You can count on the Brits to put together special episodes for Christmas (rather than filling the schedule with reruns). There are three available today.
First of all, the Christmas special for “Doctor Who” (Disney+, streaming) introducing Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor in the series, alongside a brand new companion, played by Millie Gibson, in a holiday-themed fable.
There is also the 2023 holiday special for “Call the Midwife” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) in which the midwives are planning for the holiday and the upcoming Apollo 8 launch.
And Jean Blanc goes to a murder mystery party that ends up with an actual murder on “The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas Special” (AcornTV, streaming).
Who’d debut a new, probably edgy standup comedy special on Christmas Day? Well, it’s “Ricky Gervais: Armageddon” (Netflix, streaming).
Here in the states, there’s mostly sports.
The NFL has Las Vegas at Kansas City (CBS, 1 p.m.), Giants at Philadelphia (Fox, 4:30 p.m.) and Baltimore at San Francisco (ABC, 8:15 p.m.).
A full day of NBA action has Milwaukee at Knicks (ESPN, noon), Golden State at Denver (ABC, 2:30 p.m.), Boston at Lakers (ABC, 5 p.m.), Philadelphia at Miami (ESPN, 8 p.m.) and Dallas at Phoenix (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.).
The Smashing Pumpkins perform a new Christmas song, “Evergreen” and Michael Bolton sings “Joy to the World” on the 40th Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (ABC, 10 a.m.) hosted by Derek and Julianne Hough with Mickey Hutton and “Bachelor” host Jesse Palmer. Other performers include Chrissy Metz, Meg Donnelly and the touring cast of “Aladdin.” And there will be some past performances from N’Sync, Swen Stefani and Mary J. Blige with David Foster.
There’s a brief preview of a new quiz show, “The Floor” (Fox, 8 p.m.) that premieres next week. Rob Lowe hosts.
The 2022 concert special “Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All” (CBS, 9 p.m.) gets a replay, possibly as part of her failed efforts to be named Queen of Christmas.
Seems weird to follow the 1966 original animated “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (NBC, 8 p.m.) with the bloated live action 2000 Jim Carrey version, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.).
Turner Classic Movies wraps up with “Bachelor Mother” (6:30 a.m.), “All Mine to Give” (8 a.m.), “Never Say Goodbye” (10 a.m.), “Holiday Affair” (11:45 a.m.), “The Apartment” (1:30 p.m.), “The Man Who Came to Dinner” (3:45 p.m.) and “In the Good Old Summertime” (6 p.m.).
Then the focus moves to Jimmy Stewart and his roles in Alfred Hitchcock films: “Vertigo” (8 p.m.), “Rear Window” (10:15 p.m.), “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (12:15 a.m.) and “Rope” (2:30 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
All reruns: Drew Barrymore: Krystal Joy Brown, Josh Gad, Erin French. Kelly Clarkson: Jimmy Fallon, Meghan Trainor, Matt Bomer, Christina Perri. Jennifer Hudson: Oprah Winfrey, Blitz Bazawule, Fantasia Barrino Taylor, Danielle Brooks, Tarati P. Henson, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Corey Hawkins, Colman Domingo. Tamron Hall: Patti Labelle, Ruben Soudard,
Late Talk
Reruns all: Jimmy Kimmel: Eddie Murphy, Teyana Taylor, Mitch Rowland. Jimmy Fallon: Timothée Chalet, David Blaine, Dogstore. Seth Meyers: The Meyers Family, Bryan Carter.