Happy Holidays!
Television is particularly enjoyable during the Christmas season as series on various networks add some holiday cheer to their programming. This year looks to be no different as popular favorites gear up to make all of their viewers, well, jolly.
So, without further ado, here are my top holiday specials to watch this year!
**Doctor Who (BBC or BBC America)**
Ever since its return to the small screen ten years ago, “Doctor Who” has become known for its annual Christmas special. Many Whovian families have made it a Christmas tradition.
The Christmas episodes tend to boast stronger writing and more creative storytelling than the British sci-fi epic’s normal episodes. Two years ago the Christmas special marked the exit of the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and the introduction of Twelve. This year’s special looks to continue the tradition of incredible holiday entertainment as the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) goes into his first holiday special without Clara (Jenna Coleman).
This year’s special also marks the return of fan favorite River Song (Alex Kingston) in her first adventure with Capaldi’s incarnation of the last of the Time Lords. Many fans have been eager to see the two slightly off-kilter characters meet, and the special looks primed to give them exactly what they want.
**WWE Week (USA Network)**
With “SmackDown” moving to the USA Network, which is already the home to “Monday Night RAW,” the two companies are delivering an early Christmas gift for any wrestling fan.
The week kicks off Dec. 20 with a screening of WWE Studios’ latest film starring wrestlers Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and Paige “Santa’s Little Helper.” On Dec. 21, the normal “Monday Night RAW” will air, featuring the annual Slammy Awards throughout. On Tuesday Dec. 22, a special live “SmackDown” will air (“SmackDown” is usually pre-taped). Rounding off the week is the WWE’s annual “Tribute to the Troops,” airing on Dec. 23. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, short vignettes will air in between normal programming featuring WWE Superstars and Divas.
WWE is always a blast during the holiday season. Matches include goofy holiday-themed props and costumes, and everyone just has a lot more fun. Wrestling lets itself get silly, and it’s a joy to witness.
**Star Wars Holiday Special (The dark corners of the internet)**
George Lucas probably wants you to forget this exists, but the world will never forget.
Imagine this: In the galaxy far, far away. Chewbacca is trying to get home to his family to celebrate Life Day (the “Star Wars” equivalent to Christmas) while being pursued by the Empire.
A majority of the original cast reprised their roles in the 1978 special, including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. Oh, and the legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett? One of the most iconic “Star Wars” villains? This was his debut.
There are not enough words in the English language to describe how wonderfully awful this was. The production value was like that of a poorly filmed vlog. The script might as well have been written by a middle schooler. There is about 10 minutes worth of Chewbacca’s family conversing … without subtitles. Princess Leia sings a song at the special’s conclusion and Chewbacca wears a red velvet robe. Yes, he wears clothes. It’s as if they tried putting together a variety show but forgot to make it good.
George Lucas himself said at a convention [he wishes he could track every copy down and smash it with a sledgehammer.](http://www.salon.com/2014/12/25/the_star_wars_holiday_special_george_lucas_wants_to_smash_every_copy_of_with_a_sledgehammer_partner/)
The holiday season can be stressful. Gift-buying, traveling, traffic … all of these things can make you feel pretty down. But in these dark times, just remember: at least you weren’t in this!
The full special can be found [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4CtXcjib4o). Enjoy.
For a more traditional holiday experience, I direct you to ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas marathon. Also, remember that many popular television series such as “NCIS” and “Arrow” will be airing holiday-themed episodes as well. Keep your eyes on the lookout and, most importantly, find something that will bring you that elusive holiday cheer.
