Seven Days of Television: December 8 to December 14
A select viewing guide to the next seven days on television
MONDAY DECEMBER 8 The Great Christmas Light Fight (ABC, 8 p.m.) Ho-ho-ho! Once again, it’s the most wonderful time of year – for electric utilities. Back for a sequel season, this short-run series pits U.S. families against each other to see which one can turn their home into the most garish light display imaginable. Hosted by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition mainstays Michael Moloney and Sabrina Soto, the opener takes viewers to Rohnert Park, California, where the Weaver family has constructed a 58-foot high castle in their backyard. Meanwhile, in Rowlett, Texas, the Belcher family have somehow converted their modest bungalow into a “talking house.” But must-see honours go to the Barnard clan in Lebanon, Tennessee, who have built a Nativity scene boasting more than two-million lights. Just like in the Bible!
TUESDAY DECEMBER 9 The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (CBS, Global, 10 p.m.) Dear United Kingdom: Prepare to be scandalized. Filmed for the first time in London, CBS’s annual paean to flimsy undergarments will once again feature reed-thin lingerie models (Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss, et al) clomping up and down the catwalk in their knickers for benefit of viewers. As before, the program is presented as a lavish entertainment spectacle, which explains the stage turns by several musical artists, including Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande. Come for the negligees, stay to watch Ed Sheeran blush crimson every time one of the models walks near him.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10 Modern Family (ABC, Citytv, 9 p.m.) Happy birthday, Haley (Sarah Hyland)! After six seasons and nearly 130 episodes, the problem child of the Pritchett bloodline is finally turning 21 and naturally everyone in the family is scrambling to mark the occasion. To whit: Haley’s father Phil (Ty Burrell) and grandfather Jay (Ed O’Neill) are trying to pick up the birthday girl’s big surprise – a new car – which naturally hits a speed bump before they even get to the dealership. Haley’s mom Claire (Julie Bowen) launches a campaign to make her daughter believe she’s a “cool mom.” And the big day has Haley’s uncle Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and life-partner Cam (Eric Stonestreet) suddenly feeling like old men. Many happy returns, Haley!
THURSDAY DECEMBER 11 The Day the Series Stopped (TSN, 9 p.m.) Were you watching Game Three of the World Series on October 17, 1989? The game between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics still ranks among the most famous broadcasts in TV history - and not because there were incredible plays on-field at Candlestick Park. Moments into the coverage, colour commentators Al Michaels and Tim McCarver were first to tell viewers that the ballpark was shaking violently, courtesy of the 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake that abruptly rolled through the region. This smart recap of the moment merges archival footage and new interviews with ballplayers and regular citizens who survived the deadly natural disaster. And according to this report, although the Loma Prieta earthquake caused significant damage – including 63 deaths and nearly 4000 injuries – it could have been a lot worse.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 12 Joke or Choke (Comedy Central, 9 p.m.) So you think being a comedian is easy? Guess again. Launched with the imprimatur of Howie Mandel as producer, this new Canadian competition series challenges a handful of comedy aspirants to put up or shut up. How it works: Four comics are tasked to write fresh standup material (based on topics pre-chosen for them) and then perform the routine before a live studio audience. The hurdle: Professional funnyman Mark Forward, who serves as sole adjudicator deciding whether the routine makes the grade or gets the hook. It’s worth a look.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 13 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (CBS, 8 p.m.) As festive chestnuts go, this special rates as a holiday perennial. First broadcast in 1964, the low-tech story is loosely framed around the cloying pop tune by Johnny Marks and tells the story of Rudolph, a shy reindeer whose shiny red nose has made him an outcast in Christmastown. Rudolph suddenly finds meaning in life with the assistance of a dentistry-obsessed elf named Hermey and the gruff gold prospector Yukon Cornelius. As always, it’s worth watching for the umpteenth time just to see that big jerk Santa beg for Rudolph’s help one foggy Christmas Eve.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 14 Barbara Walters Presents the 10 Most Fascinating People of 2014 (ABC, 9 p.m.) At 85, Barbara Walters may have retired from active duty on The View, but she’s still making time to host this annual special that first aired in 1993. In keeping with years past, the format finds Babs sitting down for “intimate interviews” with the biggest newsmakers from the past 12 months. Making the cut this year: Neil Patrick Harris (he got married to his life-partner and will host the next Oscars); Scarlett Johansson (she got married and had a baby) and Oprah Winfrey (she got richer and is still waiting for Stedman to get with the program).