Chief among the four new holiday films today is the sequel to 1983’s “A Christmas Story” called “A Christmas Story Christmas” (HBO Max, streaming) that features Peter Billingsley — Ralphie in the original — all grown up and visiting his childhood home.
Aimee Garcia plays a pop star who visits a fan’s hometown for the holiday in “Christmas with You” (Netflix, streaming), a new film that also stars Freddie Prinze Jr.
Writing about the training of department store St. Nicks helped launch the career of David Sedaris; now it’s the basis of a new documentary, “Santa Camp” (HBO Max, streaming) by Nick Sweeney, who travels to such a camp.
The final new holiday film premiering today, “Sweet Navidad” (Lifetime, 8 p.m.) stars Camila Banus and Mark Hapka as pastry chefs in a hotel preparing for a big Christmas party.
Pickleball makes a big step into primetime with the network special “Pickled” (CBS, 9 p.m.), a celebrity competition hosted by Stephen Colbert. Among the players: Will Ferrell, Max Greenfield, Luis Guzman, Phil Keoghan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sugar Ray Leonard, Big Notaro, Kelly Roland, Aisha Tyler, Emma Watson, Jimmy Allen, Dierks Bentley and Jaime Camil. Winners appear on Colbert’s show tonight.
“Top Gear” (BBC America, 11 p.m.) starts a new season, learning all about Thailand’s love for pickup trucks.
The family’s annual Circle of Thanks turns to gripes on “Walker” (CW, 8 p.m.).
“Hell’s Kitchen” (Fox, 8 p.m.) work with woks.
A military veteran is murder victim on “Law & Order” (NBC, 8 p.m.), a violent suspect who killed a detective’s child is sought on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 9 p.m.) and “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (NBC, 10 p.m.) looks into casino corruption.
The late Leslie Jordan was certainly active in his last year. Tonight, he’s on both “MTV Cribs” (MTV, 9 p.m.) and “Call Me Kat” (Fox, 9:30 p.m.).
“Rehab Addict Lake House Rescue” (HGTV, 9 p.m.) has a season finale but not before installing a new basement.
Barb runs into an ex at a conference on “Welcome to Flatch” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
“Alaska Daily” (ABC, 10 p.m.) has its last episode of the year (before continuing the season early next year)
Abby’s legal skills are tested on “Walker: Independence” (CW, 9 p.m.).
The 2007 musical “Enchanted” (ABC, 8 p.m.) gets a primetime replay.
Lindsay and Carl arrive in Stowe on “Winter House” (Bravo, 9 p.m.).
“Mountain Men” (History, 8 p.m.) come face to face with a black bear.
The murder of Magnolia Shorty is the subject of “Hip Hop Homicides” (WEtv, 9 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies’ Thursday night spotlight on James Mason continues with “Lord Jim” (8 p.m.), “The Last of Sheila” (10:45 p.m.), “The Verdict” (1 a.m.), “The MacKintosh Man” (3:15 a.m.) and “Inside Out” (5 a.m.).
Earlier today, a Cary Grant double feature of “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (8:15 a.m.) and “Every Girl Should Be Married” (10 a.m.) precedes a tribute to Rock Hudson, born this day in 1925, with “Ice Station Zebra” (11:30 a.m.), “The Man Who Makes the Difference” (2:15 p.m.), “Something of Value” (2:30 p.m.) and “Giant” (4:30 p.m.).
Thursday night football has Tennessee at Green Bay (Amazon Prime, 8:15 p.m.).
College football has SMU at Tulane (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.).
College hoops include Nebraska at St. John’s (Fox Sports 1, 6:30 p.m.), Davidson at College of Charleston (ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.), Loyola, Chicago vs. Tulsa (ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.) and UC-Riverside at Creighton (Fox Sports 1, 8:30 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Chris Hemsworth, Fitz and the Tantrums. The View: Danai Gurira, Garth Brooks. The Talk: Kelly Rowland, John Michael Higgins. Drew Barrymore: Anya Taylor-Joy, Joe Buck, Aubry and Kale Walch. Kelly Clarkson: Mindy Kaling, Dove Cameron, Giada De Laurentiis, Chris Colfer, Noah Kahan. Jennifer Hudson: Justin Hartley, Stephen “Twitch” Boss, Allison Holker Boss. Tamron Hall: Macy Gray, Pinky Cole.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Michelle Williams. Jimmy Kimmel: Patrick Dempsey, Nicholas Hoult, the Backseat Lovers, Billy Gibbons. Jimmy Fallon: Jessica Chasten, Martha Stewart, the Smile. James Corden: Tracy Ellis Ross, Sosie Bacon, Erica Spera.