The following are highlights of The CW’s Holiday episodes and specials:
Thursday, November 20
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Fade Into You” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FRIENDSGIVING AT WHITMORE COLLEGE / FLASHBACKS TO KAI’S MURDEROUS PAST — As Caroline (Candice Accola) and Elena (Nina Dobrev) prepare to host Friendsgiving at the dorm, they receive some hopeful news from Alaric (Matt Davis) and Stefan (Paul Wesley), who have traveled to Portland to gather some information regarding the Gemini Coven. Joshua Butler directed the episode written by Nina Fiore & John Herrera (#608).
Wednesday, November 26
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES” (8:00-10:00p.m. ET)
(TV-PG, DL) (HDTV)
STEVE MARTIN AND JOHN CANDY STAR — Neal Page (Martin), a high-strung advertising executive, meets Del Griffith (Candy), an eternally optimistic, overly talkative, well-meaning but clumsy shower curtain-ring salesman, who seems to live in a world governed by a different set of rules. They share a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get Neal home to Chicago from New York City in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family. The 1987 comedy was written, produced and directed by John Hughes.
Friday, November 28
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:00-9:30p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Monday, December 1
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ─ Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie.
Monday, December 8
“THE ORIGINALS” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Map of Moments” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FAMILY TRADITIONS — After reuniting with her brothers, Rebekah (Claire Holt) convinces Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Klaus (Joseph Morgan) to participate in a family tradition from their childhood. Leslie Libman directed the episode written by Marguerite MacIntyre & Julie Plec (#209).
Tuesday, December 9
“THE FLASH” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Man in the Yellow Suit” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
BARRY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH THE WESTS — Barry (Grant Gustin) enjoys the annual tradition of tree trimming and gift exchange with Joe (Jesse L. Martin) and Iris (Candice Patton). He gives Iris a touching gift, but the moment is interrupted by Eddie’s (Rick Cosnett) arrival. Ralph Hemecker directed the episode written by Todd Helbing & Aaron Helbing (#109).
Wednesday, December 10
“ARROW” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Climb” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
DINAH LANCE RETURNS HOME — Laurel (Katie Cassidy) is stunned when her father (Paul Blackthorne) delivers a very special Christmas gift – her mother, Dinah (guest star Alex Kingston). Thor Freudenthal directed the episode written by Jake Coburn & Keto Shimizu (#309).
Thursday, December 11
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Christmas Through Your Eyes” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FLASHBACKS TO CHRISTMAS IN MYSTIC FALLS — With the holidays approaching, Bonnie (Kat Graham) attempts to replicate her favorite holiday traditions, while reminiscing about happier times. Michael Allowitz directed the episode written by Caroline Dries (#610).
Wednesday, December 17
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (8:00-9:00p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD — Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie. Original airdate 12/1/2014.
Thursday, December 18
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas.
Friday, December 19
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, this original version of the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
Monday, December 22
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas. Original airdate 12/18/2014.
Wednesday, December 24
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Thursday, December 25
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“THE 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS TALE — In this touching holiday tale set during the Great Depression, irrepressible Emma (Jordan-Claire Green) uses dogs to teach people the true meaning of Christmas. The film was directed by Keith Merrill.
Wednesday, December 31
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 1” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Mötley Crüe, Coldplay, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Zac Brown Band, Usher, Bastille and Steve Aioki. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/29/2014.
Thursday, January 1
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 2” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Lorde, Paramore, One Direction, Iggy Azalea, Train, Weezer, 50 Cent, Calvin Harris, Eric Church and Ed Sheeran. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/30/2014.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.
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