Here is a list of programming options to expect on TV this coming week:
The Hallmark Channel movie Broadcasting Christmas will debut on November 23 at 8 PM. Emily (Melissa Joan Hart) is an ambitious television anchor, aimed at climbing the ranks. When the opportunity to co-host a talk show with the fabulous talk show diva Veronika (Jackee Harry from 227) presents itself two weeks before Christmas, she thinks this is her big break. To her surprise, she discovers she has stiff competition with Charlie (Dean Cain), the local TV anchor who is her near equal on another station. With such interest and support for both reporters, a contest is created: for the two weeks leading up to Christmas, who can cover the best and most meaningful Christmas stories on the local news? As they shoot their heartfelt Christmas stories, they realize the top prize is not as important as they once thought. They experience the true meaning of Christmas with the subjects in their news segments – and with each other. Cynthia Gibb (Fame) and Richard Kline (Three’s Company) also star.
On November 24, the latest small-screen adaptation of the Lucy Maud Montgomery classic story Anne of Green Gables will air on PBS at 8 PM. A new adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, a precocious orphan placed in the care of uptight Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew, played by acclaimed actor Martin Sheen. Neither the adventurous Anne nor the conservative Marilla could anticipate the profound effect they’d have on each other’s lives. Anne will be played by newcomer Ella Ballentine while Matthew will be played by The West Wing alum Martin Sheen and Marilla will be played by Canadian actress Sara Botsford.
Also on November 24, the Hallmark Channel movie Christmas in Homestead will debut at 9 PM. One of the most famous actresses in world heads to the Christmas-obsessed town of Homestead, Iowa, to shoot a holiday-themed movie. She is thrown for a loop when a romance brews between her and local inn keeper and single dad, Matt. As she gets a taste of small-town life and people who give of themselves without asking anything in return, she discovers the true meaning of Christmas. The cast includes Taylor Cole (The Originals), Michael Rady (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and Michael Nardelli (Revenge).
The Hallmark Channel movie Christmas List will debut on November 25 at 9 PM. Isobel Gray plans a storybook Christmas with her boyfriend, including a snow-covered cottage in the Northwest, and a carefully composed bucket list of classic holiday traditions. But when the boyfriend goes AWOL, the list proves challenging and a tempting new romance turns her life upside down. Will Isobel have a White Christmas ending under the mistletoe? The film stars Alicia Witt (Nashville) and Gabriel Hogan (Heartland).
Also on November 25, the much-anticipated 4-part movie event Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life will air on Netflix. Virtually all of the cast of the original 2000-2007 WB/The CW series will return for four 90-minute movies, returning to the town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
The UP Channel movie A Puppy for Christmas will also debut on November 25 at 7 PM. After her destructive puppy Buster causes Noelle to lose her boyfriend, her apartment and her job, Noelle is invited to spend the holidays on a farm with her rugged co-worker Liam. But when Noelle’s city past catches up with her, things get complicated. Noelle must choose between the safe, successful world she left behind, or an uncertain, unpredictable and exciting future with Buster and Liam. The film stars Cindy Busby (Cedar Cove and Unleashing Mr. Darcy), Greyston Holt (Bitten) and Christopher Russell (Merry Matrimony and Wedding Bells).
On November 26, the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie A Heavenly Christmas will debut on the Hallmark Channel at 8 PM. Upon her untimely death, Eve Morgan (Kristin Davis from Sex and the City), a workaholic finds herself tethered to her guardian angel (veteran actress Shirley MacLaine) learning to become a Christmas angel in Heaven. Despite being the worst recruit in the history of Christmas, Eve is assigned the difficult task of helping a struggling singer Max (Eric McCormack from Will & Grace) use his musical gifts to heal old family wounds. As Max begins to overcome his issues, Eve begins to embrace the meaning of Christmas, heal wounds of her own, and perhaps find love along the way.
Also on November 26, the UP Channel holiday movie Falling for Christmas will debut at 7 PM. When champion figure skater Claire becomes injured, she is sent to a rehabilitation center in the snowy mountains where she meets and falls for a ruggedly handsome local man who shows her there is more to life than competition. The cast includes Leah Renee, Niall Matter, Lochlyn Munro and Lisa Whelchel.
The Hallmark Channel movie Journey Back to Christmas will debut on November 27 at 8 PM. Hannah (Cameron Cameron Bure), a WWII-era nurse, is transported in time to 2016 and meets Jake (Oliver Hudson from Nashville), a man who helps her discover the bonds of family and that the true meaning of Christmas is timeless. Tom Skerritt (Picket Fences) also stars.
Also on November 27, the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie I’ll Be Home For Christmas will debut at 9 PM. Jackie Foster (Mena Suvari from American Beauty), a dynamic Assistant District Attorney and single mom, is looking forward to wrapping up her latest case and spending Christmas with Gracie, her adorable and precocious, eight-year old daughter. But when Jackie’s estranged dad, Jack (James Brolin from Life In Pieces), a gruff retired police officer, unexpectedly shows up at her door, they will be forced to confront old wounds. Tensions rise when Jack brings Nose, a mischievous former police dog, into Jackie’s orderly home. Though Jack had planned on quickly passing through, Gracie convinces him to stay until Christmas. Despite the baggage he brings, Jack and Jackie begin to work through their issues and she finds the possibility of an unlikely romance with a detective friend of Jack’s. As they experience the magic of Christmas together, they attempt to let go of their past and celebrate this loving holiday the way Jackie always dreamed.
The Rooftop Christmas Tree will be the new holiday movie to air on the UP Channel on November 27 at 7 PM. Every Christmas for 15 years, Dale Landis fastens a tree to his roof and decorates it for the season; and every year he’s arrested for it. Determined to keep Dale out of jail this year, a judge orders idealistic attorney Sarah Wright and aggressive prosecutor John Riviera to work together to defend Dale and figure out the mystery behind the rooftop Christmas tree. Inspired by a true story. The film stars Michelle Morgan (Heartland) and veteran actor Tim Reid (WKRP in Cincinnati).
Also on November 27, the ION Channel holiday movie A Christmas in Vermont will debut at 9 PM. Riley Thomas (Abigail Hawk from Blue Bloods) is sent by her profit-obsessed boss to shut down one of the company’s holdings, a small outerwear company in Vermont, for missing profit targets. Riley finds that the company is the lifeblood of a town and, instead of closing down the iconic firm, she unexpectedly falls in love and learns valuable lessons beyond the bottom line. The film will also star Chevy Chase, Howard Hesseman and David O’Donnell (Christmas Under Wraps).
Mark your calendars!
