Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that are broadcast live or available for streaming this week, Dec. 9 to Dec. 15. Details and times are subject to change.
Christmas With the Creeps
Just because Halloween has come and gone doesn’t mean you can’t keep enjoying some spooky content. (The holidays, after all, can be plenty scary.) Since I, a veritable horror nerd, am taking over the column this week, I am garnishing it with some ghouls.
It may seem strange to call a serial killer character beloved, but Mark Duplass’s Josef is just that. Originally introduced in the found-footage horror movie “Creep,” from 2014, the eerie yet endearing villain returns in “The Creep Tapes,” which will air its season finale this week. “This is going to be a comfort show, weirdly, for people who love this character,” Duplass said in an interview with The New York Times. Consider me comforted. Streaming on Friday on Shudder and AMC+.
If you’re tired of pleasant, family-friendly holiday specials, look no further: The comedian and critic Joe Bob Briggs is here to shake things up. The special “Joe Bob’s Christmas Carnage” will take his usual format of providing crude commentary alongside two gory B-movies (this time of the holiday variety). The films included will be kept secret until the show airs, but one thing’s for sure — there will be plenty of bloodshed. Friday at 9 p.m. on Shudder and AMC+.
While I’m mentioning my favorite monsters, it’s worth noting that the latest season of “Dragula” (like the cooler, goth cousin of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) is now streaming in its entirety. The artists competing this season were truly formidable, and it’s thrilling to see the freaky and gorgeous looks they construct. Plus, the hosts, the Boulet Brothers, subject the talented performers to twisted, “Survivor”-esque feats of courage, like jumping out of planes and swimming with sharks. Now on Shudder and AMC+.
Reality Roundup
It’s no secret that the early 2000s — its fashion, its stars and its music trends — are back in a big way. But perhaps the strongest signal of their return is the reunion of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, 20 years after their reality show “The Simple Life.” Time to don your Juicy Couture sweatsuits and warm up your vocal fry for three-part limited series “Paris and Nicole: The Encore,” in which the aughts royalty attempt to stage an opera inspired by their inside-joke phrase “sanasa.” Lifelong friendship? Now that’s hot. Streaming Thursday on Peacock.
“Ink Master,” a reality show in which tattoo artists face off for a grand prize, is unabashedly one of my favorite competition shows. While it’s not quite the same since host Dave Navarro left, the show is still replete with ridiculous challenges (like forcing contestants to carve a mural into concrete) and high-stakes tattoos that leave a permanent mark. The 16th season, judged by Nikko Hurtado, Ryan Ashley, DJ Tambe and the new host Joel Madden, will crown its winner this week. Streaming Wednesday on Paramount+.
More (Traditional) Holiday Fare
Feeling hungry for more pastries after a spectacular season of “The Great British Baking Show”? You’re in luck, because there’s more sweets just around the corner. “The Great British Baking Show: Holidays,” which sees fan favorites from seasons past whip up some seasonal cheer, is delivered with a bright bow this week. While these two special episodes aired last year in Britain, they’re new in the U.S. — and better a late gift than no gift at all. Streaming Monday on Netflix.
If you’re having trouble deciding which Christmas movie to watch, get a little bit of everything and tune into “Best Christmas Movies Ever!” In the two-hour special, directors, critics and stars gather to discuss their favorite seasonal classics like “Home Alone,” “Elf,” and “The Santa Clause.” You’re sure to find something new (or old!) to add to your wish list-watch list. Or you can just spark up the eternal debate with your family if “Die Hard” really counts as a Christmas movie. Monday at 8PM on The CW.
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