Independent Lens: Playwright—From Page to Stage
Getting a play written is just the start. This edifying documentary follows two promising American playwrights, Tarell Alvin McCraney and Rajiv Joseph, as they navigate the challenges of transforming finished text to full-blown production, with all the emotional and artistic challenges that entails. At journey’s end, Joseph’s controversial Iraq War play, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, even gets a Broadway premiere, with Robin Williams in the lead. Monday, Dec. 16, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Kingdom of the Blue Whale
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Latest Videos FromThe Week
Bigger than the biggest dinosaurs, the blue whale is the largest creature the world has ever known. Yet as scientists work to ensure the species’s survival, they remain unable to answer a basic question: Where are they born? This documentary takes to the Pacific waves off California as it follows a team bent on better understanding these magnificent mammals. Thursday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m., Nat Geo Wild
The I Love Lucy Christmas Special
Lucille Ball is back, and more colorful than ever. Two classic episodes of I Love Lucy, including the seldom-aired 1956 Christmas special, have been colorized and will be presented without commercials for the holidays. Purists might gripe, but the vivid green of the Ricardos’ Christmas tree and the bright red shock of Lucy’s hair give the classic series vibrant new life. Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., CBS
Christmas in Washington
All is calm, at least for one night, in Washington, D.C. Hugh Jackman hosts the 32nd iteration of a holiday tradition customarily attended by the president and the First Lady. This year’s performers will include Sheryl Crow, Janelle Monáe, Backstreet Boys, Anna Kendrick, and Pat Monahan of Train. Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., TNT
Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!
This one’s for viewers who like their comedy with a bit of squirm. In the first two episodes of this Zach Galifianakis–produced series, stand-up comic Brody Stevens stopped taking his antidepressants, had a Twitter meltdown threatening suicide, and landed in the UCLA psychiatric ward. For real. In episode 4, Stevens is two years removed from that incident, newly diagnosed as bipolar, and eager to share all, as he does daily battle with the mania that’s also his shtick. Sunday, Dec. 22, at midnight, Comedy Central
Other highlights
The Great Christmas Light Fight
Twenty American families renowned for their elaborate holiday displays compete against each other for cash prizes in this five-episode reality series. Monday, Dec. 16, at 9 p.m., ABC
Buying Hawaii
Fans of The Week’s Properties pages should find much to like in this house-hunting reality series. The show’s fourth episode features high-altitude homes in Kauai. Monday, Dec. 16, at 10 p.m., Destination America
Michael Bublé’s Annual Christmas Special
Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé croons his way through the holiday classics. Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Cookie Monster will make guest appearances. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 10 p.m., NBC
