This Saturday night offers an exciting mix of live comedy, festive romance, heartfelt tributes and high-stakes sports programming across broadcast and streaming platforms. Whether you’re in the mood for holiday movies, college football championships or a star-powered night at Saturday Night Live, there’s something for everyone.
Melissa McCarthy Returns to Host Saturday Night Live
Closing out the night is an episode fans have been waiting for: Melissa McCarthy returns to host NBC’s Saturday Night Live at 11:30 PM ET. Known for her scene-stealing comedic energy and iconic impressions, McCarthy’s return promises big laughs. Musical guest Dijon will take the Studio 8H stage for the first time.
McCarthy has hosted SNL five previous times, including her beloved portrayal of Sean Spicer. Early buzz predicts another viral moment in the making.
Holiday Romance Domination on Hallmark, Lifetime & Great American Family
The holiday spirit is in full swing with multiple movie premieres tonight at 8 PM ET:
| Network | Movie | Cast | Plot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallmark Channel | She’s Making a List | Lacey Chabert & Andrew Walker | A consultant judging kids for Santa’s list unexpectedly falls for a widowed father. |
| Lifetime | Deck the Hallways | Naika Toussaint & Jaime M. Callica | A woman teams with her grandmother to revive a community tradition. |
| Great American Family | Cranberries and Carols | Jill Wagner & Trevor Donovan | A café owner reunites with her blind date from 20 years ago. |
| The CW | Paws in the City | Emeraude Toubia & Carter Jenkins | A disgraced influencer cares for a spoiled dachshund and finds unexpected love. |
Later at 10 PM ET, Lifetime premieres Merry Missed Connection, following two strangers who swap diaries at a speed-dating event.
Hallmark also airs a special holiday celebration at 10 PM ET titled The Hallmark Christmas Experience, featuring performances by Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton and appearances by favorite Hallmark stars.
CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute
Airing live at 8 PM ET, CNN’s annual program hosted by Anderson Cooper and Laura Coates recognizes individuals making extraordinary humanitarian contributions. The emotional special has become a staple of year-end television.
College Football Saturday Showdowns
If you’re tuning in for sports, today is packed with major matchups:
ABC: BYU vs Texas Tech (12 PM ET), Georgia vs Alabama (4 PM ET), Duke vs Virginia (8 PM ET)
FOX: Indiana vs Ohio State (8 PM ET)
ESPN: Miami (OH) vs Western Michigan (12 PM ET)
Fans can expect playoff implications and intense rivalries heading into bowl season.
What Else to Watch
48 Hours (10 PM ET, CBS) — A family seeks justice for a murdered teenage lifeguard.
Dinner and a Movie (8 PM ET, TBS) — Tonight’s movie: Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon.
