Stay warm this season with holiday movies, merry delights and all-new episodes of HELLCATS, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, NIKITA and PRIVATE PRACTICE. Also this month, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is crowned and celebrity couples continue to dazzle on ice in SKATING WITH THE STARS on /A\.
Programming highlights for December 1-31 include:
• Roberto Cavalli serves as guest judge in the season finale of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (Dec. 1)
• Savannah (Ashley Tisdale) ends up in a compromising position on HELLCATS (Dec. 1)
• Things take an unexpected turn for Elena (Nina Dobrev) on THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (Dec. 2)
• The Division’s secret information is leaked which leads to the framing of C.I.A. agent on NIKITA (Dec. 2)
• Shocking details about Charlotte’s (KaDee Strickland) sexual assault case are revealed on PRIVATE PRACTICE (Dec. 2)
• Adam Sandler stars in the funny animated holiday musical Eight Crazy Nights (Dec. 7)
• When Santa Claus falls ill, his daughter Mary (Jenny McCarthy) takes over and shakes up Christmas in Santa Baby (Dec. 8)
• The Barenaked Ladies perform original songs with a holiday twist in BARENAKED FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Dec. 12)
• The winner of SKATING WITH THE STARS is revealed on the live season finale (Dec. 21)
• Relive the classic tale of Anne Shirely in Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Green Gable: A Continuing Story (Dec. 27 – Dec. 30)
Below is a chronological listing of programming highlights for Dec. 1-Dec 31. All programming is subject to change. All times ET/PT (unless otherwise stated).
Wednesday, Dec. 1
8 p.m. – AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL – “Roberto Cavalli” – SEASON FINALE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
After a season filled with model shenanigans, the final two remaining girls, Anne and Chelsea, are shocked when each of their parents fly to Italy for a surprise visit. Later, the models shoot their CoverGirl® commercial and print ad before meeting with Ian Bart of IMG Models. At the final runway challenge, the girls strut their stuff in Roberto Cavalli designs, before the Italian designer himself serves as guest judge at the final panel to determine who will become AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL.
9 p.m. – HELLCATS – “Think Twice Before You Go”- NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Marti (Aly Michalka) decides to come clean to Savannah (Ashley Tisdale) after Dan (Matt Barr) gives Marti an ultimatum. When Marti decides to take Savannah to a barbecue party to cheer her up, Savannah ends up drinking too much, ending up in a compromising position with the DJ.
Thursday, Dec. 2
8 p.m. – THE VAMPIRE DIARIES – “The Sacrifice” – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Elena (Nina Dobrev) decides to take matters into her own hands and offers a tempting incentive to Rose (guest star Lauren Cohan, SUPERNATURAL) for her help. When things take an unexpected turn, however, Rose calls on Damon (Ian Somerhalder) to deal with the plan Elena set in motion.
9 p.m. – NIKITA – “Dark Matter” – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Owen (guest star Devon Sawa, Final Destination) leaks Division’s secret information which leads to the framing of C.I.A. agent, Ryan (guest star Noah Bean, Morning Glory). Nikita (Maggie Q) and Owen go to Chile to rescue Ryan but are captured, forcing Nikita to reveal secrets of Division in an effort to save all of their lives.
10 p.m. – PRIVATE PRACTICE – “Just Lose It” – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) shows no reaction when she receives bad news from the district attorney’s office regarding her sexual assault case, but Cooper (Paul Adelstein) is angered. Addison (Kate Walsh), who really wants a child of her own, must treat a pregnant drug addict.
Friday, Dec. 3
10 p.m. – DATELINE – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Synopsis currently unavailable.
Sunday, Dec. 5
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Billy Madison
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Adam Sandler (Grown Ups) plays Billy, an unemployed, uneducated 27-year-old son of a very rich hotelier. When his father plans to retire, Billy stands to inherit his father’s empire but only under one condition – he must return to school and complete all 12 grades to prove he has what it takes to run the family business.
10 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “Lucky” – NEW TO /A\
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10 p.m. MT on ACCESS
The BAU team track a serial killer with cannibalistic tendencies.
Monday, Dec. 6
8 p.m. – SKATING WITH THE STARS – NEW 90 MINUTE EPISODE
Also airs 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
It’s down to five celebrities and their professional skating partners as they compete in front of the judges and live audience in the ice skating showdown. The pair with the lowest combined judges’ and viewer points from last week will be eliminated. Canada’s own Laurieann Gibson serves as one of the judges; while fellow Ontario native Tanith Belbin is Colour Commentator.
9:30 p.m. – CORNER GAS – “Merry Gasmas” – NEW TO /A\
Also airs at 10:30 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10:30 p.m. MT on ACCESS
In classic CORNER GAS holiday episode, Brent (Brent Butt) becomes upset when Emma (Janet Wright) wants to have a traditional Christmas and Hank (Fred Ewanuick) organizes a toy drive for a needy family that turns out to not be so needy after all. Meanwhile, Wanda (Nancy Robertson) becomes obsessed with finding the season’s hottest toy and Lacey (Gabrielle Miller) plans to go home to Toronto for Christmas.
10 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “Penelope” – NEW TO /A\
Also airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
The team unites to determine if Garcia’s (Kirsten Vangsness) life is being threatened by a serial killer.
Tuesday, Dec. 7
8 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “Birthright” – NEW TO /A\
Also airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
A series of murders in rural Virginia has the BAU team investigating a link between this killing spree and a similar case two decades ago.
9 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Eight Crazy Nights – ENCORE HOLIDAY MOVIE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. on ACCESS
Adam Sandler (Grown Ups) invites you to share some holiday cheer in his own animated creation. Davey Stone (Adam Sandler), a 33-year old party animal, finds himself in trouble with the law after his wild ways go too far. In keeping with the holiday spirit, the judge gives Davey one last chance at redemption. He must spend the holiday performing community service as the assistant referee for the youth basketball league. After a few surprises, including the mysterious reason for Davey’s bad attitude and the reappearance of a childhood sweetheart, Davey finds a reason or two to change his ways.
Wednesday, Dec. 8
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Santa Baby – ENCORE HOLIDAY MOVIE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Mary Class (Jenny McCarthy, Scary Movie 3) is a highly successful business executive who just happens to be the daughter of Santa Claus. But when her father falls ill, Mary returns to the North Pole to take over for her dad and implement her own innovative ideas for running Christmas.
Thursday, Dec. 9
8 p.m. – THE VAMPIRE DIARIES – “By the Light of the Moon”– NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
As the full moon approaches, Caroline (Candice Accola) helps Tyler (Michael Trevino) prepare for the transformation he is powerless to stop. Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Alaric (Matt Davis) are suspicious when a stranger named Jules (guest star Michaela McManus, ONE TREE HILL) shows up in Mystic Falls.
9 p.m. – NIKITA – “All the Way” – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10 p.m. MT on ACCESS
When Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca) is sent to kill the leader of a crime syndicate, Nikita (Maggie Q) insists on helping her with the kill order. Meanwhile Birkhoff (Aaron Stanford) informs Percy (Xander Berkeley) and Michael (Shane West) when he discovers the shell program a Division mole has been using to connect Nikita with the outside world.
10 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “3rd Life” – NEW to /AAlso airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
The BAU team profiles a serial killer who abducts two teenagers and murders one, and who will kill the other teen if they don’t stop him in time. Gina Mantegna (In The Land Of Women), daughter of series star Joe Mantegna, guest stars as Lindsey, one of the missing teens.
Friday, Dec. 10
9 p.m. – DATELINE – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Synopsis currently unavailable.
Sunday, Dec. 12
7 p.m. – BARENAKED FOR THE HOLIDAYS – HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Also airs at 8 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic
The original quirky Canadian quintet, The Barenaked Ladies, perform unique songs inspired by the season and fun renditions of traditional carols from their album Barenaked for the Holidays, as well as classic hits like “If I Had a Million Dollars.”
10 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “Limelight” – NEW TO /AAlso airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10 p.m. MT on ACCESS
When the contents of a self-storage unit reveal the grisly early makings of a serial killer, the BAU team must profile the contents in order to catch him.
Monday, Dec. 13
8 p.m. – SKATING WITH THE STARS – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
The competition intensifies as the remaining couples put their best skate forward and compete in front of a live audience. The pair with the lowest combined judges’ points and viewer points from last week will be eliminated.
9 p.m. – A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS: LETTERS TO SANTA – NEW TO /A\
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
The EMMY® and GRAMMY® award-winning Muppets deliver a one-hour special filled with song, dance, mayhem and heaps of holiday high spirits. On Christmas Eve, Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang mistakenly avert three letters from making their way to Santa Claus. They need to get the letters to Santa in time and hope nothing stands in the way of their happy Christmas. Guest stars include Whoopi Goldberg (THE VIEW), Uma Thurman (Kill Bill), Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) and Jane Krakowski (30 ROCK). SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA’s Paul Becker choreographed the special and also makes an appearance.
10 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “Damaged” – NEW TO /AAlso airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10 p.m. MT on ACCESS
When Rossi (Joe Mantegna) decides to revisit an unsolved case from his past, the BAU team steps in to help him unravel the circumstances behind the mysterious murder of two young parents nearly 20 years ago.
Tuesday, Dec. 14
8 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “A Higher Power” – NEW TO /A\
Also airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
When the suicide rate spikes in a Pittsburgh neighborhood, the BAU team suspects the deaths may actually be the result of a serial killer who believes he is an “Angel of Death.”
9 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Along Came Polly
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Risk analyst Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller, Tropic Thunder) breaks up with his wife (Debra Messing, Wedding Date) on their honeymoon when he discovers that she is cheating on him with a scuba instructor (Hank Azaria, Love and Other Drugs). When he returns home, Reuben’s friends try to cheer him up by taking him out to meet new people. While out on the town he has a chance encounter with middle school classmate and free-spirit Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston, The Bounty Hunter) which changes his straight-laced life forever.
Wednesday, Dec. 15
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
A group of misfits enter a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament in order to save their cherished local gym from the onslaught of a corporate health fitness chain. Vince Vaughn (The Break-Up), Christine Taylor (Tropic Thunder) and Ben Stiller (Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) star.
10 p.m. – CRIMINAL MINDS – “Elephant’s Memory” – NEW TO /AAlso airs at 11 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 10 p.m. MT on ACCESS
The BAU team profiles a serial killer in a small Texas town whose motive becomes clear as his victims are discovered.
Thursday, Dec. 16
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Meet the Fockers
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Having given permission to male nurse Greg Focker (Ben Stiller, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) to marry his daughter, ex-CIA man Jack Byrnes (Robert Di Nero, Righteous Kill) and his wife (Blythe Danner, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2) travel to Miami to meet Greg’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Focker, (Dustin Huffman, Last Chance Harvey and Barbara Streisand, The Mirror Has Two Faces), who are as different from them as can be.
Friday, Dec. 17
9 p.m. – DATELINE – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Synopsis currently unavailable.
Sunday, Dec. 19
7 p.m. THE BIG PICTURE – Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning
Also airs at 8 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 7 p.m. MT on ACCESS
As both a prequel and a sequel to the original Anne of Green Gables films, audiences learn about the circumstances of Anne Shirley’s childhood that shaped her life and haunted her in later years. Starring Hannah Endicott-Douglas (THE GOOD WITCH) as a young Anne Shirley, Barbara Hershey (Beaches) as the older Anne, Shirley MacLaine (In Her Shoes) as Amelia Thomas and Ron Lea (THIS IS WONDERLAND) as Gene Armstrong.
Monday, Dec. 20
8 p.m. – SKATING WITH THE STARS – NEW EPISODE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESS 9 p.m.
The final figure-skating pairs perform for the last time for viewer votes, before the live finale.
9 p.m. – A COLBERT CHRISTMAS: THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL! – HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
In this one-hour musical comedy special, a snowed-in Stephen Colbert weathers the storm with help from his friends Feist, Toby Keith, John Legend, Willie Nelson and Jon Stewart.
Tuesday, Dec. 21
8 p.m. – SKATING WITH THE STARS – SEASON FINALE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 9 p.m. MT on ACCESSAfter a season of double axels, sit spins and split jumps, the season finale is here and the first-ever winner of SKATING WITH THE STARS is crowned!
9 p.m. – RITA MACNEIL: ON A PERSONAL NOTE
Also airs at 10 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Sprinkled with performances, this documentary takes a revealing look at the personal history and rise to fame of the singer, prolific songwriter, television and recording artist, businesswoman, author and recipient of the Order of Canada. This extraordinary woman has achieved success despite overwhelming odds, and she has done so with great warmth, humanity and good humour.
Thursday, Dec. 23
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – An Avonlea Christmas – ENCORE HOLIDAY MOVIE
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
In An Avonlea Christmas, the King family gather together during the First World War to celebrate the holidays. The season is a time of crisis for the family this year however, as eldest son Felix (Zachary Bennett), who was fighting overseas, has been listed as missing in action. Meanwhile, Aunt Hetty (Jackie Burroughs, Into the Labyrinth) grapples with loneliness and a potentially fatal back injury. Felicity (Gema Zamprogna, Johnny) searches for a new career; while Olivia (Mag Ruffman, Anne of Green Gables) considers moving back to Avonlea.
Saturday, Dec. 25
7 p.m. – CHRISTMAS TOGETHER WITH THE BARRA MACNEILS – HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Also airs at 8 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic
CHRISTMAS TOGETHER WITH THE BARRA MACNEILS is a one-hour holiday special featuring a live concert with Canada’s leading Celtic performers, The Barra MacNeils. The show features music from the Barra MacNeils’ Christmas Album ll, and performances by Scottish artist Maggie MacInnes and a trio of Acadian vocalists, Monique Poirier, Isabelle Thériault and Patricia Richard.
Sunday, Dec. 26
7 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – X2: X-Men United
Also airs at 8 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 7 p.m. MT on ACCESS
In the sequel to X-Men, the superheroes band together to find a mutant assassin who has made an attempt on the President’s life. Meanwhile, the Mutant Academy is attacked by military forces set on destroying every mutant on Earth. Starring Patrick Stewart (STAR TREK), Hugh Jackman (Australia) and Halle Berry (Die Another Day).
Monday, Dec. 27
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Anne of Green Gables (Part 1)
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Filmed amidst the spectacular scenery of Prince Edward Island, this EMMY® Award-winning production follows the enchanting life of orphan Anne Shirley (Megan Follows, ROBSON ARMS), from her struggles as an adolescent to her triumphs as a young woman. Along with Follows, Tony® Award-winner Colleen Dewhurst (A Moon for the Misbegotten) and Academy Award®-nominee Richard Farnsworth (The Natural) give unparalleled performances in this critically acclaimed motion picture, based on the international best-selling novel of the same name.
Tuesday, Dec. 28
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Anne of Green Gables (Part 2)
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
See Monday, Dec. 27 for description.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (Part 1)
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
Now in her twenties, Anne (Megan Follows, ROBSON ARMS) returns to Avonlea for the first time since Marilla Cuthbert’s death. Gilbert (Jonathan Crombie, Empty Room) has been offered a position in a hospital in New York, and he persuades Anne to come with him. He arranges a position for her at a large publishing house, but big city life is not what they expected. Meanwhile, the Great War is blossoming in Europe, and many of Anne’s former classmates have enlisted to serve. The thrilling and affecting story follows the characters from New York, to Europe and the war effort, eventually returning them to the red earth of Prince Edward Island.
Thursday, Dec. 30
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (Part 2)
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. MT on ACCESS
See Wednesday, Dec. 29 for description.
Friday, Dec. 31
8 p.m. – THE BIG PICTURE – Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story
Also airs at 9 p.m. AT on /A\ Atlantic and 8 p.m. on ACCESS
Two thousand miles from home, Jim (Neil Patrick Harris, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER), Jennifer Stolpa (Kelli Williams, LIE TO ME) and their baby lose their way and become stranded in the wilderness during the cold winter. Using only meager supplies and resourcefulness, the young couple struggles to keep themselves and their infant son alive as they wait to be rescued. Realizing they won’t be found, Jim ultimately strikes out on a courageous 50-mile mission, determined to reach help and save his family.
