Original TV Yule Log still burning after 45 years

December 24, 2011 | By Jeff Pfeiffer
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The other day, we told you about the Yule Log that has been produced by iN DEMAND for VOD cable viewers in the last decade or so. But the famous televised Yule Log that started it all on WPIX in New York in 1966 is also still burning strong on many broadcast networks after 45 years. The ambient holiday classic — a simple, calming film loop of a log burning in a hearth, accompanied by songs of the holiday season — has inspired numerous other Logs and parodies, and has become a part of pop culture (Log merchandise available for [...]

“American Idol” holiday e-cards available

December 23, 2011 | By Jeff Pfeiffer
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So there are only two days until Christmas, and you haven’t sent any cards out. Hey, this the Digital Age, and there’s always time to shoot off a quick holiday note to someone — at least in the form of an e-card. And if that someone happens to also be a fan of FOX’s hit series American Idol (which is returning for Season 11 on Jan. 18), you’re really in luck, because the network has made available a set of American Idol holiday e-cards that can be personalized for everyone on your list. Just go to www.idolholidaycard.com and pick your [...]

McBride, Bieber, Gaga, Poinsettia Bowl and “The X-Factor” highlight great night of entertainment

December 21, 2011 | By Tom Comi
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It might seem a little sacrilegious during the holidays to refer to a piece of technology as a savior, but the DVR can certainly be your best friend with so many great specials, movies and sporting events airing this time of year. Our favorite dramas and sitcoms take a well-deserved break to make room for more seasonal fare, and tonight is a great example of the entertainment cup running over. So set that DVR to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun this evening.

Yule Log is back on Video On Demand (VOD) for 2011

December 21, 2011 | By Jeff Pfeiffer
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The iN DEMAND holiday favorite Yule Log is back and available for free to many cable subscribers via their free Video On Demand (VOD) platforms this season. Although the original televised Yule Log first launched in 1966, iN DEMAND’s version for cable viewers was first produced in high definition in 2002 and started on VOD in 2007. Last year, it erupted in 3D for the first time. This year, another new element is added — viewers can now access the video log online anytime, for free, from the national Movies On Demand website, rentmoviesondemand.com. Along with the Yule Log, iN [...]

Melissa Gilbert is back in Hallmark Channel’s “The Christmas Pageant”

December 20, 2011 | By Karl Paloucek
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It’s been a few years since Melissa Gilbert has appeared in a project for TV, but she returned to TV this month in the Hallmark Channel original movie The Christmas Pageant, which airs tomorrow, Dec. 21, at 10pm, as well as numerous times throughout the week, and on Christmas Day. The film tells the story of a difficult, driven Broadway theater director whose temperament costs her job after job until her only offer is a small upstate town’s Christmas pageant — for which her former fiancé recommended her. For Gilbert, it was a comforting welcome home of sorts, as by [...]

TLC special goes inside the world of Justin Bieber

December 19, 2011 | By Jeff Pfeiffer
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This Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 9pm ET, TLC will present a one-hour holiday special called This Is Justin Bieber, which purports to take an intimate look at the inner workings of the teen superstar’s world. In addition to sharing personal interviews, the singer performs acoustic renditions of songs from his new holiday album, Under the Mistletoe, as well as new performances of his own songs and other R&B hits. Throughout the special, British personality Reggie Yates will also join Bieber on a behind-the-scenes private tour of London, a special performance on The X Factor UK, and a collaboration with British [...]

Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green and Jennifer Hudson headline TNT’s “Christmas in Washington”

December 16, 2011 | By Tom Comi
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Many people would spend a lot money to see Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson or Cee Lo Green alone in concert. But because this is the giving season, TNT will feature all three singers in what should be one of best Christmas in Washington concerts ever. Hosted by TBS/TNT posterchild Conan O’Brien, the annual special airing tonight (8pmET) will also showcase the talents of Victoria Justice and The Band Perry. What makes this show unique in a TV landscape with entirely too many holiday shows is that it takes place in the nation’s capital at the National Building Museum.

“LIVE! With Kelly” presents a “Home for the Holidays” special

December 14, 2011 | By Jeff Pfeiffer
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The Dec. 20 episode of LIVE! With Kelly (syndicated, check local listings) will feature a festive holiday show hosted by Kelly Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos. The LIVE! set will be transformed into a colorful seasonal backdrop for an hour of musical performances and holiday cheer, with Scarlett Johansson leading the lineup of guests to talk about her new film, We Bought a Zoo. The special will also feature performances by the Radio City Rockettes, straight from their Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the a cappella group Voca People will offer a unique take on the traditional holiday medley. [...]

Download Billy Ray Cyrus video “Home” FREE from Hallmark Channel

December 13, 2011 | By Karl Paloucek
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In conjunction with its new original film, Christmas Comes Home to Canaan, starring Billy Ray Cyrus — the sequel to 2009′s popular Christmas in Canaan — Hallmark Channel will offer viewers a FREE download of the video for Billy Ray Cyrus’ new song created especially for the film. Christmas Comes Home to Canaan will premiere Dec. 17 at 8pm ET/PT, and the music video will premiere directly afterward. According to Hallmark Channel, a QR code will appear onscreen on Hallmark Channel Friday, Dec. 16, from 9:30-10pm ET/PT, and again on Saturday, Dec. 17, at approximately 10pm ET/PT. Three alerts will be issued [...]

Yes, Virginia, there is a He-Man/She-Ra Christmas special … and other cases of ho-ho-huh?

December 8, 2011 | By Stacey Harrison
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By Stacey Harrison Follow @ChannelGuideSRH Well, not every holiday special can be A Charlie Brown Christmas. Here are some of the more oddball programs that gave viewers a reason to say ho-ho-huh?: 5. Christmas Comes to Pac-Land (1982) When Santa Claus (voiced by Optimus Prime himself, Peter Cullen) crash lands in Pac-Man’s neighborhood, it’s up to the residents of Pac-Land to save Christmas, a holiday none of the disc-shaped ghost munchers have ever heard of. Not one of Hanna-Barbera’s finest.

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