OTT_Entertainment Now TV Book_121325

December 14 - 20, 2025

New Zealand’s first musical sitcom, “Happiness,” premieres on PBS with two episodes Sunday, Dec. 14. Harry McNaughton (“Madam”) stars.

sports this week

BASKETBALL

Sunday

12 p.m. WLS Women’s College Basketball Teams TBA. (L)

2 p.m. ESPN2 Troy at AlabamaBirmingham. From Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala. (L)

2:30 p.m. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Penn State at South Carolina. From Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C. (L)

4 p.m. CHSN NBA G League Basketball Windy City Bulls vs. Noblesville Boom. Tip-Off Tournament. (L)

10 p.m. CHSN NBA G League Basketball Windy City Bulls vs. Noblesville Boom. Tip-Off Tournament.

Monday

10 a.m. CHSN NBA G League Basketball Windy City Bulls vs. Noblesville Boom. Tip-Off Tournament.

1 p.m. CHSN NBA G League Basketball Windy City Bulls vs. Noblesville Boom. Tip-Off Tournament.

2 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Today (L)

7 p.m. CHSN NBA G League Basketball Windy City Bulls vs. Noblesville Boom. Tip-Off Tournament.

Tuesday

1 p.m. CHSN NBA G League Basketball Windy City Bulls vs. Noblesville Boom. Tip-Off Tournament.

2 p.m. ESPN NBA Today (L) ESPN2 The Hoop Collective

3 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Today

6 p.m. ESPN Louisville at Tennessee. From Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. (L)

ESPN2 South Carolina at Clemson. From Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. (L)

7 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Malaysia and Brandi try to make up; Duffey and Iman clash.

8 p.m. ESPN2 Towson at Kansas. From Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan. (L) VH1 Basketball Wives Jen hosts an event to launch her luxury hair line.

9 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Jackie tries to lift the ladies’ spirits with a trip.

10 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Brooke tries to wrest control of the trip away from Jackie.

11 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Brooke and Jackie struggle to resolve their issues.

Wednesday

2 p.m. ESPN NBA Today (L)

6 p.m. ESPN2 Teams TBA. (L)

6:30 p.m. CHSN Bulls Countdown Live (L)

7 p.m. CHSN Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls. From the United Center in Chicago. (L)

VH1 Basketball Wives Brooke’s marriage crisis; Jennifer grows closer with Jelani.

8 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Jackie demands a ponderosa to set the record straight.

9 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Jackie’s parenting skills are put to the test.

9:30 p.m. CHSN Bulls Postgame Live (L)

10 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Brittish is devastated by the addition of her ankle monitor.

11 p.m. CHSN Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls. From the United Center in Chicago.

VH1 Basketball Wives Jackie tries to upstage Jennifer at LA Fashion Week. Thursday

10 a.m. CHSN Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls. From the United Center in Chicago.

1 p.m. CHSN Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls. From the United Center in Chicago.

2 p.m. ESPN NBA Today (L)

3 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Today

6 p.m. ESPN2 Women’s College Basketball South Carolina at South Florida. From Yuengling Center in Tampa, Fla. (L) TNT Dunkman Semi-Finals: Head to Head.

7 p.m. TNT Dunkman The Final: All Hail the Dunkman.

VH1 Basketball Wives Angel decides to prioritize herself and Amani.

8 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Brooke’s husband tries to dissuade her from divorce.

9 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Jackie sends one of the guests packing after a fight.

10 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Jackie has strong feelings about Jennifer’s documentary.

11 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Jen and Jackie’s relationship takes a turn for the worse.

Friday

2 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Today

6 p.m. CHSN Bulls Countdown Live (L)

6:30 p.m. CHSN Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers. From Rocket Arena in Cleveland. (L)

7 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives The ladies take a day cruise; Duffey arranges group therapy.

WFLD WYZZ Wisconsin vs. Villanova. From Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. (L)

8 p.m. TNT College Basketball Pregame (L)

VH1 Basketball Wives Brooke struggles with keeping a secret; Duffey re-proposes.

8:30 p.m. TNT Abilene Christian at BYU.

From Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. (L)

9 p.m. CHSN Bulls Postgame Live (L) VH1 Basketball Wives Reunion. The basketball wives return for one last ponderosa.

10 p.m. VH1 Basketball Wives Back in the Building!. Evelyn Lozada is back, but there are mixed feelings.

10:30 p.m. ESPN2 Washington at Seattle. From Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. (L) TNT College Basketball Postgame (L)

11 p.m. CHSN Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers. From Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

VH1 Basketball Wives Homewreckers. Shaunie tries to broker peace between Evelyn and Vanessa.

Saturday

9:30 a.m. WFLD WYZZ FOX College Hoops Tip-Off (L)

10 a.m. WYZZ Women’s College Basketball Louisville vs. Tennessee. From Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. (L)

10:30 a.m. CHSN Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers. From Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

11 a.m. WBBM WMBD Inside College Basketball (L)

11:30 a.m. USA Liberty at Dayton. From UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. (L)

WBBM WMBD St. John’s vs. Kentucky. From State Farm Arena in Atlanta. (L)

12 p.m. WFLD WYZZ FOX College Hoops Extra (L)

12:30 p.m. WYZZ Women’s College Basketball Iowa vs. Connecticut. From Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. (L)

1 p.m. ESPN2 Memphis at Mississippi State. From Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Miss. (L)

2 p.m. WBBM WMBD Ohio State vs. North Carolina. From State Farm Arena in Atlanta. (L)

2:30 p.m. WFLD WYZZ FOX College Hoops Extra (L)

4:30 p.m. WBBM WMBD Houston vs. Arkansas. From Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. (L)

5 p.m. ESPN Maryland at Virginia. From John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va. (L)

7 p.m. ESPN Duke vs. Texas Tech. From Madison Square Garden in New York. (L)

9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Teams TBA. (L) BOXING

Sunday

7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Boxing 1990: Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas. From Feb. 11, 1990 in Tokyo.

8:30 p.m. ESPN2 Boxing Mike Tyson’s Greatest Hits - Volume I.

9 p.m. ESPN2 Boxing Mike Tyson’s Greatest Hits - Volume II. Dominating performances from Tyson’s early career. EXTREME

Sunday

10 p.m. ESPN2 X Games Aspen 2025 Trending Moments - Part 1. FOOTBALL

Sunday

9 a.m. ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown (L) ESPN2 Fantasy Football Now (L) CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

9:30 a.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

10 a.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly

10:30 a.m. WMBD Green & Gold Game Day Live

12 p.m. WBBM WFLD WMBD WYZZ NFL Football (L)

3:25 p.m. WBBM WFLD WMBD WYZZ NFL Football (L)

6 p.m. WEEK WMAQ Football Night in America (L)

6:30 p.m. WFLD WYZZ The OT (L)

7:15 p.m. WEEK WMAQ Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys. From AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (L)

Monday

2 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)

5 p.m. ESPN Monday Night Countdown (L) 5:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show (L)

7 p.m. ESPN Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers. From Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (L) ESPN2 Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli: Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers. From Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (L)

9:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

10:15 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 Monday Night Postgame (L)

11 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

1:30 a.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show Tuesday

12:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

1 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live

1:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live

3 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)

3:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

4 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live

8 p.m. ESPN IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: Teams TBA. From Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. (L)

9:30 p.m. WFLD 1st & North

12 a.m. ESPN2 NFL Live

12:30 a.m. WFLD 1st & North

Wednesday

1 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live

1:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live

3 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)

4 p.m. ESPN StaffDNA Cure Bowl: Teams TBA. From Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. (L)

5:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show (L)

7:30 p.m. ESPN 68 Ventures Bowl: Teams TBA. From Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala. (L)

8 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live

10 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

11 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live

1:30 a.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

2 a.m. ESPN StaffDNA Cure Bowl: Teams TBA. From Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

Thursday

12:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

1 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live

1:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live

3 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (L)

3:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

8 p.m. ESPN2 College Football (L)

9 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

9:30 p.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly

1:30 a.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly Friday

10 a.m. ESPN Myrtle Beach Bowl: Teams TBA. From Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C. (L)

12:30 p.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly

1:30 p.m. ESPN Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: Teams TBA. From Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (L)

3 p.m. ESPN2 NFL Live

5 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show (L)

6 p.m. ESPN Championship Drive ESPN2 NFL Live

7 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 WLS CFP First Round: Teams TBA. (L)

9:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

10 p.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly

10:30 p.m. ESPN College Football Bowl Game Pre/Post Studio (L)

1:30 a.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

2 a.m. ESPN CFP First Round: Teams TBA. Saturday

7:30 a.m. ESPN2 NFL Matchup

8 a.m. ESPN College GameDay (L)

9 a.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly

sports this week

11 a.m. ESPN WLS CFP First Round: Teams TBA. (L)

2:30 p.m. TBS College Football (L)

TNT CFP First Round: Teams TBA. (L)

WLS College Football Bowl Game Pre/ Post Studio Show (L)

2:40 p.m. ESPN College Football Bowl Game Pre/Post Studio (L)

2:45 p.m. WLS College Football Bowl Game Pre/Post Studio Show (L)

2:50 p.m. ESPN College Football Bowl Game Pre/Post Studio (L)

3 p.m. ESPN2 NCAA Division II Championship: Teams TBA. From McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas. (L)

WLS FCS Division I Championship, Semifinal: Teams TBA. (L)

4 p.m. WFLD WYZZ Teams TBA. (L)

5 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

5:30 p.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly

6:30 p.m. ESPN2 FCS Division I Championship, Semifinal: Teams TBA. (L)

CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

TBS College Football (L)

TNT CFP First Round: Teams TBA. (L)

7 p.m. WFLD WYZZ Teams TBA. (L)

9:30 p.m. CHSN The Big Pro Football Show

10 p.m. CHSN Pro Football Weekly

TBS TNT College Football Playoff Postgame (L)

1 a.m. ESPN CFP First Round: Teams TBA.

GOLF

Sunday

1 p.m. WEEK WMAQ PGA Tour Golf Grant Thornton Invitational, Final Round. From Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (L)

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. USA Optimum Golf Channel Games (L)

Saturday

1:30 p.m. WEEK WMAQ Golf PNC Championship, Day 1. From Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla. (L) HOCKEY

Sunday

11 a.m. CHSN Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks. From the United Center in Chicago.

Tuesday

5:30 p.m. CHSN Blackhawks Countdown Live (L)

6 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs. From Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. (L)

TNT NHL on TNT Face Off (L)

6:30 p.m. TNT Edmonton Oilers at Pittsburgh Penguins. From PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (L)

8:30 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks Postgame Live (L)

9 p.m. TNT Colorado Avalanche at Seattle Kraken. From Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. (L)

11 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs. From Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

12 a.m. TNT NHL Post-Game on TNT (L)

BY ROBERTO JOZEF

Rams visit Seahawks in key Week 16 matchup

The 2025-26 NFL season enters Week 16 with another blockbuster matchup lined up as the Los Angeles Rams try to solidify their position in the NFC playoff race when they head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks at Lumen Field. Kickoff airs live on Prime Video.

At the heart of the Los Angeles Rams’ stellar play this season has been quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has quietly flown under the radar, turning 2025 into an impressive campaign.

Stafford enters the game leading all quarterbacks with 27 touchdowns, while throwing only two interceptions, completing 66 per cent of his passes and posting a 68.7 QBR rating. As impressive as he’s been, some would argue his execution has been more impressive. Stafford has racked up multiple games this season having thrown for four touchdowns or more, making him a legitimate candidate for MVP this year. Meanwhile, for the Seahawks, they’ll be looking for redemption after falling to the Rams in their first meeting, 21-19. Entering the matchup, they’ll be looking to keep the Rams offense at bay as the Seahawks have cemented themselves as defensive juggernauts, ranking

among the league’s toughest, particularly against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry so far this season.

Week 16 isn’t just any game for the Rams — it’s the kind of matchup that could define the rest of their season. With veteran leadership and a balanced offense, the Rams are poised to make a serious statement in what could be one of the most crucial late-season games.

Fans can catch all the action live Thursday, Dec. 18, as Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks at Lumen Field in what is turning out to be one of the most anticipated games of the year.

12:30 a.m. TNT Road to the NHL Winter Classic

Wednesday

10 a.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs. From Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

12:30 p.m. CHSN Every Shift

1 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs. From Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

5:30 p.m. TNT Road to the NHL Winter Classic

6 p.m. TNT NHL on TNT Face Off (L)

6:30 p.m. TNT Utah Mammoth at Detroit Red Wings. From Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich. (L)

9 p.m. TNT New Jersey Devils at Vegas Golden Knights. From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (L)

12 a.m. TNT NHL Post-Game on TNT (L)

Thursday

5:30 p.m. CHSN Blackhawks Countdown Live (L)

6 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens. From the Bell Centre in Montreal. (L)

8:30 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks Postgame Live (L)

11 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens. From the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Friday

10 a.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens. From the Bell Centre in Montreal.

1 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens. From the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Saturday

1 p.m. CHSN Every Shift

1:30 p.m. CHSN Blackhawks Countdown Live (L)

2 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators. From the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario. (L)

4:30 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks Postgame Live (L)

7 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators. From the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario.

sportsquiz

Questions:

11 p.m. CHSN Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators. From the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario.

SOCCER

Sunday

8 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer

Sunderland vs. Newcastle United. From Stadium of Light in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England. (L)

10:30 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Brentford vs. Leeds United. From Gtech Community Stadium in London. (L)

Monday

2 p.m. USA Premier League Soccer Manchester United vs. Bournemouth. From Old Trafford in Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. (L)

Saturday

6:30 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Newcastle United vs. Chelsea. From St. James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England. (L)

9 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Manchester City vs. West Ham United. From Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, United Kingdom. (L)

11:30 a.m. WEEK WMAQ Premier League Soccer Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool. From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (L)

2 p.m. USA Premier League Soccer Leeds United vs. Crystal Palace. From Elland Road Stadium in Leeds, England, United Kingdom.

WATER SPORTS

Sunday

11:30 a.m. WEEK WMAQ Swimming Winter Nationals.

WINTER SPORTS

Sunday

3 p.m. WEEK WMAQ FIS Snowboard World Cup Big Air World Cup. From Steamboat Springs, Colo. (L)

BY ALEX HENDRY

College Football Coaches

1) Nick Saban’s first head coaching job in college football lasted only one season before departing to the NFL. What school did he coach at?

2) Who is the only football head coach to have won a college National Championship and the Super Bowl but not with the Dallas Cowboys?

3) College Football Hall of Fame inductee Bill Edwards was the godfather to which former Super Bowl-winning head coach who made his NCAA coaching debut in 2025?

4) On Nov. 17, 2025, James Franklin was hired as the new football head coach at Virginia Tech. Where did he coach the previous 12 seasons?

5) Which school did Paul “Bear” Bryant coach at from 1954-1957 prior to his championship-winning tenure at Alabama?

6) Name the football coach that led Nebraska to three National Championships over four seasons in the 1990s.

Answers:

5

2

31

(7:30) <

& Adven (:45) <++ Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in

('79) Voices of Ethel Merman, Red Buttons (:15) Rudolph's Shiny New Year

(:45)

(:15) The Year Without a Santa Claus <++ Fred Claus ('07)Paul Giamatti,Miranda Richar dson, Vince Vaughn.

32 129 237 BRAVO Married to Medicine "Breast Friends" Married to Medicine "Cocktails and Polo" Medicine "Makeups and Breakups" Housewives "The Big Easy Show Down" The Real Housewives Housewives "Salty Behavior" The Real Housewives Housewives "Days of Our Knives" The Real Housewives Housewives "Can I Get a Witness"

33 122 244 SYFY (7:30) <++ Cloud Atlas ('12) Halle Berry, Ji m Broadbent, Tom Hanks. <+++ Back to the Future Part III ('90) Christopher Lloyd,Mary Steenburgen,Michael J. Fox. <+++ Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure ('89) Alex Winter,Keanu Reeves. <++ Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey ('91)Alex Winter,William Sadler,Keanu Reeves

34 107 249 COM Parks Parks Parks Parks ParksParksParksParks <+++ The Wedding Singer ('98)Drew Barrymore,Christine Taylor, Adam Sandler. (:15) <++ Happy Gilmore ('96)Chris McDonald,Julie Bowen, Adam Sandler. The Office The Office The Office

35 105 242 USA Premier League Soccer Sunderland vs. Newcastle United (N) (Live) Premier (N) (Live) Premier League Soccer Brentford vs. Leeds United (N) (Live) Goal Zone (N) Law & Order: SV U "Chameleon" Law & Order: SV U "Criminal" Law & Order: SV U "Name" Law & Order: SV U "Recall" Law & Order: SV U "Cold"

36 139 247 TBS (7:00) <+++ Matilda ('96) Mara Wilson. The Grinch <++++ A Christmas Stor y ('83)Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon, Peter Billingsley <++ A Christmas Story Christmas ('22) Erinn Hayes, River Drosche, Peter Billingsley (:45) <+++ Twister ('96) Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes, Helen Hunt. Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang

37 180 311 FREE (7:30) <+++ Home Alone ('90) Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Macaul ay Culkin. (:55) <++ Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ('92)Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Macaulay Culkin <+++ Arthur Christmas ('11) Voices of Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy,James McAvoy <++++ Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (:10) <++ Disney's A Christmas Carol ('09) Voices of Robin Wright,Jim Carrey

38 170 299 NICK (7:00) <+++ Despicable Me ('10) <+++ Despicable Me 2 ('13)Voices of Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Steve Carell. <++ Minions ('15) Voices of Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Sandra Bullock <+++ The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water ('15) Tom Kenny <++ The Addams Family ('19) Voices of Charlize Theron, Oscar Isaac. SpongeBob SpongeBob

39 172 290 DISN Phineas and Ferb Phineas and Ferb <+++ Hercules ('97) Voices of Josh Keaton, Tate Donovan. (:40) <+++ Ratatouille ('07) Voices of Ian Holm,Lou Romano,Patton Oswalt (:40) Bluey (:05)

('21)

50

58

('14)Marton Csokas,Chloë Grace Moretz, Denzel

<+++ Dune ('21)Rebecca Ferguson,Oscar Isaac, Timothée Chalamet.

BY DANA SIMPSON

Off off-Broadway: NYC playwright returns home in first NZ musical sitcom

If you have ever seen a Broadway musical and wondered what the cast and crew do when they aren’t selected for the show, “Happiness” is just the series for you. Premiering Sunday, Dec. 14, with back-to-back episodes, the musical comedy taps into the rejection and upset felt when dreams don’t work out as you have planned and life sends you right back where you began. As it happens for “Happiness” lead Charlie Summers (Harry McNaughton, “Madam”), “back where he began” is more than 8,500 miles away.

Set in Tauranga, New Zealand, “Happiness” follows Kiwi theater director Charlie Summers, who, after working on Broadway in New York City, is forced to return to his hometown to renew his working visa when its initial renewal is denied mid-career. Although the news is understandably devastating for Charlie, his mother, Gaye (Rebecca Gibney, “Packed to the Rafters”), is more than happy to welcome him home, regardless of the reason. In fact, given her son’s clear flair for high-end dramatic arts, Gaye is convinced she has just the thing to keep him occupied while he is back in town — not that he needs to be kept any busier than hosting rehearsals for a Broadway revival of “Cats” with twotime Oscar winner Sally Field (“Forrest Gump,” 1994) as star.

And despite the clear downer at the crux of the plot, “Happiness” has a good heart. Chock-a-block with themes related to family obligation, societal politeness and one’s ability to support various ludicrous misunderstandings to avoid mounting embarrassment, the

series, directed by Robyn Grace (“Sweet Tooth”), has already been nominated for the C21 International Drama Awards, a U.K.-based awards program that aims to “recognize the best in global scripted creativity” (per C21media.net). Additionally, the series has already been awarded National Winner at this year’s Asian Academy Creative Awards.

“I like to describe it as kind of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ meets ‘Glee’,” Gibney told the Today Show Australia in early November.

“My son comes home from New York and he has to help out. He doesn’t tell her [Gaye] the truth about why he’s back, so it’s joyous, it’s uplifting, it’s light-filled, it’s fun.”

The light, quirky vibe of the series is also backed up by its breezy brevity. At just 20 minutes per episode, the six-episode season is a quick weekly palate-cleanser for the comedically inclined viewer. And although Gibney may be the only familiar face — if any — for PBS viewers, “Happiness’s” cast is bursting with talent, as is its show-within-a-show “Trojan Horse: The Musical.”

Marshayla Christie (“Whina,” 2022) stars as Gloria, the high school music teacher behind the creation of “Trojan Horse: The Musical,” while Jessie Lawrence’s (“Elliott from Earth”) Jacqui heads up the production alongside her co-stars Connor (Henry Auva’a, “First Place,” 2025), Mia (Melody Lui-Webster, “Custard’s World”), Adrian (Peter Hambleton, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” 2012), Nicky (Bronwyn Bradley, “Heart Eyes,” 2025) and Adam (Joel Granger, “Please Like Me”), to name a few.

On top of awards talk for the series’ premiere season, “Happiness” has also been confirmed for a second season on New Zealand home network Three and its streamer ThreeNow, meaning PBS

celebrity q&a

is also likely to have another season coming its way if all goes well during the Season 1 release. Season 2 filming is scheduled to begin in February or March 2026.

BY JAY BOBBIN

Q: I enjoy Emily Osment on “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.” Is she related to Haley Joel Osment of the movie “The Sixth Sense”?

A: Yes, Emily is Haley Joel’s younger sister. The two of them are Los Angeles natives, and they both got into the entertainment business at very young ages. In Emily’s case, she started in commercials when she was five years old, her first ad being for a floral company. It didn’t take long for her to move into acting roles, and her initial job in that vein was in the 1999 movie “The Secret Life of Girls.”

Television guest roles soon followed for her on such series as CBS’ “Touched by an Angel” and NBC’s “3rd Rock From the Sun,” and she was a cast regular as Lilly Truscott/Lola Luftnagle on one of the most popular shows ever presented by Disney Channel, “Hannah Montana.” She also designed some clothing inspired by that program, and she got plenty of exposure in other Disney efforts during that period, including music releases and ABC telecasts of the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Additionally, she had fame from the second and third “Spy Kids” movies.

For several years, Osment placed emphasis on her singing and songwriting, resulting in the albums “All the Right Wrongs” (2009) and “Fight or Flight” (2010). She also did two concert tours in 2010, but she would keep acting as a major career element, racking up additional guest parts in shows including CBS’ “Two and a Half Men” and “Mom.” She also was a star of the Crackle drama “Cleaners” and a recurring player on the Netflix comedy “The Kominsky Method,” among other credits.

Trivial Pursuit

WGN 6 p.m.

Contestants Brian, Eric and Casey are looking to answer some tough questions in the categories of Geography, Entertainment, History, Art & Literature, Science & Nature and Sports & Leisure in hopes of winning lots of cash. LeVar Burton hosts.

Oy to the World! HALL 7 p.m.

When water lines break at Temple Beth Am, members must find a place to celebrate Hanukkah. The Episcopal Church across the street offers to share, but the choir directors from both (Brooke D’Orsay, Jake Epstein) have a past, so it won’t be a silent night.

2

5

50

90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days

TLC 7 p.m.

Love gives you wings. For those looking to spend forever with their favorite foreigner, the process can be arduous at best. Of course, they must also confirm that they are certain these people are worth packing up everything and giving it a go.

Alaska Haunting TRAV 7 p.m.

After moving into a new cabin, a die-hard Alaskan suddenly begins experiencing disfiguring pain, scratch marks and bites for no discernible reason. Then, a woman who just moved to Wasilla, Alaska, worries she moved her family in with something paranormal.

Universal Basic Guys WFLD WYZZ 7 p.m.

When your days are free and you’ve got money in the bank, there’s always time for a whacky adventure. Season 2 continues with a new episode, in which Mark enrolls himself in a dangerous experiment to win a ticket to the Super Bowl.

IT: Welcome to Derry HBO 8 p.m.

It’s time to say goodbye to Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) for the time being, as the first season of this Stephen King-inspired series nears its end. While the clown survives, goodbye might prove permanent for others. Taylour Paige and Chris Chalk also star.

70

2

Doubtfire ('93)Sally Field,Robin Williams <++ Jumanji ('95) Bonnie Hunt, Robin Williams <++++ The Wizard of Oz ('39) Judy Garland. < The Polar Expres s W <++ Daddy Day Care ('03) (:45) <++ Yes Man ('08)Zooey Deschanel, Jim Carrey. (:15) <++ Click ('06) Kate Beckinsale, Adam Sandler. (:45) <++ National Lampoon's Vacation < National Lampoon's Christma Th < March of the Wooden Soldiers (:45) <++ Four Christmases ('08) (:45) <++ Jack Frost ('98) Michael Keaton. (:15) <++ Fred Claus ('07) Vince Vaughn. (:45) <+ Deck the Halls ('06)

F Santa (:15) <+ Vegas Vacation ('97) (:15) <++ Liar Liar ('97) Jim Carrey (:15) <+ Deck the Halls ('06)Danny DeVito <+++ Planes, Trains and Automobiles Movie

32 129 237 BRAVO Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various

33 122 244 SYFY

M (7:00) < Horizon Line <+++ Anna and the Apocalypse ('17) <++ Inside ('23) Gene Bervoets, Willem Dafoe. (P) <++ Demolition Man ('93) Sylvester Stallone <++ Journey to the Center of the Eart h

T (7:00) <+++ Vengeance ('22) (:35) <+++ Snowpiercer ('13)Song Kang-ho, Chris Evans <++ Journey to the Center of the Eart h <+++ Troy ('04)Eric Bana,Orlando Bloom,Brad Pitt. Movie W Movie (:45) <+++ M3GAN ('22) Allison Williams. (:45) <++ The Expendables ('10) Sylvester Stallone. <++ The Expendables 2 ('12) Sylvester Stallone. <++ The Expendables 3 ('14) Sylvester Stallone. Th (7:30) <++ Escape Room ('19) < Escape Room: Tournament of Champions <++ The Expendables 3 ('14) Jason St atham, Sylvester Stallone. <++ Mortal Kombat ('95)Robin Shou. < Mortal Kombat An F (7:30) <+ Yeti ('08) <+++ Pacific Ri m ('13)Diego Klattenhoff, Charlie Hunnam <++ Pacific Rim Uprising ('18) John Boyega <+++ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ('01) 34

Below Deck Mediterranean BRAVO 7 p.m.

Working on a yacht, you expect certain kinds of turbulence: heavy rainstorms, crashing waves and gale-force winds. But when romance rocks the boat, there’s no protocol to follow. Then, a secret kiss causes crew member turmoil aboard the Bravado.

Finding Mr. Christmas HALL 7 p.m.

This is it. Who will make the nice list and earn the title of Mr. Christmas in this season finale? Erin Krakow joins Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman to go back in time and act alongside the finalists in a holiday scene with a Christmas kiss.

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42nd Street TCM 7 p.m.

Desperate to stage a final show, director Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) must navigate his diva (Bebe Daniels) between her rich backer (Guy Kibbee) and poor lover (George Brent). But when she’s injured, an aspiring chorus girl (Ruby Keeler) steps in.

Love & Hip Hop Miami

VH1 7 p.m.

It’s not so much the heat, it’s the humidity when Bobby Lytes’ party gets roughed up a bit as Amara and Shay have issues with Miami Tip and Hawt Topic. Pinkydoll delivers the dirt about her relationship with Jaquae. And, Joy is worried about Trick Daddy.

FBI WBBM WMBD 7 p.m.

Before holiday plans can be set into motion, there’s work to be done. The agents put their festivities aside to tackle a seemingly straightforward murder investigation, only for it to take a shocking turn that puts all of New York City in harm’s way.

Hope of the Season: Christmas With the Tabernacle Choir WTTW 7 p.m.

The 360-member Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square share songs and stories of Christmas. Renowned film and television actor Dennis Haysbert and Tony Award-winning actress Ruthie Ann Miles join the ensemble for a holiday musical celebration.

Dennis Haysbert features in “Hope of the Season: Christmas With the Tabernacle Choir”

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NHL Hockey TNT 6:30 p.m.

The legendary rivalry heats up at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh as generational superstar Connor McDavid leads the Edmonton Oilers against veteran captain Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. Two of the NHL’s top offensive talents battle for critical points.

Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown FOOD 7 p.m.

It’s blustery here if you get our drift. Eddie Jackson brings in chefs Mei Lin, Tiffani Faison and Michael Voltaggio to turn Bobby’s kitchen into a winter rumbleland. Looking for total domination, the trio brings the storm — hoping to snow Bobby over.

Wuthering Heights TCM 7 p.m.

Wealthy young Cathy Earnshaw (Merle Oberon) has always been close to Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier), a poor childhood friend who now works in her stables. But when dashing Edgar Linton (David Niven) becomes interested in Cathy, Heathcliff leaves.

NCIS WBBM WMBD 7 p.m.

In the next episode, McGee (Sean Murray) and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) find themselves on the hunt for a stolen truck filled with toys for the Navy’s annual Christmas drive. Meanwhile, Knight (Katrina Law) searches for a former member of the team.

Great Performances WTTW 7 p.m.

Experience this holiday classic in a new light as more than 100 dancers and musicians perform the English National Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at the London Coliseum. The plot is reimagined to centralize Clara (Delilah Wiggins).

Road Wars A&E 8 p.m.

Nothing unusual here as a small plane in California must make an emergency landing on train tracks with a train approaching. Texas police struggle to take on a runaway beast. A Kansas man makes parking a problem. And, a tourist fights drivers in Vietnam.

<++ The Expendables 2 ('12)Jason Statham, Jet Li, Sylvester Stallone. A mercenary and his team seek vengeance for a murdered comrade. (:15) <+++ M3GAN ('22) Violet McGr aw,Ronny Chieng,Allison Williams.A

36

The STREAM Scene

Where all the top choices can be found in one place!

“Joker: Folie a Deux” (Dec. 16)

While undergoing treatment at the Arkham State Hospital, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) — also known as “ e Joker” — meets the charming and intelligent Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (Lady Gaga). e two bond over their sordid pasts, and concoct a daring escape plan to free themselves before Arthur’s trial begins. Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener also star.

“iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025” (Dec. 18)

Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball returns for a festive, star-packed celebration featuring many of the biggest names in music. is year’s lineup boasts an eclectic mix of artists such as Alex Warren, Conan Gray, Ed Sheeran, Machine Gun Kelly, Nelly, Renee Rapp, e Kid LAROI, Zara Larsson and more.

“ e Creature Cases” - Season 6 (Dec. 15)

Director Scratch has exciting new creature cases to keep her agents busy as Sam and Kit return to solve more animal mysteries all over the world! Talon Proc Alford, Teresa Gallagher, Nneka Okoye, Rob Rackstraw, Harriet Carmichael, Shash Hira and Darren Foreman also voice star.

Corey Schultz, Funeral Director

Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home understands this is a difficult time to have a funeral for your loved one. We are here to assist you in the grieving process and provide your loved one with the compassionate, dignified funeral they deserve.

Offering Traditional Funerals, Cremation Services and Prearrangements To Fit Any Budget.

205 High St., Streator, IL 815-672-2420 | hagischultzfh.com

“Are You Sure?!” - Season 2, New Episodes (Dec. 17)

With eight brand-new episodes, this second season returns to nd Jimin and Jungkook of the K-pop band “BTS” preparing for their next big adventure. is time around, the duo heads from the mountains of Switzerland to the beaches of Da Nang, Vietnam, braving highs, lows and a whole lot of laughs along the way.

A Lasting Tribute

ACROSS

1. Art ___

5. “___: Cyber”

8. Not hearing

12. Author Turgenev

DOWN

1. Prima donna

2. It’s not good

3. TV adjunct that gets you more channels

13. ___ Goodman Mirrorball Trophy (“Dancing with the Stars” cup)

14. European erupter

15. Sensation, slangily

16. Kim Kardashian series

18. Sarah Snook series

20. Article for Mozart

21. Golfer Michelle

22. Payables

24. Become narrower

28. Former “American Idol” judge, briefly

29. Put

30. ___ sense (ESP)

33. Urgent

35. Louis XIV, e.g.

37. Eternally

38. Kathryn Hahn series

42. “The Green Hornet” star

44. “Chiquitita” quartet

45. Have a hankering

46. Be mistaken

47. Archeological site

48. Misses

49. Oil source

50. “Cómo ___?”

4. Like some wonders

5. ___ Boothe Luce

6. Ego

7. Acquired relative

8. Stop Spot’s scratching

9. Ministre d’___

10. Singer DiFranco

11. Distant

17. Exec

19. Lt.’s inferior

22. Plays, as at a wedding

23. Yale Bowl player

25. Rhea Seehorn series

26. Pack away

27. Potent potable

31. Remnants

32. Improve

33. Prefix with fauna

34. Basso Siepi

36. Runs in neutral

37. Completely

38. Robert of HBO’s “Arli$$”

39. Dynamic beginning

40. Parting words

41. Pop’s mom

42. Breathalyzer attachment

43. Big TV maker

The Challenge MTV 7 p.m.

This is for all the marbles. As the finalists battle through blood, sweat and tears, they must rely on their partner to make it through this final push. In order to become Challenge Champions, they must be first up a dangerous path to a peak in the Andes.

Dateline: Secrets Uncovered OXYGEN 7 p.m.

Security cameras outside of a South Florida mansion might be the key evidence necessary to find the killer of the wife of a college professor and heir to an oil empire. While the footage shows a shadowy figure in the house, is it enough to go in?

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Emma TCM 7 p.m.

In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, pretty socialite Emma Woodhouse (Gwyneth Paltrow) entertains herself by playing matchmaker for young, simple Harriet (Toni Collette). Her grandiose dreams of romance quickly go off the rails.

Survivor WBBM WMBD 7 p.m.

There can only be one! This season finale will finally reveal just which castaway did their best to outlast their rivals and went the distance. There’s been infighting and angry exchanges, but Jeff Probst will hand someone a check for $1 million.

Shrek the Halls WEEK WMAQ 7 p.m.

All Shrek wants for the holidays is to spend time with Fiona and the kids. However, his plans go awry when Donkey, Puss in Boots and the rest of his fairy-tale friends invite themselves to the festivities. Mike Myers reprises his role as the titular ogre.

iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 WLS 7 p.m.

The year’s biggest pop stars take the stage for this iconic holiday music event. The all-star lineup features huge names like Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, The Kid LAROI, Reneé Rapp, Nelly and others performing their greatest hits and holiday classics.

Ed Sheeran to perform during “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025”

Shou. Earthlings fight in a multidimensional competition. <+ Mortal Kombat Annihilation ('97) Talisa Soto,James Remar, Robin Shou. Warriors have six days to save Earth from an evil warlord.

Cocaine Bear ('23) Margo Martindale,

<++ Champions ('23) Kaitlin Olson, Matt Cook, Woody Harrelson. (P)

36 139 247 TBS Big Bang Big Bang All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite (N) (Live) Wrestling: Collision (N) (Live) Collision (N) Impract. JokersImpract.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills BRAVO 7 p.m.

The hills of Beverly are alive with the sound of infighting and bickering. Boz and Rachel are overwhelmed by the feeling of insincerity after a strange conversation at the Summer Solstice party. And, with a lawsuit pending, Erika needs Sutton’s support.

Dateline: Unforgettable OXYGEN 7 p.m.

FBI agents are trained to eliminate a threat from their first day on the job. So, when an agent shoots and kills his estranged wife in the kitchen of their Stafford, Va., home, it seems like murder. However, he claims self defense and blames his training.

Dunkman TNT 7 p.m.

Forty amateur dunkers entered the competition, but only one can win. The seven finalists bring their A-game, hoping to impress with their most insane dunks yet. One talented player becomes $200,000 richer, earning themselves the Dunkman title.

Next Level Baker WFLD WYZZ 7 p.m.

Gordon Ramsay hosts the season finale of this holiday baking competition. The bakers compete on a massive three-tiered set, aiming to create eye-popping festive delights that will impress mentors Carla Hall and Candace Nelson for the crown and $25,000.

Angel Falls Christmas WGN 7 p.m.

Dr. Ally Morgan (Jessica Lowndes) is dumped by her boyfriend (David Reale) because she has no time for the holidays. An intervention straight from heaven — in the form of the angel Gabriel (Chad Michael Murray) — teaches her the true meaning of Christmas.

Interrogation Raw A&E 8 p.m.

A shocking season finale reveals two murder cases through interrogation footage. Detectives question a teenager suspected of brutally stabbing two high school friends, then get a confession from a jealous boyfriend after his rival is stabbed to death.

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33 122 244 SYFY (5:00) <+ Mortal Kombat Annihilation ('97) Robin Shou. <+++ Pacific Ri m ('13)Diego Klattenhoff, Idris Elba,Charlie Hunnam.Human pilots use giganti c robots in

of PotomacMedicine

Deck the Halls AMC 1:15 p.m.

A suburban dad (Matthew Broderick) who loves Christmas is in for a surprise when his new neighbor (Danny DeVito) covers his house in holiday lights bright enough to be seen from space, sparking a rivalry that begins to dim the season’s cheer.

Sweet Holiday Romance LIFE 7 p.m.

Pastry chef Amanda (Erin Karpluk) is worried she’s not at the top of her game, so she enters a Christmas cookie competition. When rules state she must pair with another business, Amanda finds a friend’s nephew, Simon (Christopher Russell), up for romance.

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Holiday Affair

TCM 7 p.m.

War widow Connie Ennis (Janet Leigh) is caught shop-lifting by department store clerk Steve Mason (Robert Mitchum). He lets her go, which costs him his job. This sparks a rivalry for Connie’s heart between Steve and her suitor, Carl (Wendell Corey).

College Basketball WFLD WYZZ 7 p.m.

The Big Ten meets the Big East in this matchup as Wisconsin battles Villanova at Fiserv Forum for the Milwaukee Hoops Showdown. This neutral-site contest is one of the final non-conference tests for both teams before conference action begins.

Yogi’s First Christmas WGN 7 p.m.

Yogi and Boo Boo are awakened from their hibernation by holiday singers at a nearby lodge, so they decide to stay awake to celebrate Christmas. But when a bratty boy tries to ruin the festivities, the pair get involved to save their first Christmas.

Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas HALL 8 p.m.

During the final two episodes, Kate (Mae Whitman) finds herself in the midst of some difficult decision as the 12th date draws nearer, so she turns to her mother (Mary McDonnell) for advice. Meanwhile, Laura (Lucy Eaton) searches for redemption.

Mae Whitman stars in “Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas”

Fred Claus ('07)Paul Giamatti,Miranda Richardson, Vince Vaughn. Santa Claus puts his brother, Fr ed, to work in his factory.

32 129 237 BRAVO (5:00) <++++ It's a Wonderful Life ('46) Donna Reed,James Stewart. <++++ It's a Wonderful Life ('46) Donna Reed,Lionel Barrymore,James Stewart <+++ Instant Family ('18) (P)

33 122 244 SYFY (3:00) < Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's <+++ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secret s ('02) Rupert Grint, Emma Watson,Daniel Radcliffe.The young wizard and his bes t friends investigate a dark force that is terrorizing Hogwarts. <+++ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ('04) Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe.

34 107 249 COM The Office (:35) The Office (:10) The Office (:45) The Office (:20) The Office (:55) The Office The Office Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy

35 105 242 USA (4:30) <+++ Creed II ('18) WWE Friday Night SmackDown (N) (Live) <+++ Doctor Strange ('16) Chiwetel E iofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Cumberbatch Movie

36 139 247 TBS <+++ Wonka ('23) Calah Lane, Hugh Grant, Timot hée Chalamet. <+++ Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ('71) Gene Wilder. <+++ Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ('71)

37 180 311 FREE (4:15) <+++ Home Alone ('90) (:45) <++ Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ('92) Joe Pesci,Daniel Stern, Macaulay Culkin.A left-behind boy (Macaulay Culkin) battles two burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) he faced before. (:25) <++ Dr. Seuss' The Grinch ('18) Voices of Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch. (:25)

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31 131 254 AMC (7:30) Santa (:45) <++ Fred Clau s ('07) Paul Giamatti, Miranda Richar dson, Vince Vaughn. (:15) <+++ Trading Places ('83)Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy,Dan Aykroyd. (:45) <+++ Scrooged ('88)Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Bill Murray (:45) <+++ National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation ('89) Beverly D'Angelo,Randy Quaid,Chevy Chase.

32 129 237 BRAVO Real Housewives Real Housewives Real Housewives <+++ The Croods: A New Age ('20) Voices of Emma Stone,Nicolas Cage. <++ Sing 2 ('21) Voices of Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Matthew McConaughey <+++ Instant Family ('18) Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, Mark Wahlberg

33 122 244 SYFY (7:00) <+++ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ('01) Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe. <+++ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secret s ('02) Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe. <+++ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ('04)Rupert Grint,Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe. < Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

34 107 249 COM Parks Parks Parks Parks ParksParksParksParksParksParks <++ Daddy's Home ('15) Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Will Ferrell. <++ Daddy's Home 2 ('17) Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson,Will Ferrell. <+++ 21 Jump Street ('12)

35 105 242 USA (6:30) Soccer Premier (N) (Live) Premier League Soccer Manchester City vs. West Ham United (N) (Live) Premier (N) (Live)

College Basketball Liberty at Dayton From UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. (N) (Live) Premier (N) (Live) Premier League Soccer Leeds United vs Crystal Palace (N) Goal Zone (N) <++ Trolls World Tour ('20) Anna Kendrick

36 139 247 TBS Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big BangCollege Football (N)(Live)

37 180 311 FREE (7:00) <+++ Arthur Christmas ('11) <++ Disney's A Christmas Caro l ('09) Voices of Robin Wright, Jim Carrey (:05) <+++ The Santa Clause ('94) Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson,Tim Allen. (:10) <++ The Santa Clause 2 ('02)Elizabet h Mitchell, David Krumholtz, Tim Allen. (:40) <+ The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ('06) Martin Short,Tim Allen. (:45) < Dr.

38 170 299 NICK SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob SpongeBob < Movie Movie to be announced. < Movie

39 172 290 DISN Big City /(:15) Bluey "Let's Play Chef" <++ Ice Age: Collision Course ('16) Ray Romano. (:40) <+++ The Incredibles ('04) Voices of Holly Hunter,Craig T. Nelson (:40) Bluey (:05) BlueyBlueyBig City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Prep & Landing

40 196 277 TRAV Yuletide Yeti: Yeti in America Yeti Massacre Ghost Adventures Ghost Adventures "Return to the Riviera " Ghost Adventures "Westerfeld House" Ghost Adventures "Crisis

for "A RealLife Elf"

for "Me, or the Tree?"

for "Let It Blow (Mold)"

for "Christ mas in July"

Wives "Making Out Like Teenagers"

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('88) Michael Keaton. <+++ Beetlejuice ('88) Michael Keaton <+++ My Cousin Vinny ('92) Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio, Joe Pesci. <+++ Ocean's Eleven ('01) Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, George Clooney <+++

"Extending

BY STAFF WRITERS

Chase and Beverly D’Angelo in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

Questions:

1) Which Griswold family member burns down the Christmas tree in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)?

2) How many siblings does Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) have in “Home Alone”?

3) What fictional in-demand toy is the subject of a frantic hunt on Christmas Eve in “Jingle All The Way” (1996)?

4) He took the Who-pudding, roast beast and Who-hash — what is the “one speck of food” left behind by the Grinch in 2000’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”?

5) Which comedian played Al’s (Ed O’Neill) guardian angel in the “Married… with Children” episode “It’s a Bundyful Life”?

6) In “The Office,” what Secret Santa gift does Michael (Steve Carell) buy for Ryan (B. J. Novak), causing chaos at the office party?

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Trading Places AMC 11:15 a.m.

Wealthy brothers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy) make a bet that they can change the life trajectory of two men, upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and broke hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy).

NFL Football WFLD WYZZ 4 p.m.

With the NFL playoffs around the corner, every snap is critical. Catch all the must-win action with games featuring fierce divisional rivalries and conference battles as teams fight for a chance to clinch their spots in the final push for the post-season.

A Make or Break Holiday HALL 7 p.m.

Liv (Hunter King) and Daniel (Evan Roderick) have made the decision to take a break from their relationship. But they’ve already planned to host Christmas for their families and don’t want to disappoint them, creating a memorable holiday celebration.

Remember the Night TCM 7 p.m.

Moved to kindness by the Christmas season, New York District Attorney John Sargent (Fred MacMurray) lets pretty shoplifter Lee Leander (Barbara Stanwyck) out on bail and offers her a ride home to Indiana during this romantic holiday film from 1940.

My Pet Ate What? APL 8 p.m.

Veterinarian Eugene Gorodetsky has seen it all over the course of his career, but when a cat arrives with unexplained symptoms, he has to dig deep for an answer. Then, a dog treat causes major problems for Norman. Could a foreign body be the answer?

Saturday Night Live WEEK WMAQ 10:30 p.m.

“Wicked: For Good” star Ariana Grande returns to host this venerable series for a third time. The actress-slash-singer is sure to impress during this star-studded Christmas special, which also sees a very merry Cher as its musical guest.

('03)

Caan,Bob Newhart, Will Ferrell. A man leaves Santa's workshop to search for his famil y.

32 129 237 BRAVO <+ Pixels ('15) Kevin James, Michelle Mona ghan, Adam Sandler. (P) <+ Pixels ('15) Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Adam Sandler. <++ Sing 2 ('21) Voices of Reese Witherspoon, Matthew McConaughey

33 122 244 SYFY (5:00) <+++ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ('05) Rupert Grint, Emma Watson,Daniel Radcliffe. Harry's friends help him prepare for a tournament with Europe's best student wizards. <+++ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ('07) Rupert Grint, Emma Watson,Daniel Radcliffe.Harry teaches a group of students to defend Hogw arts from Voldemort's minions. < Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Pr

34 107 249 COM (5:00) <+++ 21 Jump Street ('12) Jonah Hill. <+++ 22 Jump Street ('14) Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare, Jonah Hill. <++ Get Hard ('15) Kevin Hart, Craig T. Nelson,Will Ferrell.

35 105 242 USA Movie <+++ Puss in Boots: The Last Wish ('22) Antonio Banderas. <++ Minions: The Rise of Gr u ('22) Voices of Pierre Coffin, Steve Carell. <++ Trolls World Tour ('20) Anna Kendrick.

36 139 247 TBS College Foot (N) College Football (N) (Live) College Football (N) (Live) <+++ The Nutty Professor ('96)

37 180 311 FREE (5:45) <++ Dr. Seuss' The Grinch ('18) Voices of Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones , Benedict Cumber batch. (:45) <++ Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Jim Carrey.A curmudgeon (Jim Carrey) hate s the Christmas-loving Who s of Whoville. (:25) <+++ Miracle on 34th Street ('94)Elizabeth Perkins,

Solution on page 5.

in focus

“Goodbye June” (Netflix — Dec. 24, Movie Premiere)

Taking place just before Christmas, Kate Winslet’s directorial debut follows a family as an unexpected turn in their mother’s (Helen Mirren) health thrusts four adult siblings and their exasperating father (Timothy Spall) into chaos as they navigate messy family dynamics in the face of potential loss. But their quick-witted mother, June, orchestrates her decline on her own terms — with biting humor, blunt honesty and a lot of love. Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn and Toni Collette also star.

“Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale” - Season 2 (Sundance Now/AMC+ — Dec. 25, Season Premiere)

Picking up a year after the traumatic events of Season 1, as Sarah Fenn (Elaine Cassidy) and her daughter Harper (Hazel Doupe) are in hiding in Scotland, concealing Harper’s extraordinary powers. But a dark cloud is descending, as recent anti-witch legislation has increased hate crimes. While Sarah worries that worse is to come, she’s presented with a dramatic ultimatum — return to Sanctuary as the secret eyes and ears of the witch ruling body, The Moot, or have her magic bound. Determined to retain her powers and protect Harper, Sarah returns just as a mysterious murder takes place.

WEEKLY SPECIALS

12/14 Turkey & Dressing

12/15 Philly Steak & Cup of Soup

12/16 Hot Tenderloin

12/17 Cream Chicken on Biscuit

Thursday: ClosedHappy Thanksgiving

Friday: Fish Specials Sat/Sun: Breakfast Specials

EVERYDAY: Fried Chicken, Tacos (Pork, Chorizo, Chicken), Quesadillas, Burritos Served with rice or beans

reality tv

BY DANA SIMPSON

Wild things: Six-part docuseries brings wildlife to Apple TV+

Make your heart sing as the fluffiest, downiest and downright cutest animal babies grace televisions worldwide this Friday, Dec. 19, during the premiere of “Born to be Wild” on Apple TV. A six-part miniseries, this documentary follows a hand-picked selection of young creatures, all adorable — and, sadly, all endangered — as they grow and learn the skills required to ensure their successful return to the wild.

As Apple TV puts it, each of the featured animals must “grow up in our world but are destined to return to theirs.”

“From their earliest days through their journey to life in the wild,” reads the Apple press release, “the series highlights the challenges, triumphs and resilience that define their survival, both for the animals and the extraordinary people working to raise and protect them.”

Among the series’ presented animals are an elephant calf; a bear cub belonging to a species of Asian black bear known as the moon bear; a ring-tailed lemur pup; Iberian lynx kittens, which are native to the Iberian peninsula in southwestern Europe; some rescued African penguin chicks; and two young cheetahs. Focusing on one type of animal per episode, viewers will get an “intimate and emotional look at the powerful relationships between these animals and the heroic humans dedicated to raising, rehabilitating and rewilding them to help save their species” against all odds.

Another draw for the series is its nar-

rator, Hugh Bonneville, a British actor best known to many for his portrayal of Robert Crawley, Seventh Earl of Grantham and one-time co-owner of the luxurious family estate on the hit period drama “Downton Abbey,” which ran from 2010-2015 before releasing a film follow-up in 2019. Bonneville, although twice Emmy-nominated for this most illustrious role, would also be familiar to many children, thanks to his role as Henry Brown in the most recent Paddington Bear films, which began with 2014’s “Paddington” and most recently continued with last year’s “Paddington in Peru.” With such a familiar voice behind the documentary and such adorable animals on screen, there is no doubt that “Born to be Wild” is the perfect informative watch for the whole family to enjoy. Produced by Tailfeather Productions and Offspring Films for Apple TV+, this heartwarming series premieres Friday, Dec. 19.

movies of the week

21 Jump Street +++ (2012, Comedy) Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum. COMEDY Sat. 5 p.m.

22 Jump Street +++ (2014, Comedy) Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum. COMEDY Sat. 7:30 p.m.

40 Year-Old Virgin, The +++ (2005, Romance) Steve Carell, Catherine Keener. BET Sat. 9 p.m., VH1 Sun. 4:30 p.m.

42nd Street ++++ (1933, Musical) Ruby Keeler, Warner Baxter. An injury gives an understudy a shot at stardom. TCM Mon. 7 p.m.

AAmerican Made +++ (2017, Adventure) Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson. PARSHO Mon. 5 p.m.

American Sniper +++ (2014, War) Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller. PAR Tue. 11 p.m., PARSHO Mon. 7:45 p.m.

Angel on My Shoulder +++ (1946, Fantasy) Paul Muni, Anne Baxter. TCM Thu. 9 p.m.

Big +++ (1988, Children) Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins. BBCA Sun. 5 p.m., Mon. 2:30 p.m.

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure +++ (1989, Comedy) Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter. SYFYSun. 10 p.m.

Breakfast Club, The +++ (1985, Comedy Drama) Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald. SUNDANCSun. 8:30 p.m. C

Captain America: The Winter Soldier +++ (2014, Action) Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson. TNTMon. 5 p.m., Tue. 3:15 p.m.

Christmas Story, A ++++ (1983, Children) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. A boy wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. TBS Sun. 10 p.m., TNT Fri. 3:45 p.m.

Chuck +++ (2016, History) Liev Schreiber, Elisabeth Moss. PARSHO Tue. 10:30 p.m.

Creed +++ (2015, Drama) Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone. USA Thu. 7 p.m.

Creed II +++ (2018, Drama) Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone. USA Thu. 10 p.m., Fri. 4:30 p.m.

Despicable Me 2 +++ (2013, Animated) Voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig. NICK Thu. 4 p.m.

Divorce of Lady X, The +++ (1938, Comedy) Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier. TCM Tue. 9 p.m.

Elf +++ (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan.

AMC Sun. 8 p.m., Sun. 10 p.m., Tue. 9:15 p.m., Wed. 7 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 6 p.m., Sat. 10:15 p.m., IFC Mon. 7 p.m., Mon. 9 p.m.

Emma +++ (1996, Romance) Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam. TCM Wed. 7 p.m.

Encanto +++ (2021, Animated) Voices of Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero. FX Tue. 5 p.m.

Family Man, The +++ (2000, Romance) Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni. FX Tue. 11 p.m.

Fargo +++ (1996, Thriller) Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi. PARSHO Mon. 3:15 p.m.

Few Good Men, A +++ (1992, Drama) Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson. SUNDANC Tue. 9:30 p.m.

Ghostbusters +++ (1984, Comedy) Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd. IFC Fri. 10 p.m., Sat. 2:45 p.m.

Godfather, Part II, The ++++ (1974, Crime Story) Al Pacino, Robert Duvall. The saga of the Corleone crime family continues. PARSHO Sat. 9 p.m.

Godfather, The ++++ (1972, Crime Story) Marlon Brando, Al Pacino. A mafia patriarch tries to hold his empire together. PARSHO Tue. 5 p.m., Sat. 6 p.m.

Hairspray +++ (2007, Comedy) John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky. VH1 Sat. 7 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets +++ (2002, Children) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint. SYFY Fri. 6:30 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 +++ (2010, Fantasy) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint. E! Sun. 11 p.m., Mon. 4:30 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 +++ (2011, Fantasy) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint. E! Mon. 8 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire +++ (2005, Fantasy) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint. SYFYSat. 5 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince +++ (2009, Children) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint. E! Sun. 8 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix +++ (2007, Fantasy) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint. E! Sun. 5 p.m., SYFY Sat. 8:30 p.m.

II Married a Monster From Outer Space +++ (1958, Sci-Fi) Tom Tryon, Gloria Talbott. TCM Tue. 5:30 p.m.

Incredibles 2 +++ (2018, Animated) Voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter. FX Fri. 9:30 p.m.

Incredibles, The +++ (2004, Animated) Voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter. FX Fri. 7 p.m.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade +++ (1989, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery. CMTSun. 5 p.m.

JJerry Maguire +++ (1996, Romance) Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr.. BBCA Mon. 7 p.m., SUNDANC Tue. 4 p.m.

Joy of Living +++ (1938, Musical) Irene Dunne, Douglas Fairbanks Jr.. TCM Wed. 3:15 p.m.

King of Staten Island, The +++ (2020, Comedy Drama) Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei. E! Fri. 11 p.m. L

Lightyear +++ (2022, Animated) Voices of Chris Evans, Keke Palmer. FX Tue. 2:30 p.m.

Local Hero ++++ (1983, Comedy) Burt Lancaster, Peter Riegert. A would-be mogul tries to secure a Scottish village’s land. TCM Mon. 5 p.m. M

M3GAN +++ (2022, Horror) Allison Williams, Violet McGraw. SYFY Tue. 10:15 p.m.

Magnificent Seven, The +++ (1960, Western) Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach. SUNDANC Sat. 8:30 p.m.

Meet Me in St. Louis +++ (1944, Musical) Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien. TCM Sun. 5 p.m.

Miracle on 34th Street +++ (1994, Children) Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins. FREEFRM Sat. 10:25 p.m.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation +++ (1989, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo. AMC Tue. 7 p.m., Wed. 4:45 p.m., Thu. 7 p.m., Thu. 9:15 p.m., Sat. 3:45 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m., WE Fri. 7 p.m., Fri. 9:15 p.m. O

Ocean’s Eleven +++ (2001, Comedy Drama) George Clooney, Matt Damon. PARSHO Fri. 7 p.m.

Ocean’s Thirteen +++ (2007, Comedy Drama) George Clooney, Brad Pitt. PAR Sat. 8 p.m., PARSHO Fri. 11:05 p.m.

Ocean’s Twelve +++ (2004, Comedy Drama) George Clooney, Brad Pitt. PAR Sat. 5 p.m., PARSHO Fri. 9 p.m.

Pacific Rim +++ (2013, Sci-Fi) Charlie Hunnam, Diego Klattenhoff. SYFY Thu. 7 p.m.

Paddington +++ (2014, Children) Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins. IFC Mon. 2:45 p.m. Planes, Trains and Automobiles +++ (1987, Comedy) Steve Martin, John Candy. AMC Thu. 11:30 p.m., Fri. 3:30 p.m.

Point Break +++ (1991, Action) Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves. BBCA Tue. 7:15 p.m.

Polar Express, The +++ (2004, Animated) Voices of Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter. AMC Sun. 6 p.m., Tue. 5 p.m., Tue. 11:15 p.m., BBCA Sat. 6 p.m., Sat. 9:15 p.m., IFC Mon. 4:45 p.m., Mon. 11 p.m.

Princess Bride, The +++ (1987, Children) Cary Elwes, Robin Wright. BBCA Thu. 8 p.m., Fri. 6 p.m.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish +++ (2022, Animated) Voices of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek. USA Fri. 11:30 p.m., Sat. 6:30 p.m.

Raging Bull ++++ (1980, Drama) Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty. Oscar-winning study of former boxing champ Jake LaMotta. PARSHO Wed. 4:45 p.m. Remember the Night +++ (1940, Romance) Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray. TCM Sat. 7 p.m. Rudy +++ (1993, Drama) Sean Astin, Ned Beatty. SUNDANC Tue. 7 p.m. S

Santa Clause, The +++ (1994, Children) Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold. FREEFRM Sun. 6:15 p.m., Wed. 3:25 p.m.

Saving Private Ryan ++++ (1998, War) Tom Hanks, Edward Burns. U.S. troops look for a missing comrade during World War II. PARSHO Sat. 3 p.m. Selena +++ (1997, Drama) Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos. VH1 Sun. 7 p.m. T

Taxi Driver ++++ (1976, Drama) Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster. A psychotic New York cabbie unleashes his rage on pimps. PARSHO Wed. 10 p.m.

Thin Man, The ++++ (1934, Comedy Drama) William Powell, Myrna Loy. Nick and Nora Charles search for a missing inventor. TCM Sat. 3 p.m. ‘Til We Meet Again +++ (1940, Romance) Merle Oberon, George Brent. TCM Tue. 11 p.m. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas ++++ (1993, Animated) Voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon. Halloweentown’s leader aims to kidnap Santa. FREEFRM Sun. 2:30 p.m., Fri. 11:25 p.m.

Unforgiven ++++ (1992, Western) Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman. Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning portrait of an aged gunman. BBCA Tue. 4:15 p.m. W

War of the Worlds, The +++ (1953, Sci-Fi) Gene Barry, Ann Robinson. TCM Tue. 4 p.m.

Weird Science +++ (1985, Comedy) Kelly LeBrock, Anthony Michael Hall. BBCA Fri. 8 p.m. We’re No Angels +++ (1955, Comedy) Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray. TCM Sat. 9 p.m.

When Worlds Collide +++ (1951, Sci-Fi) Richard Derr, Barbara Rush. TCM Tue. 2:30 p.m.

White Christmas ++++ (1954, Musical) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Ex-army buddies team up with a sister act for Christmas. AMC Mon. 3:45 p.m.