Getting hairy: NBC continues a Christmas tradition with 'Hairspray Live!'
Harvey Fierstein and Maddie Baillio star in "Hairspray Live!"
For the past three years, NBC has graced audiences with a special live musical event in honor of the Christmas season. The tradition continues this year with a Broadway favorite and a star-studded cast. "Hairspray Live" airs Wednesday, Dec. 7, on NBC.
New Releases for the week of December 4 - 10
Jason Bourne
Now recovered from the amnesia that left him confused about his identity -- and a decade after he exposed a secret government program -- former CIA assassin Jason Bourne (Damon) is contacted by an old friend, Nicky Parsons (Stiles), who claims to have uncovered information about both Bourne's past and his father's involvement in the CIA's Treadstone program. When Parsons is killed by an assassin with a personal grudge against Bourne, the titular hero goes on the run, working to uncover the truth about his past and his father while the assassin, called the "Asset" (Cassel), relentlessly hunts him down.
Director: Paul Greengrass. Stars: Matt Damon, Vincent Cassel, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Julia Stiles. 2016. 123 min. Action.
The Secret Life of Pets
Max (C.K.) is a Jack Russell Terrier with a pretty great life: He has a loving owner named Katie (Kemper) and a big group of friends, whom he sees while his owner is at work during the day. His life is upended, though, when Katie rescues a dog named Duke (Stonestreet) from the pound. Jealous that Duke is getting more attention from Katie than he is, Max treats him poorly and, because of their rivalry, the pair of dogs end up on the street without their identifying collars. When they're picked up by animal control, Duke is terrified that he's going to be taken back to the pound and put down, and the two rival dogs stage a daring escape with help from a group of ownerless animals. Together, they set out to make their way home.
Directors: Yarrow Cheney, Chris Renaud. Stars: Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Ellie Kemper, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate. 2016. 87 min. Animation.
The BFG
Ten-year-old orphan Sophie (Barnhill) has insomnia, and while lying awake late at night, she spots a giant (Rylance) outside her window. He captures her and takes her to Giant Country, while explaining that he's called the Big Friendly Giant and that, because she saw him, she'll have to live with him for the rest of her life so that she can't reveal the existence of giants to the world. The other giants in Giant Country eat children, though, and they soon catch Sophie's scent.
Director: Steven Spielberg. Stars: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jermaine Clement. 2016. 117 min. Adventure.
A broken record: There's just no stopping Fox's favorite animated family
Homer and Marge as seen in "The Simpsons"
A broken record: Fox's yellow-skinned family just can't stop breaking records. The whole Simpsons clan is returning for more zany misadventures: Fox has announced two more seasons of "The Simpsons," bringing the animated sitcom up to an unprecedented 30.
Recaps for the week of November 28 - December 2
Bryton James stars in "The Young and the Restless"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Zende makes another attempt to have Nicole forgive him and make her his wife. Later, Nicole and Sasha accuse and blame one another for their current situation with Zende. After her fight with Nicole, Sasha finds Zende and tells him that it's time to move on with her. Bill makes a plan to elope with Brooke, while Ridge and RJ make plans to persuade Brooke to stay with them. Brooke struggles with her emotions when Ridge surprises her with a romantic memento from their past. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Brooke realizes she's torn between two loves. Bill insists to Brooke that their love is true. RJ helps Ridge become more optimistic. When Brooke makes her decision, she leaves one man crushed and the other the happiest in the world. Steffy and Liam share a romantic time together as they discuss their future. In order to help Wyatt, Quinn catches Steffy off-guard and discusses an interesting scenario about her future.
Days of Our Lives
Chad celebrates Thanksgiving with the Horton family. JJ makes a stunning discovery in the attic. Kayla, Kimberly and Roman visit Bo's grave to honor him on the anniversary of his death. Theo expresses disappointment when Abe brings Valerie for Thanksgiving. Shawn, Ciara and Rafe all try to lift Hope's spirits. Jennifer witnesses a close moment between Gabi and Chad. After Theresa's departure, Victor and Maggie worry about Brady as Marlena tries to get through to him. Kate spends Thanksgiving with Eduardo. Adrienne finally makes her decision between Justin and Lucas. Rafe tries to enlist Steve's help with Hope's predicament. Claire and Theo decide to take their relationship to the next level. Lucas and Justin's tempers flare as Adrienne is rushed to the hospital. Hope discovers an unlikely ally in prison. JJ worries about the growing bond between Gabi and Chad. Jennifer again tries to convince Abigail to tell Chad she's alive. Shawn and Rafe go over the details of the events leading to Stefano's death.
General Hospital
Nelle begins working on her plan. Alexis spirals out of control with her drinking. Jordan and Andre have a heated confrontation. Nelle manipulates an unaware Sonny. Finn rushes to try to find a cure for Hayden. Carly tells Sonny the truth. Dillon attempts to lift Kiki's spirits. Griffin stops a fight at the hospital. Laura has a surprise for Kevin. Maxie and Nathan worry about the company Nina's been keeping. Griffin has a heartfelt conversation with Liz. Franco visits Heather. Ava uses Morgan's death to her advantage. Alexis faces the consequences of her actions.
The Young and the Restless
Travis quits Newman Enterprises after an argument with Victor. Jill tells Travis she has no intention of hiring him when he inquires about open positions. Later, Jill urges Billy to tell Victoria about the secret Travis has been keeping. Victor assures Nick that no court will allow Sharon to visit Christian. Hilary secretly records Nikki telling her about how Sharon victimized both her sons. Nikki urges Victor to stop being so judgmental toward Dylan and to show some compassion. Victor tells Nikki she may have to choose between Nick and Dylan. Neil tries to persuade Jack to return to the foundation. Jack is moved a story Neil tells him. Later, Jack tells Phyllis he needs to let go of the past and put his life back together without her. Cane struggles through pain from his surgery as he tries to get ready for work. Nikki tries to convince Sharon that if she leaves Dylan, he might be allowed to be part of Christian's life.
Valerie's Home Cooking, on Food Network
Valerie Bertinelli and her family help viewers prepare for the holiday season in this new episode. The Bertinelli and Vitale clans keep the holiday spirit alive as they feast on crown roast of lamb with mint and almond-cranberry rice pilaf.
Shark Tank, on ABC
Billionaire Mark Cuban and other savvy self-made men and women search for new and innovative businesses in which to invest. Hopeful entrepreneurs pitch their products and services and hope the Sharks will invest their own money in their companies.
Q: I was just watching the old movie "To Have and Have Not," which I thought was based on a Hemingway novel, but the film's credits said it was written by William Faulkner. Who actually wrote the book?
Even more confusingly, the 1944 classic's credits actually call it "Ernest Hemingway's 'To Have and Have Not,'" while also saying it was written by William Faulkner. You're right that it's based on a Hemingway novel -- Faulkner adapted it for the screen.
Long may she reign: Elizabeth Hurley dazzles in soapy drama 'The Royals'
Elizabeth Hurley stars in "The Royals"
Life in Pieces, on CBS
Joan (Dianne Wiest) and John (James Brolin) share milestone moments with their children and grandchildren in this new episode. Instead of following one storyline per episode, this unique comedy features four short vignettes with common themes.
Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, on NBC
Mr. Parton (Ricky Schroder) and the kids make sacrifices so they can buy his loving wife a wedding ring in this premiere. Meanwhile, someone important in Dolly's (Alyvia Alyn Lind) life realizes her amazing voice is meant for something bigger.
