Q: I read in your column that Dennis Quaid wrapped work on the dramedy "A Dog's Purpose." Is it a made-for-TV movie? Do you know when it may be scheduled to show?
Though it may sound like the sort of heartwarming family fare you'd normally see in a telefilm, "A Dog's Purpose" is actually getting the big-screen treatment. It's slated to hit theaters Jan. 27, 2017.
The lush treatment has a lot to do with the fact that it's got a fairly star-studded cast, including Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson (of 2015's "Tomorrowland") and the modern-great character actor John Ortiz (of 2012's "Silver Linings Playbook").
The Wall, on NBC
Contestants answer questions in the hopes of winning a life-altering cash prize in this sneak peek. Chris Hardwick hosts the new game show featuring a four-story wall that is used to determine how much money the players could win.
Thing of the past: Look back at some of the best TV moments of 2016
Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon as seen in "Saturday Night Live"
What. A. Year. The roller-coaster that was 2016 has been a trying one -- from some incredibly high-profile deaths (R.I.P. Prince, Leonard Cohen, Alan Rickman, the list goes on) to one of the most bizarro American elections ever, plenty has happened this year to make even the brightest of optimists say "Good riddance!"
Late Laughs for the week of December 18 - 24, 2016
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Trump doesn't even believe in the existence of global warming, having tweeted: "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive," and calling global warming "very expensive BS." Of course, "Very Expensive BS" is also the motto for Trump University.
Conan
Sweet, sweet victory: 'Sugar Showdown' holiday championship winner is crowned
Josh Elkin hosts “Sugar Showdown”
It's the time of year for giving, and in that festive spirit, Cooking Channel makes one baker very happy this holiday season. The final holiday episode of the addictive culinary competition "Sugar Showdown" airs Tuesday, Dec. 20, and the grand finale is shaping up to be an exciting and, of course, sweet experience.
Last call: 'Duck Dynasty's' current season is its last
Willie Robertson as seen in “Duck Dynasty”
Last call: Cable television's most-watched nonfiction series in history is singing its swan song. "Duck Dynasty's" Robertson family has delighted audiences since it first appeared on A&E in 2012, but for the Louisiana natives, the 11th and current season of the unscripted show is the last.
Sweet, sweet victory: 'Sugar Showdown' holiday championship winner is crowned
Josh Elkin hosts “Sugar Showdown”
It's the time of year for giving, and in that festive spirit, Cooking Channel makes one baker very happy this holiday season. The final holiday episode of the addictive culinary competition "Sugar Showdown" airs Tuesday, Dec. 20, and the grand finale is shaping up to be an exciting and, of course, sweet experience.
Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, on Fox
Morgan Freeman welcomes some of the world’s most brilliant minds as he hosts the fifth annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony. The prestigious honor recognizes ground-breaking research and discoveries in the fields of fundamental physics, life sciences and mathematics.
New Releases for the week of December 18 - 24
The Disappointments Room
In mourning after the death of their infant daughter, David (Raido), Dana (Beckinsale) and their five-year-old son, Lucas (Joiner), move into a rundown rural home, intending to renovate it into their dream home, put the sadness of their past behind them and try to start their lives over. While the family falls in love with the old house's charm, they also find a locked door in the attic that they cannot open. Dana eventually finds the key to the door's lock following strange, unexplainable events, and she enters the room beyond it, accidentally releasing the evil spirit of a long-dead child that dwelled within. Soon enough, the spirit begins to threaten Lucas, causing Dana to start questioning her own sanity.
Director: D.J. Caruso. Stars: Kate Beckinsale, Mel Raido, Lucas Till, Duncan Joiner, Gerald McRaney, Michaela Conlin. 2016. 92 min. Horror.
31
A group of five carnival employees are kidnapped and locked inside a maze-like collection of rooms. They are told that they have been chosen to play a game called 31, and that for the next 12 hours, they will be hunted by the "Heads," a collection of homicidal clowns who will murder them if they're caught. While their kidnappers set odds and place bets on which of the carnies might survive the "game," the Heads begin to pick off the unwilling players one by one.
Director: Rob Zombie. Stars: Sheri Moon Zombie, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Meg Foster, Kevin Jackson. 2016. 102 min. Horror.
Maximum Ride
Max (Evans) and her fellow orphans were genetically experimented upon as children, and while they've since grown up to be fairly normal teenagers, they do have something that sets them apart: They have wings and can fly. When one of the orphans, Angel (Wray), is kidnapped, the feathery, winged teens must fly to her rescue, coming face-to-face with their pasts and the secrets behind their creation.
Director: Jay Martin. Stars: Allie Marie Evans, Patrick Johnson, Lyliana Wray, Peter O'Brien, Luke Gregory Crosby, Zayne Emory. 2016. 88 min. Adventure.
Recaps for the week of December 12 - 16
Camila Banus as seen in "Days of Our Lives"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Quinn makes her best effort to push aside her jealous tendencies. Brooke confronts Eric about his treatment of Rick. Liam suggests alternate options for her future to Steffy as he tries to talk her out of accepting Quinn's offer. Eric's first day back in the office is met with joy until he makes an important announcement. Steffy comes to a final decision as to whether or not she will accept Quinn's offer. Eric insists on unity within his family and Forrester Creations. Eric takes a page from Quinn's book when it comes to manipulation. In order to get her mind off of Zende, Nicole finds a new role within Forrester Creations. Liam makes an emotional appeal to Eric to get him to understand that Quinn is manipulating him. Katie insists on not getting involved in Brooke's latest relationship drama.
Days of Our Lives
Nicole catches up with Eve, and the two discuss the hardships of losing loved ones. Chad has important news for Rafe about Stefano. Hattie asks for help, so Roman and Hope meet with her. Deimos questions Philip about Chloe while he's under the influence of truth serum. Later, Deimos lays out his theory about Chloe to a skeptical Brady. Steve and Paul update Sonny on the Hernandez case. Things get romantic between Steve and Kayla when he gives her an early Christmas gift. Derrick asks Paul if he has feelings for Sonny. Nicole is ready to move on with Deimos. Kate supports Adrienne through a rough time. Deimos tells Brady he's getting closer to the truth. Joey argues with Jade, but she soon develops serious pains. Abigail feels finally ready to tell Chad she's alive. Gabi is shocked by the conversation she overhears between JJ and Jennifer. Theo begins to wonder if Ciara has feelings for him. Abigail makes a move to get back Chad and Thomas.
General Hospital
Franco uses Kiki to get back at Tom Baker. Later, Franco holds Tom Baker at his mercy and he toys with him. Lulu gets some life-altering information. Sonny's indiscretions become known to Jason. In the spirit of the holidays, Carly makes a kind gesture. Finn is inspired. An unknown enemy haunts Port Charles. Ava continues to be suspicious of Alexis. Maxie is set on uncovering Sam's secret. Laura offers Lulu motherly advice. Dante has reservations about Charlotte. Lulu spends a day bonding with Charlotte. Finn risks everything to try to save Hayden. Nina cautions Valentin about Lulu.
The Young and the Restless
Lauren tells Michael that holiday sales are down at Fenmore's. Later, Chelsea turns down Lauren's offer to carry Chelsea 2.0 exclusively at Fenmore's. Michael tries to convince Phyllis to fight for her relationship when she confides in him that she feels Jack is done with her for good. Lily isn't pleased with Cane's enthusiasm for his female physical therapist. Cane reminds Lily that she pushed him to meet with the physical therapist. Nick declines Victor's offer of a job at Newman. Billy confronts Jack about the eviction notice he sent to Brash & Sassy and he asks his brother not punish Victoria for things Billy did. Billy refuses when Victoria offers to ask Victor for office space. Later, Billy and Victoria share a close moment as they take their kids to visit Santa. Jack insists he needs the office for Jabot when Ashley accuses him of evicting Brash & Sassy for personal reasons. Jack tells Ashley she should get used to it when she notes her brother's ruthlessness.