TNT (NEW)
FBI on CBS (Encore)
A Cowboy Christmas Romance movie on Lifetime (Encore)
Christmas by Starlight movie on Hallmark Channel (Reair)
A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas movie on Hallmark Mystery (Reair)

11 PM:
The Pitt on TNT (NEW)

Enjoy!

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