Best Classic Movies on TV This Week: December 8-14
What To Know
- This week’s TV schedule features a wide array of classic musicals and beloved Christmas films, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Mary Poppins, It’s a Wonderful Life, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
- Viewers can also enjoy popular ’80s and ’90s comedies such as This Is Spinal Tap, Wayne’s World, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Caddyshack for a break from holiday-themed programming.
Each week, thousands of great movies air on cable TV and over-the-air antenna channels — but it’s tough to keep track of what’s on when. Our day-by-day guide to classic movies on TV will help you stay on top of what’s playing, and keep you from missing an airing of your favorite film.
This week, you can look forward to classic musicals like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Mary Poppins, Meet Me in St. Louis, West Side Story andThere’s No Business Like Show Business, as well as beloved Christmas films like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, Scrooged, A Christmas Story, The Waltons’ Homecoming, Frosty the Snowman and 1951’s A Christmas Carol. And if you’re not especially in the holiday spirit (or just need a break between screenings of Elf), enjoy a treasury of ’80s and ’90s comedies like This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally…, Back to the Future, Coming to America, Spaceballs, Big, Wayne’s World, Mrs. Doubtfire, Caddyshack and more.
Classic Movies & TV Highlights Airing on Monday, December 8
The Waltons’ Homecoming
The CW, 8pm
Tom Griscom/The CW
John-Boy (Logan Shroyer) embarks on a life-altering journey to find his father on Christmas Eve in this 2021 TV movie.
Primetime Movies Tonight
5pm Jericho (2000, Western) Mark Valley, Leon Coffee RETRO
5pm The Polar Express (2004, Children) Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter AMC
5:05pm Gangs of New York (2002, Historical drama) Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis FLIX
5:15pm The Crow (1994, Action) Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson MGM
5:40pm Eight Crazy Nights (2002, Comedy) Adam Sandler, Jackie Titone GSHW2
5:45pm Superstar (1999, Comedy) Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell TMCX
6pm Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953, Musical comedy) Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe MOVIES!
6pm Going in Style (1979, Comedy) George Burns, Art Carney TCM
6pm It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Comedy-drama) James Stewart, Donna Reed E!
6pm The Princess Bride (1987, Children) Cary Elwes, Robin Wright BBCA
6:10pm The Score (2001, Suspense) Robert De Niro, Edward Norton SHOWXHD
6:15pm National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo IFC
6:23pm Man of the House (2005, Comedy) Tommy Lee Jones STZK
6:30pm Seabiscuit (2003, Drama) Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges FAMZ
6:33pm Woman of Desire (1993, Suspense) Jeff Fahey, Bo Derek STZCI
6:42pm The Jackie Robinson Story (1950, Biography) Jackie Robinson, Ruby Dee RETRO
ELF, Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, 2003, (c) New Line/courtesy Everett Collection
7pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan AMC
7pm Patriot Games (1992, Suspense) Harrison Ford, Anne Archer SHOCSE
7pm The Longest Yard (2005, Comedy) Adam Sandler, Chris Rock TRUTV
7:15pm Wayne’s World (1992, Comedy) Mike Myers, Dana Carvey NEXT
7:19pm Taxi (2004, Comedy) Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon STZENC
8pm A Knight’s Tale (2001, Action) Heath Ledger, Mark Addy BBCA
8pm Grand Hotel (1932, Drama) Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford TCM
8pm Smoke Signal (1955, Western) Dana Andrews, Piper Laurie RETRO
8pm Taxi Driver (1976, Drama) Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster FLIX
8pm The Bounty Killer (1965, Western) Dan Duryea, Rod Cameron GRIT
8pm The First Wives Club (1996, Comedy) Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler WOMEN
8pm There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954, Musical comedy) Ethel Merman, Dan Dailey MVIES
8:15pm Vegas Vacation (1997, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo IFC
8:40pm Fargo (1996, Comedy) Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi HDNETMV
8:51pm The Goonies (1985, Family) Sean Astin, Josh Brolin HBOC
8:55pm The Color Purple (1985, Drama) Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover 5MAX
9pm E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, Family) Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace STZENC
9pm Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Karen Allen FAMZ
9pm It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Comedy-drama) James Stewart, Donna Reed E!
9pm Wayne’s World 2 (1993, Comedy) Mike Myers, Dana Carvey NEXT
9:29pm The War Wagon (1967, Western) John Wayne, Kirk Douglas RETRO
9:30pm The Longest Yard (2005, Comedy) Adam Sandler, Chris Rock TRUTV
Everett Collection
10pm Brimstone (1949, Western) Rod Cameron, Adrian Booth GRIT
10pm Chinatown (1974, Crime drama) Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway FLIX
10pm Skyscraper Souls (1932, Comedy-drama) Warren William, Maureen O’Sullivan TCM
10pm Sleepy Hollow (1999, Horror) Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci MGM
10:15pm National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo IFC
10:30pm The Sixth Sense (1999, Suspense) Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment HBOSIG
10:35pm Let’s Make Love (1960, Musical comedy) Marilyn Monroe, Yves Montand MVIES
10:45pm Chocolat (2000, Drama) Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp TMCX
10:46pm The Pentagon Wars (1998, Drama) Kelsey Grammer, Cary Elwes HBOC
11pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan AMC
11pm Jersey Girl (2004, Romance-comedy) Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler FAMZ
11:01pm Undercover Brother (2002, Comedy) Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan STZIB
11:11pm Journey to Shiloh (1968, Adventure) James Caan, Michael Sarrazin RETRO
11:29pm Gimme Shelter (1970, Documentary) Mick Jagger, Keith Richards 5MAX
11:35pm Reindeer Games (2000, Crime drama) Ben Affleck, Gary Sinise SHOWXHD
Classic Movies & TV Highlights Airing on Tuesday, December 9
Frosty the Snowman
NBC, 8pm
Courtesy Rick Goldschmidt
Jimmy Durante narrates this classic animated musical special, with Jackie Vernon providing the voice of the “jolly, happy soul” whose old silk hat full of magic brings him to life.
A Motown Christmas
NBC, 9pm
Hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, this two-hour special celebrates Motown’s renowned legacy and showcases legends from that recording label performing holiday favorites along with Hitsville U.S.A. classics. Some of today’s biggest stars will also be on hand to perform exclusive solos, unexpected duets and group medleys. Performers include Robinson, Bailey, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, the Temptations, BeBe Winans, Ashanti, Pentatonix and more.
Primetime Movies Tonight
5pm Stripes (1981, Comedy) Bill Murray, Harold Ramis SUNDANCE
5:05pm Grizzly Falls (2000, Adventure) Daniel Clark, Bryan Brown STZK
5:11pm Apache Drums (1951, Western) Stephen McNally, Coleen Gray RETRO
5:24pm Mom and Dad Save the World (1992, Children) Teri Garr, Jeffrey Jones HBOC
5:30pm Oklahoma! (1955, Musical) Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones TCM
Everett Collection
6pm Field of Dreams (1989, Fantasy) Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan BBCA
6pm National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo AMC
6:01pm E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, Family) Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace STZENC
6:05pm 12 Days of Christmas Eve (2004, Drama) Steven Weber, Molly Shannon MVIES
6:15pm Home for the Holidays (1995, Comedy) Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr. MGM
6:25pm Good Burger (1997, Comedy) Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson FLIX
6:25pm The Santa Clause 2 (2002, Family) Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell FREEFORM
6:27pm The Silencer (1999, Action) Michael Dudikoff, Brennan Elliott RETRO
6:40pm A Kid in Aladdin’s Palace (1997, Children) Thomas Ian Nicholas, Rhona Mitra STZK
6:44pm Blood Simple (1984, Suspense) John Getz, Frances McDormand ACMAX
6:46pm Lulu on the Bridge (1998, Romance) Harvey Keitel, Mira Sorvino STZCI
7pm Home Alone (1990, Family) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci FX
7:20pm Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988, Comedy) Steve Martin, Michael Caine HDNETMV
7:30pm Meatballs (1979, Comedy) Bill Murray, Chris Makepeace SUNDANCE
8pm Bruce Almighty (2003, Comedy) Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman STZENC
8pm Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986, Comedy) Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck MGM
8pm Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987, Comedy) Steve Martin, John Candy AMC
8pm Santa’s Slay (2005, Comedy) Bill Goldberg, Douglas Smith STZC
8pm The Brady Bunch Movie (1995, Comedy) Shelley Long, Gary Cole FLIX
8pm The Day After Tomorrow (2004, Action) Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal PARMT
8pm The Far Country (1955, Western) James Stewart, Ruth Roman RETRO
8pm The Indian Fighter (1955, Western) Kirk Douglas, Elsa Martinelli GRIT
8pm The Music Man (1962, Musical comedy) Robert Preston, Shirley Jones MVIES
8pm These Three (1936, Drama) Miriam Hopkins, Merle Oberon TCM
8:30pm Rudy (1993, Drama) Sean Astin, Ned Beatty BBCA
8:57pm A Hard Day’s Night (1964, Musical comedy) Wilfrid Brambell 5MAX
9pm Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw FAMZ
9pm Taxi Driver (1976, Drama) Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster TMCX
9:30pm A Very Brady Sequel (1996, Comedy) Shelley Long, Gary Cole FLIX
9:30pm Caddyshack (1980, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield SUNDANCE
9:30pm Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992, Children) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci FX
9:38pm Night of the Living Dead (1968, Horror) Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea RETRO
9:45pm Over the Moon (1940, Romance-comedy) Merle Oberon, Rex Harrison TCM
9:45pm Scrooged (1988, Comedy) Bill Murray, Karen Allen MGM
Everett Collection
10pm Along the Great Divide (1951, Western) Kirk Douglas, Virginia Mayo GRIT
10pm Rain Man (1988, Drama) Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise HDNETMV
10pm Shaft (2000, Action) Samuel L. Jackson, Vanessa L. Williams SHOWXHD
10pm The Great Outdoors (1988, Comedy) Dan Aykroyd, John Candy AMC
11pm American Beauty (1999, Comedy-drama) Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening FLIX
11pm Top Gun (1986, Action) Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis PARMT
11pm What Women Want (2000, Romance-comedy) Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt FAMZ
11:15pm Affectionately Yours (1941, Comedy) Merle Oberon, Dennis Morgan TCM
11:15pm Apache Drums (1951, Western) Stephen McNally, Coleen Gray RETRO
11:15pm The Band Wagon (1953, Musical) Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse MVIES
11:30pm Big (1988, Children) Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins MGM
11:30pm Stripes (1981, Comedy) Bill Murray, Harold Ramis SUNDANCE
11:40pm Fatal Attraction (1987, Suspense) Michael Douglas, Glenn CloseSHOWXHD
Classic Movies & TV Highlights Airing on Wednesday, December 10
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
The CW, 8pm
Warner Home Video/Courtesy: Everett Collection.
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 to prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel, and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
Primetime Movies Tonight
5:05pm Labyrinth (1986, Fantasy) David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly FAMZ
5:22pm The Godfather Coda: The Death Of Michael Corleone (1990, Crime drama) Al Pacino, Diane Keaton SHOCSE
5:30pm Rudy (1993, Drama) Sean Astin, Ned Beatty BBCA
5:40pm Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992, Children) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci FREEFORM
5:47pm Tales From the Crypt Presents Bordello of Blood (1996, Horror) Dennis Miller, Erika Eleniak STZIB
6pm Judgment Night (1993, Action) Emilio Estevez, Cuba Gooding Jr. FLIX
6pm The Great Outdoors (1988, Comedy) Dan Aykroyd, John Candy AMC
6pm With Six You Get Eggroll (1968, Comedy) Doris Day, Brian Keith MVIES
6pm Yours, Mine and Ours (1968, Comedy) Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda TCM
6:01pm The Bone Collector (1999, Suspense) Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie RETRO
6:02pm Eulogy (2004, Comedy) Hank Azaria, Jesse Bradford STZC
6:15pm Snatch (2000, Comedy-drama) Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina SHOWXHD
6:37pm Apollo 13 (1995, Historical drama) Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton STZENC
6:40pm West Side Story (1961, Musical) Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer HDNETMV
6:50pm The Terminal (2004, Comedy-drama) Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones FAMZ
6:52pm The Hitcher (1986, Suspense) Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell ACMAX
7:30pm Dazed and Confused (1993, Comedy) Jason London, Wiley Wiggins STZC
8pm Apache Territory (1958, Western) Rory Calhoun, Barbara Bates GRIT
8pm Goodfellas (1990, Crime drama) Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta SHOCSE
8pm Jerry Maguire (1996, Romance-comedy) Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr. BBCA
8pm Judas Kiss (1998, Crime drama) Simon Baker-Denny, Gil Bellows INDIE
8pm My Cousin Vinny (1992, Comedy) Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei PARMT
8pm National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo AMC
8pm Nowhere to Hide (1987, Action) Amy Madigan, Daniel Hugh Kelly RETRO
8pm Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964, Musical comedy) Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin MVIES
8pm Virtuosity (1995, Action) Denzel Washington, Kelly Lynch SHOWXHD
8:17pm A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994, Action) Keenen Ivory Wayans, Charles S. Dutton STZIB
8:20pm Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, Children) Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor FREEFORM
8:30pm Tombstone (1993, Western) Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer FXM
Everett Collection
9pm Charlotte’s Web (1973, Children) Debbie Reynolds, Paul Lynde TCM
9pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery FAMZ
9:25pm First Blood (1982, Action) Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna GSHW2
9:35pm Mansfield Park (1999, Historical drama) Embeth Davidtz, Jonny Lee Miller WOMEN
10pm Reindeer Games (2000, Crime drama) Ben Affleck, Gary Sinise FLIX
10pm Utah Blaine (1957, Western) Rory Calhoun, Angela Stevens GRIT
10:15pm Scrooged (1988, Comedy) Bill Murray, Karen Allen AMC
10:20pm Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001, Children) Simon Callow, Kate Winslet HDNETMV
10:30pm Along Came a Spider (2001, Mystery) Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter MGM
10:30pm The Godfather (1972, Crime drama) Marlon Brando, Al Pacino SHOCSE
10:40pm High Time (1960, Comedy) Bing Crosby MVIES
10:45pm The Gathering (1977, Drama) Edward Asner, Maureen Stapleton TCM
10:52pm Bad Santa (2003, Comedy) Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox HBOZ
10:58pm Working Girls (1986, Drama) Louise Smith, Amanda Goodwin 5MAX
11pm Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985, Action) Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna GSHW2
11:10pm Wayne’s World 2 (1993, Comedy) Mike Myers, Dana Carvey FAMZ
11:19pm Border River (1954, Western) Joel McCrea, Yvonne De Carlo RETRO
Classic Movies & TV Highlights Airing on Thursday, December 11
Tenth Avenue Angel
FMC, 10:15pm
Already famous for her role in Meet Me in St. Louis, MGM Studios’ reigning child actress Margaret O’Brien stars in this warmhearted tale about a spirited New York girl who tries to bring a little bit of magic back into her neighborhood when things start to feel hopeless. Angela Lansbury, still early in her legendary career, costars.
Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors
The CW, 8pm
©NBC / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing, this once-in-a-lifetime movie takes place inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Parton who she is today. The film stars Alyvia Alyn Lind, Jennifer Nettles, Rick Shroeder and Gerald McRaney.
Primetime Movies Tonight
5pm Braveheart (1995, Historical drama) Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau SHOWXHD
5pm Saving Private Ryan (1998, War) Tom Hanks, Edward Burns SHO
5:27pm Tales From the Hood (1995, Horror) Clarence Williams III, Joe Torry STZIB
5:30pm Nichols and May: Take Two (1996, Documentary) Mike Nichols, Elaine May TCM
5:40pm The Stepford Wives (2004, Comedy) Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick FAMZ
5:45pm Border Incident (1950, Crime drama) Ricardo Montalban, George Murphy MVIES
5:45pm National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo AMC
6:10pm The Big Chill (1983, Comedy-drama) William Hurt, Glenn Close MGM
6:14pm Sleepless in Seattle (1993, Romance-comedy) Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan STZK
6:30pm Surviving Christmas (2004, Comedy) Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini FLIX
6:40pm Tumbleweed (1953, Western) Audie Murphy, Lori Nelson RETRO
6:45pm Galaxy Quest (1999, Comedy) Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver BBCA
6:50pm Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986, Children) Hugh Bigney, Vanessa Sharp HDNETMV
8pm Big (1988, Children) Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins MGM
8pm Ernest Saves Christmas (1988, Children) Jim Varney, Douglas Seale FLIX
8pm Heaven Can Wait (1978, Comedy) Warren Beatty, Julie Christie TCM
8pm It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Comedy-drama) James Stewart, Donna Reed USA
8pm Man With the Gun (1955, Western) Robert Mitchum, Jan Sterling GRIT
8pm Mean Girls (2004, Comedy) Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams E!
8pm Mr. Soft Touch (1949, Drama) Glenn Ford, Evelyn Keyes MVIES
8pm Patriot Games (1992, Suspense) Harrison Ford, Anne Archer SHOWXHD
8pm The Godfather (1972, Crime drama) Marlon Brando, Al Pacino SHO
8pm The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1936, Adventure) Sylvia Sidney, Henry Fonda RETRO
8:55pm Babes in Toyland (1986, Children) Pat Morita, Drew Barrymore HDNETMV
MGM/Everett Collection
9pm Spaceballs (1987, Comedy) Mel Brooks, John Candy BBCA
9pm The Faculty (1998, Horror) Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall NEXT
9:40pm Lulu on the Bridge (1998, Romance) Harvey Keitel, Mira Sorvino RETRO
9:45pm Mrs. Doubtfire (1993, Children) Robin Williams, Sally Field MGM
10pm Coming to America (1988, Comedy) Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall BET
10pm Miss Congeniality (2000, Comedy) Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine E!
10pm Split Second (1953, Suspense) Stephen McNally, Alexis Smith MVIES
10pm The Angel Levine (1970, Fantasy) Zero Mostel, Harry Belafonte TCM
10pm The Hunt for Red October (1990, Suspense) Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin SHOWXHD
10pm Young Billy Young (1969, Western) Robert Mitchum, Angie Dickinson GRIT
10:40pm Casino (1995, Crime drama) Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone STZENC
11pm Basic Instinct (1992, Suspense) Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone FLIX
11pm Coach Carter (2005, Drama) Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri’chard TRUTV
11pm It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Comedy-drama) James Stewart, Donna Reed USA
11pm The Godfather, Part II (1974, Crime drama) Al Pacino, Robert Duvall SHO
11:05pm She’s All That (1999, Romance-comedy) Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook FAMZ
11:07pm Undercover Brother (2002, Comedy) Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan INDIE
11:15pm Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986, Children) Hugh Bigney, Vanessa Sharp HDNETMV
11:20pm Rules of Engagement (2000, Drama) Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson TMCX
11:30pm The Replacements (2000, Comedy) Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman TNT
11:55pm Party Girl (1958, Crime drama) Robert Taylor, Cyd Charisse MVIES
11:55pm Pleasantville (1998, Comedy) Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels MGM
Classic Movies & TV Highlights Airing on Friday, December 12
TCM Birthday Tribute: Frank Sinatra
TCM, beginning at 7:30am
Everett Collection
Today marks the 110th anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s birth — and what a perfect excuse to raise a glass to the Chairman of the Board himself and celebrate the icon with a collection of some of his films. Few artists have had the charm and swagger of Ol’ Blue Eyes, where he could easily pivot between being a nightclub crooner and Hollywood movie star. Today’s lineup of films begins with 1949’s On the Town, where he stars as a wide-eyed sailor on a 24-hour leave in New York City that turns out to be a whirlwind of song, dance and romance. Then it’s High Society (1956), as Sinatra trades wisecracks and melodies with Grace Kelly and also Bing Crosby. Following are other favorites including The Man With the Golden Arm (1955), Some Came Running (1958), Ocean’s 11 (1960) and Marriage on the Rocks (1965).
American Masters: “Starring Dick Van Dyke”
PBS, 9pm
Ahead of entertainer Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday on Dec. 13, American Masters presents a star-studded documentary chronicling his extraordinary career. The tribute features rare and previously unaired footage, as well as new, exclusive interviews with Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Ted Danson, Steve Martin, Conan O’Brien, Martin Short and many others. Also featured are archival interviews with Van Dyke’s former costars and colleagues, including Walter Cronkite, Sheldon Leonard, Rose Marie, Mary Tyler Moore and Carl Reiner.
Primetime Movies Tonight
5:05pm The Aviator (2004, Biography) Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett MGM
5:05pm Total Recall (1990, Science fiction) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin TMCX
5:30pm Boomerang (1992, Romance-comedy) Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry GSHW2
5:35pm 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002, Romance-comedy) Josh Hartnett, Shannyn Sossamon NEXT
5:55pm Time Bandits (1981, Fantasy) John Cleese, Sean Connery ACMAX
6pm Eight Crazy Nights (2002, Comedy) Adam Sandler, Jackie Titone FAMZ
6pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan AMC
6pm Fatal Attraction (1987, Suspense) Michael Douglas, Glenn Close WOMEN
6pm Marriage on the Rocks (1965, Comedy-drama) Frank Sinatra, Deborah Kerr TCM
6pm Ocean’s Eleven (2001, Comedy-drama) George Clooney, Matt Damon SHOWXHD
6pm Spaceballs (1987, Comedy) Mel Brooks, John Candy BBCA
6pm The Revengers (1972, Western) William Holden, Susan Hayward MVIES
6:21pm When Harry Met Sally… (1989, Romance-comedy) Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan STZC
6:25pm Joe Dirt (2001, Comedy) David Spade, Dennis Miller FLIX
6:37pm Hell Bent for Leather (1960, Western) Audie Murphy, Felicia Farr RETRO
6:39pm Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie (1999, Action) Kane Kosugi, Kazuya Ichijo STZK
6:45pm Blazing Saddles (1974, Comedy) Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder IFC
7pm Back to the Future (1985, Comedy) Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd SYFY
7pm Coming to America (1988, Comedy) Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall BET
7pm Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001, Children) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint E!
7pm Home Alone (1990, Family) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci FREEFORM
7pm Hoosiers (1986, Drama) Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey HDNETMV
7pm Patriot Games (1992, Suspense) Harrison Ford, Anne Archer TMCX
7:01pm Wedding Crashers (2005, Romance-comedy) Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn HBOZ
7:06pm Speed (1994, Action) Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper 5MAX
7:15pm Swingers (1996, Comedy) Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn NEXT
7:19pm All About the Benjamins (2002, Action) Mike Epps STZENC
7:30pm Titanic (1997, Historical drama) Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet GSHW2
7:52pm 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968, Science fiction) Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood ACMAX
8pm Big Daddy (1999, Comedy) Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams FLIX
8pm Caddyshack (1980, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield BBCA
8pm Ebenezer (1997, Drama) Jack Palance, Rick Schroder GRIT
8pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan AMC
8pm My Friend Flicka (1943, Children) Roddy McDowall, Preston Foster MVIES
8pm Ocean’s Twelve (2004, Comedy-drama) George Clooney, Brad Pitt SHOWXHD
8pm Shrek (2001, Children) Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy TBS
8pm Sleepless in Seattle (1993, Romance-comedy) Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan STZC
8pm Steel Magnolias (1989, Comedy-drama) Sally Field, Dolly Parton POP
8pm The Count of Monte Cristo (2002, Adventure) Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce MGM
8pm The Last Sunset (1961, Western) Rock Hudson, Kirk Douglas RETRO
8pm The Stepford Wives (2004, Comedy) Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick WOMEN
8pm Waiting for Guffman (1996, Comedy) Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy TCM
8:45pm Trading Places (1983, Comedy) Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy IFC
Everett Collection
9pm Coach Carter (2005, Drama) Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri’chard TRUTV
9pm The Matrix (1999, Science fiction) Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne VICE
9pm What Women Want (2000, Romance-comedy) Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt FAMZ
9:02pm Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992, Crime drama) Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee 5MAX
9:25pm Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992, Children) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci FREEFORM
9:30pm Back to the Future Part II (1989, Comedy) Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd SYFY
9:35pm Snatch (2000, Comedy-drama) Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina SHO
9:45pm Best in Show (2000, Comedy) Michael Hitchcock, Parker Posey TCM
9:45pm Primal Fear (1996, Crime drama) Richard Gere, Laura Linney HDNETMV
9:53pm Steel Dawn (1987, Science fiction) Patrick Swayze, Lisa Niemi RETRO
9:55pm Thunderhead: Son of Flicka (1945, Children) Roddy McDowall, Preston Foster MOVIES!
10pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan AMC
10pm Outlaw Justice (1998, Western) Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson GRIT
10pm The Wiz (1978, Children) Diana Ross, Michael Jackson BET
10pm Vegas Vacation (1997, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo BBCA
10:30pm Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002, Children) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint E!
10:30pm Man of the House (2005, Comedy) Tommy Lee Jones STZIB
10:30pm Shrek 2 (2004, Children) Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy TBS
10:45pm Wayne’s World (1992, Comedy) Mike Myers, Dana Carvey NEXT
11pm Mrs. Doubtfire (1993, Children) Robin Williams, Sally Field WE
11pm While You Were Sleeping (1995, Romance-comedy) Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman POP
11:10pm Superstar (1999, Comedy) Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell FAMZ
11:15pm Trading Places (1983, Comedy) Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy IFC
11:18pm Working Girls (1986, Drama) Louise Smith, Amanda Goodwin 5MAX
11:20pm The Big Empty (2003, Comedy) Jon Favreau, Joey Lauren Adams STZCI
11:30pm This Is Spinal Tap (1984, Comedy) Rob Reiner, Michael McKean TCM
11:35pm Jericho (2000, Western) Mark Valley, Leon Coffee RETRO
11:35pm Punch-Drunk Love (2002, Romance-comedy) Adam Sandler, Emily Watson FLIX
11:35pm Stowaway (1936, Musical comedy) Shirley Temple, Robert Young MOVIES!
11:55pm Party Girl (1958, Crime drama) Robert Taylor, Cyd Charisse MVIES
11:55pm Pleasantville (1998, Comedy) Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels MGM
Classic Movies & TV Highlights Airing on Saturday, December 13
Dick Van Dyke 100th Birthday
TCM, beginning at 12pm
Everett Collection
It’s a jolly holiday for the legendary entertainer, who turns 100 today! Celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s centennial milestone with some of his most memorable films, starting with 1963’s Bye Bye Birdie, where Van Dyke plays struggling songwriter Albert Peterson alongside Psycho’s Janet Leigh. Then fly to England to join Van Dyke and Julie Andrews in fantastical musical adventures in the 1964 hit film Mary Poppins, as he portrays charming chimney sweep Bert. Follow it up with 1968’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — here, Van Dyke is a widower father named Caractacus Potts who creates oddball inventions including a fancy vehicle, the film’s namesake, which becomes the source of the family’s marvelous adventures.
Fitzwilly
FMC, 8pm
So much more than just a funny name, this 1967 heist comedy stars Dick Van Dyke as loyal butler Claude Fitzwilliam, who is devoted to serving Miss Victoria Woodworth (Edith Evans). So devoted that when Miss Vicki is left penniless by her father, Fitzwilly and other members of the household staff band together to commit creative crimes to keep their beloved employer a member of the New York elite. As the hilarious capers unfold throughout the Christmas season, Fitzwilly even falls in love with Miss Vicki’s new, unsuspecting secretary, Juliet Nowell (Get Smart’s Barbara Feldon, in her first film role!).
Primetime Movies Tonight
5pm Steel Magnolias (1989, Comedy-drama) Sally Field, Dolly Parton POP
5pm The Firm (1993, Drama) Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn GSHW2
5pm The Santa Clause (1994, Family) Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold FX
5:45pm Easter Parade (1948, Musical comedy) Judy Garland, Fred Astaire MVIES
5:55pm Almost Famous (2000, Comedy-drama) Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand WOMEN
6pm Happy Gilmore (1996, Comedy) Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald COMEDY
6pm Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw CMT
6pm Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw SHOCSE
6pm Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987, Comedy) Steve Martin, John Candy AMC
6pm Predator (1987, Science fiction) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers SUNDANCE
6pm The Matrix (1999, Science fiction) Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne VICE
6:05pm The Italian Job (1969, Action) Michael Caine, Noel Coward MGM
6:14pm Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970, Western) Shirley MacLaine, Clint Eastwood RETRO
6:35pm This Is Spinal Tap (1984, Comedy) Rob Reiner, Michael McKean HBO
6:55pm The Hitcher (1986, Suspense) Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell ACMAX
7pm Back to the Future Part III (1990, Comedy) Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd SYFY
7pm The Hunt for Red October (1990, Suspense) Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin FLIX
7pm The Santa Clause 2 (2002, Family) Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell FX
7:05pm The Prince & Me (2004, Romance-comedy) Julia Stiles, Luke Mably FAMZ
7:08pm Speed (1994, Action) Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper 5MAX
7:15pm Lethal Weapon 2 (1989, Action) Mel Gibson, Danny Glover IFC
7:45pm Two Brothers (2004, Adventure) Guy Pearce, Jean-Claude Dreyfus STZK
8pm BASEketball (1998, Comedy) Trey Parker, Matt Stone STZC
8pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan BBCA
8pm First Blood (1982, Action) Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna SHOWXHD
8pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery SHOCSE
8pm Killer’s Kiss (1955, Suspense) Frank Silvera, Jamie Smith TCM
8pm Meet Me in St. Louis (1944, Musical) Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien MVIES
8pm National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo AMC
8pm Stagecoach (1939, Western) John Wayne, Claire Trevor GRIT
8pm The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005, Romance-comedy) Steve Carell, Catherine Keener VH1
8pm The Skeleton Key (2005, Suspense) Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands RETRO
8pm Twister (1996, Action) Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton TBS
8:25pm Die Hard (1988, Action) Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman FXM
8:30pm Jumanji (1995, Family) Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt SUNDANCE
9pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery CMT
9pm The Matrix Reloaded (2003, Science fiction) Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne VICE
9pm Titanic (1997, Historical drama) Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet FAMZ
9:15pm Saving Private Ryan (1998, War) Tom Hanks, Edward Burns FLIX
9:30pm Legally Blonde (2001, Comedy) Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson MTV
9:30pm The Harder They Fall (1956, Drama) Humphrey Bogart, Rod Steiger TCM
9:35pm Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985, Action) Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna SHOWXHD
9:37pm Two Brothers (2004, Adventure) Guy Pearce, Jean-Claude Dreyfus STZK
9:45pm Lethal Weapon 3 (1992, Action) Mel Gibson, Danny Glover IFC
9:45pm River Queen (2005, Historical drama) Samantha Morton, Kiefer Sutherland RETRO
9:45pm Top Gun (1986, Action) Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis PARMT
10pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan BBCA
10pm Last Stand at Saber River (1997, Western) Tom Selleck, Suzy Amis GRIT
10:10pm The Thomas Crown Affair (1999, Suspense) Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo MGM
10:15pm National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo AMC
10:30pm Selena (1997, Biography) Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos VH1
10:30pm The Music Man (1962, Musical comedy) Robert Preston, Shirley Jones MVIES
10:47pm Shaun of the Dead (2004, Comedy) Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield ENCORE
10:47pm Shaun of the Dead (2004, Comedy) Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield STZENC
10:50pm Ocean’s Eleven (2001, Comedy-drama) George Clooney, Matt Damon GSHW2
11pm Gremlins (1984, Fantasy) Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates SUNDANCE
11pm How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, Children) Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor FX
11:15pm Rambo III (1988, Action) Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna SHOWXHD
11:40pm The Spoilers (1956, Adventure) Anne Baxter, Jeff Chandler RETRO
Classic Movies & TV Highlights Airing on Sunday, December 14
Christmas Movie Marathon
MOVIES!, beginning at 12pm
Tony Esparza/TV Guide/Hallmark Entertainment/courtesy Everett Collection
Four festive flicks air back-to-back in this holiday block, which begins across the pond with 1951’s British classic A Christmas Carol starring Scottish actor Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge. Then it’s back to the U.S. for a looser adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic from 1979, An American Christmas Carol, with Henry Winkler as business tycoon Benedict Slade, who is visited by three apparitions in Depression-era New Hampshire. Afterward, catch 1984’s The Night They Saved Christmas, where Santa (Art Carney) must prevent an oil company from blowing up the North Pole. Finally, Angela Lansbury stars as the titular Mrs. Santa Claus in the 1996 family film.
Primetime Movies Tonight
5pm Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991, Comedy) Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter SYFY
5pm Chinatown (1974, Crime drama) Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway SHOWXHD
5pm Gremlins (1984, Fantasy) Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates SUNDANCE
5pm Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw FAMZ
5pm Titanic (1997, Historical drama) Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet SHOCSE
5:10pm A Christmas Carol (1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim, Kathleen Harrison FXM
5:30pm The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005, Romance-comedy) Steve Carell, Catherine Keener VH1
5:45pm Rain Man (1988, Drama) Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise FLIX
6pm Big (1988, Children) Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins BBCA
6pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery CMT
6pm Meet Me in St. Louis (1944, Musical) Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien TCM
6pm Mrs. Santa Claus (1996, Musical) Angela Lansbury, Charles Durning MVIES
6pm Return of the Seven (1966, Western) Yul Brynner, Robert Fuller GRIT
6pm The Matrix Reloaded (2003, Science fiction) Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne VICE
6:20pm The Grand Duel (1972, Western) Lee Van Cleef, Peter O’Brien HDNETMV
7pm Home Alone (1990, Family) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci FX
7pm Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery FAMZ
7pm Legally Blonde (2001, Comedy) Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson MTV
7pm The Polar Express (2004, Children) Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter AMC
7:15pm Reindeer Games (2000, Crime drama) Ben Affleck, Gary Sinise SHOWXHD
7:15pm The Santa Clause (1994, Family) Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold FREEFORM
7:30pm Red Eye (2005, Suspense) Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy TMCX
7:30pm Sixteen Candles (1984, Comedy) Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall SUNDANCE
7:54pm Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992, Crime drama) Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee ACMAX
Everett Collection
8pm Fort Apache (1948, Western) John Wayne, Henry Fonda GRIT
8pm Ghost (1990, Fantasy) Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore FLIX
8pm Party Girl (1958, Crime drama) Robert Taylor, Cyd Charisse MVIES
8pm Selena (1997, Biography) Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos VH1
8pm The Gold Rush (1925, Comedy-drama) Charles Chaplin, Mack Swain TCM
8:01pm Without Mercy (1995, Action) Frank Zagarino, Ayu Azhari RETRO
8:30pm Liar Liar (1997, Comedy) Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney BBCA
8:35pm Legend of the Lost (1957, Adventure) John Wayne, Sophia Loren HDNETMV
9pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan AMC
9pm My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997, Romance-comedy) Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney MTV
9pm Snatch (2000, Comedy-drama) Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina SHOWXHD
9pm Taxi Driver (1976, Drama) Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster TMCX
9pm The Matrix Revolutions (2003, Science fiction) Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne VICE
9:06pm Singin’ in the Rain (1952, Musical comedy) Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds 5MAX
9:15pm My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002, Romance-comedy) Nia Vardalos, John Corbett HBOC
9:25pm The Santa Clause 2 (2002, Family) Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell FREEFORM
9:30pm Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992, Children) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci FX
9:30pm The Breakfast Club (1985, Comedy-drama) Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald SUNDANCE
9:31pm The Secret of Roan Inish (1994, Children) Mick Lally, Eileen Colgan RETRO
9:49pm Gladiator (2000, Historical drama) Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix STZENC
10pm Braveheart (1995, Historical drama) Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau SHOCSE
10pm The Great Dictator (1940, Comedy) Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard TCM
10:02pm Star Kid (1997, Children) Joseph Mazzello, Joey Simmrin STZK
10:10pm The Mob (1951, Crime drama) Broderick Crawford, Betty Buehler MVIES
10:15pm Indecent Proposal (1993, Drama) Robert Redford, Demi Moore FLIX
10:49pm Casablanca (1942, Drama) Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman 5MAX
10:50pm Christmas With the Kranks (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis HBOC
11pm A Christmas Story (1983, Family) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin TBS
11pm Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989, Comedy) Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter SYFY
11pm Elf (2003, Children) Will Ferrell, James Caan AMC
11pm Surviving Christmas (2004, Comedy) Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini VH1
11pm The Machinist (2004, Suspense) Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh TMCX
11:11pm Let the Devil Wear Black (1999, Suspense) Jonathan Penner, Jacqueline Bisset INDIE
11:14pm Assault on Precinct 13 (2005, Action) Ethan Hawke, Laurence Fishburne RETRO
11:15pm The Grand Duel (1972, Western) Lee Van Cleef, Peter O’Brien HDNETMV
11:45pm Caddyshack (1980, Comedy) Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield SUNDANCE
Remind 
Toys & Games
November/December 2025
Fire up the Easy-Bake Oven, dust off that pogo stick, tickle that Elmo and get ready to blast back to a time when batteries were not included
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