By Zach Johnson
There’s a lot to be thankful for this week… starting with the season finale of Dancing with the Stars, airing Monday on ABC. The Hulu film Happiest Season will arrive Wednesday, just in time for Thanksgiving. And on the actual holiday, ABC will broadcast The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, featuring a spectacular new opening number, cherished performances from the past, and an exciting look at the future. That same day, FXX is airing a Thanksgiving-themed marathon of The Simpsons you don’t want to miss. Nat Geo WILD’s Vetsgiving programming block will begin Thursday and run through Saturday.
Dancing with the Stars—Monday, November 23, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Who will be the next Mirrorball Champion? Four couples will compete in the live season finale, hosted by Tyra Banks. Each couple will repeat one of their favorite performances from earlier in the season with some new creative elements. Then, they will perform the most anticipated dance of the season: the freestyle! During the highly anticipated finale, Nelly will perform a medley of his greatest hits including “Ride Wit Me,” “Lil Bit” and “Hot in Herre” as his partner, Daniella Karagach, dances with her husband, Pasha Pashkov. In addition to Nelly and Karagach, the remaining couples are Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev; Justina Machado and Sasha Farber; and Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson. During the show, judge Derek Hough will also perform solo to “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,” while several couples who were previously eliminated will return to the ballroom.
Happiest Season—Wednesday, November 25, on Hulu
In writer and director Clea DuVall’s festive romantic comedy, Abby (Kristen Stewart) is planning to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) at Christmas… that is, until she discovers Harper’s parents don’t even know their daughter is a lesbian. Hurt that Harper would hide their relationship, Abby begins to question whether she really knew her. Will it take a Christmas miracle to make things right? Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Burl Moseley, Daniel Levy, Mary Holland, Mary Steenburgen, and Victor Garber round out the film’s cast.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration—Thursday, November 26, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Derek and Julianne Hough will kick off the nostalgic fifth anniversary edition of the special with a new performance. Together with Trevor Jackson, who will host the show from Walt Disney World Resort, they will take viewers on a wintry adventure. Relive classic holiday performances from Aloe Blacc; Andrea Bocelli; Becky G; Boyz II Men and JoJo; Brett Eldridge and Meghan Trainor; Ciara; Jason Derulo; Kelly Clarkson; Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel; OneRepublic; Pentatonix; and Shaggy. The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration will also include a special sneak peek at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, coming to EPCOT in 2021, and Disney and Pixar’s Soul, streaming on Disney+ December 25.
The Simpsons Thanksgiving Day Feast—Thursday, November 26, at 5 p.m. ET on FXX
Grab that last slice of pumpkin pie and gather around the TV for three hours of Thanksgiving mishaps you don’t have to clean up. The marathon will include the fan-favorite episodes “Bart vs. Thanksgiving,” “Homer vs. Dignity,” “Homer the Moe,” “The Wettest Stories Ever Told,” “Thanksgiving of Horror,” and “Holidays of Future Passed.”
Vetsgiving—Thursday, November 26–Saturday, November 29, on Nat Geo WILD
The network’s annual weekend-long event will kick off on Thanksgiving and feature heartwarming network veterinarians from Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet; Heartland Docs, DVM; Critter Fixers: Country Vets; Alaska Animal Rescue; The Incredible Dr. Pol; and Secrets of the Zoo. Highlighting the seasoned professionals and their empathy, devotion, and love, Vetsgiving serves the ultimate viewing feast to enjoy with the people (and pets!) you love.
