Mr Viral
Lisa Kudrow returns to TV this week—Netflix, specifically—in her new dark comedy No Good Deed, opposite Ray Romano and many more famous faces. It comes from Dead to Me creator Liz Feldman, whose signature style of surprise and deadpan humor is on full display here.
The Friends star and Everybody Loves Raymond vet play a married couple who decide to put their enviable Los Angeles home up for sale, attracting all sorts of buyers who want it as their dream house. But the house has plenty of secrets, which of course will have to be uncovered at some point.
As No Good Deed makes its debut, Blue Bloods says its goodbye. After 293 episodes, the CBS procedural starring Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, Will Estes, Len Cariou, and more signs off on Friday night. From the theme song to the Sunday night Reagan family dinners, it’s been a fan-favorite since season one (and honestly could have creatively kept going). While there are still rumors a spin-off could materialize, it’s the end of the road for now. I’ll certainly keep you posted—and keep reading for more on the series finale below.
At least we still have more episodes of Outlander, which airs a new one this week. After last week’s shocking twists, episode 712 (titled “Carnal Knowledge”) is going to be even more intense and wild. Executive producer and showrunner Matthew B. Roberts asks, “What’s going to happen when Jamie gets back to town and discovers that Claire’s married to his best friend? That’s the anticipation. That’s the tension.” Of course, the marriage isn’t legal since Jamie never died but is anything easy on this show? Never.
Meanwhile, on the holiday front, plenty of new specials air this week, including Hallmark’s latest Hanukkah movie, which stars Degrassi: The Next Generation alum Stacey Farber. There’s also an ‘80s icon in the movie…but more on that below.
On that note, I hope you have a great Sunday, and I’ll see you back here next week for the ultimate Virgin River season six preview.
Sunday, December 8How to Fall in Love by Christmas (Lifetime): Teri Hatcher plays Nora Winters, a talented writer turned CEO of her own lifestyle brand, who finds herself in a tight spot as the company’s future hangs in the balance. In order to save her business—through a partnership with the popular dating app, Take To Heart—she has to write a column on falling in love by Christmas. Dan Payne plays Jack, a charismatic photographer who’s been assigned to the piece. 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT
Tuesday, December 10Polo (Netflix): Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is an executive producer on this new docuseries that takes a look at the fast-paced and glamorous world of polo—a favorite sport of his. Streaming
Wednesday, December 11Maria (Netflix): Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas, one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century. The film follows the American-Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye. Streaming
A Motown Christmas (NBC): This two-hour special will showcase iconic Motown legends performing holiday favorites and classics alongside today’s biggest stars. Performers include Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Temptations, along with Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Halle Bailey, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London, Pentatonix, and more. 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8 p.m. CT, and streaming the next day on Peacock
Queer Eye (Netflix): The ninth season takes over Las Vegas, where the Fab Five, now joined by interior designer Jeremiah Brent, meet a new group of individuals ready for a life-changing experience. Streaming
Thursday, December 12E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2024 (NBC): E! News’ Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight host this special that focuses on the biggest and most unforgettable moments of the year. Expect special appearances by Jimmy Fallon, Dolly Parton, Andy Cohen, and more. 9:15 p.m. ET/PT, 8:15 p.m. CT
No Good Deed (Netflix): In this dark comedy, Lydia (Lisa Kudrow) and Paul (Ray Romano) decide to move on from their empty nest and forge a new life. And so, they list their gorgeous 1920s Spanish-style villa that’s located in one the most desirable neighborhoods in L.A. Multiple families all race to buy what they believe to be their dream house, convinced it will fix all of their very different problems. But Lydia and Paul—plagued by some very dark secrets—know that sometimes the home of your dreams can be a true nightmare. From creator Liz Feldman (Dead to Me), the series also stars Linda Cardellini, O-T Fagbenle, Abbi Jacobson, Denis Leary, Poppy Liu, Teyonah Parris, and Luke Wilson.
Liu tells Glamour that her character, Sarah, is an OBGYN living in Los Angeles with her wife, Leslie (played by Abbi Jacobson). “They’re eyeing the perfect home to start her family,” Liu says. “Sarah and Leslie are an ideal balance for each other as a couple. Leslie thinks with her head, while Sarah thinks with her heart and her spidey sense.” As to why the show is worth your time? Liu says it best: “No Good Deed has the thrill of a murder mystery with Liz Feldman’s signature humor and levity, making it a perfect show to binge in two, or one, sittings with every member of the family.” Streaming
Billboard Music Awards (Fox/Paramount+/Amazon’s Fire TV Channels): Hosted by actor and comedian Michelle Buteau, the awards will honor the year’s biggest artists, albums, songs, producers, and songwriters across multiple genres, as determined by year-end performance metrics on the Billboard charts. The top finalists include Zach Bryan, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and more. 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT and on demand on Paramount+
Paris & Nicole: The Encore (Peacock): The three-part special reunites BFFs (and current Glamour cover stars) Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie for the first time in two decades as they try to produce a once-in-a-lifetime operatic performance based on their signature phrase, “Sanasa.” The series is narrated by Alan Cumming. Streaming
Bookie (Max): The dark comedy, from creators Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay, returns for eight new episodes. It follows veteran Los Angeles bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) as the potential legalization of sports gambling in California threatens to upend his business for good. The cast also includes Omar J. Dorsey, Vanessa Ferlito, Jorge Garcia, Andrea Anders, Maxim Swinton, and Rob Corddry, with guest appearances from Charlie Sheen, Ray Romano, Zach Braff, and Brad Garrett. Streaming weekly
Friday, December 13Outlander (Starz): This week, after the reveal that Jamie is still alive, Lord John Grey is put in a precarious position as William struggles with the surprising revelation about his father. As for how this all impacts Claire and Jamie, executive producer Maril Davis tells us, “I think we know Claire can’t lie. Or, everything shows on Claire’s face—let’s put it that way. So the truth is going to come out. Who tells Jamie, and when and how that unfolds, is something I think fans are excited to see. There’s some great acting with Sam [Heughan] and David Berry. You can’t sleep with somebody else and not have there be repercussions in your marriage.” Streaming
Hanukkah on the Rocks (Hallmark Channel): Stacey Farber (Virgin River), Daren Kagasoff, and Marc Summers (yes, of ’80s juggernaut Double Dare) star in Hallmark’s newest Hanukkah film. Here’s what we know: “One week before Hanukkah, corporate lawyer Tory finds herself unexpectedly unemployed and questioning the career she’s dedicated years to. As she helps her Bubby prepare for the holiday, she embarks on a quest across Chicago to find the last box of coveted Hanukkah candles. Her search leads her to Rocky’s, an Old Town bar, where she encounters Jay, a charming doctor from Florida, his grandfather Sam and a cast of quirky regulars who make her rethink everything. Torn between keeping her job loss a secret and embracing a newfound sense of belonging, Tory ends up bartending at Rocky’s, transforming it into the vibrant “Hanukkah on the Rocks” celebration. Through festive food, drinks, and games, she revitalizes the bar, bonds with Jay, and finds the courage to pursue her true calling. As Tory navigates the holiday, she learns that sometimes a detour can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be, lighting the way to a future filled with joy, romance, and self-discovery.” 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT
Blue Bloods (CBS/Paramount+): The series finale is sadly here, as the Raegan family says goodbye to Sunday night family dinners (well, at least on our screens). Appropriately titled “End of Tour,” it’s all hands on deck for the Reagan family as they race to stop deadly mayhem in the city when the gangs of New York unite together to demand amnesty for the release of their imprisoned members and those awaiting trial. Academy Award nominee Edward James Olmos guest stars, with a script from Siobhan Byrne O’Connor and Kevin Wade, and directed by Alex Zakrzewski. 10 p.m ET/PT, 9 p.m. CT and streaming on Paramount+
2013, when I first interviewed the cast of Blue Bloods in Los Angeles, and iPhone cameras weren’t nearly as good as they are now.
Carry On (Netflix): Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Sinqua Walls, Logan Marshall-Green, Theo Rossi, Josh Brener, and Dean Norris star in this film about a young TSA agent who fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler on Christmas Eve. Streaming
Young Werther (Lionsgate): Patrick J. Adams, Douglas Booth, and Alison Pill star in this rom-com based on a novel. Here’s the synopsis: While on a simple errand to Toronto, a carefree and charming young writer named Werther stumbles across the love of his life, only to discover that the young woman is engaged. Despite the urgings of his hypochondriac best friend, Werther turns his world upside down in a desperate, misguided, and hilarious quest to win her heart. In theaters and on demand
Day of the Fight: Jack Huston writes and directs this film about a once-celebrated boxer who is about to fight for the first time since leaving prison. To prepare, he takes a redemptive journey through the streets of Brooklyn, attempting to reconnect with loved ones and righting the wrongs of his past. The cast includes Michael C. Pitt, Nicolette Robinson, John Magaro, Steve Buscemi, Ron Perlman, and Joe Pesci. In theaters
Saturday, December 14A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV+, streaming for free this Saturday and Sunday): In this classic Peanuts special, Lucy recruits a disenchanted Charlie Brown to be the director of the gang’s holiday play. Streaming
The Holiday Junkie (Lifetime): The film centers on the decorating and planning service company run by Andie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and her mother Mimi. After Mimi passes away, Andie is forced to face her first Christmas without her mother and carry The Holiday Junkie torch on her own. But it may not be as sad as Andie feared, thanks to handsome house manager, Mason (Brian Hallisay). 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT
Saturday Night Live (NBC/Peacock): Chris Rock hosts for the fourth time, while Gracie Abrams will make her musical guest debut. 11:30 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. PT and streaming on Peacock
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