Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that air or stream this week, Dec. 16 to Dec. 22. Details and times are subject to change.
Roses are red, violets are blue. What if I don’t want to marry you?
Instead of couples counseling, some people use the reality show “The Ultimatum” as an outlet to tell their partners what aspects of their relationship they aren’t happy with. The process is really anything but simple: one person in the relationship issues the other an ultimatum — they either need to get married or break up. From there, they separate, start canoodling with other people and choose a different match to start a “trial marriage.” After that, they either reassess their original decision or stick to it. Though it is by no stretch of the imagination a successful model for solving relationship problems, it does make for great television. The finale is airing this week, and the whole season will be available to binge-watch. Streaming Wednesday on Netflix.
In most romantic comedies, before committing to love, the heroine has to ask herself, “Am I the one causing the problems?” In “Laid,” Ruby (Stephanie Hsu) finds herself asking that question but for a different reason: She discovers that the people she slept with are dying in odd and unclear ways. And now she must track down her past lovers to stop the mysterious cycle. Cue Taylor Swift: “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” Streaming on Peacock on Thursday.
After five long seasons of rooting for Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson), the time is finally here. The sixth season of “Virgin River” will follow all the pre-wedding festivities for the happy couple, including the bachelor and bachelorette parties and the rehearsal dinner. But as Mel and Jack are settling down, it just means that everyone else’s love lives are getting more topsy-turvy. Streaming on Netflix on Thursday.
Light up the Christmas tree and turn on the amp
’Tis the season to watch Gracie Abrams, SZA and Benson Boone sing their hits in a holiday-themed show. For the 10th year, iHeart Radio Jingle Ball tour has been making its way around the country and bringing a special to TV so you can join in on the fun at home. Wednesday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
For the 102nd year, the White House lighted the national Christmas tree. This year, the night was hosted by the country stars Mickey Guyton, with performances by the duo War And Treaty, Adam Blackstone and Stephen Sanchez, with the first and second families in attendance. Friday at 8 p.m. on CBS.
There are two things you need to know about Josh Groban: He has a 2007 Christmas album entitled “Noël,” and he is passionate about adoption and foster care. He is merging those two interests in his special “Josh Groban and Friends Go Home for the Holidays.” During the show, Groban will perform with James Bay, Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly, and there will also be an on-air adoption, with a family taking in a child from the foster care system. Friday at 9 p.m. on CBS.
From football field to headlines
If you are an avid football fan, you might know Aaron Rodgers as the New York Jets quarterback who tore his Achilles’ tendon during a 2023 game. If you don’t follow the sport, you might know him as the guy who has shared questionable opinions on vaccines, Jeffrey Epstein and the Sept. 11 attacks. The documentary “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma” addresses all of that and more, as it goes through the life of a man who is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in N.F.L. history. Streaming on Netflix on Tuesday.
The end of a supernatural era
Our favorite group of dysfunctional vampires are saying their goodbyes this week in the season finale of “What We Do in the Shadows.” The show, which has been running for six seasons, might not be wrapping up on a happy note. The penultimate episode seemed to suggest one of the vampires might meet their second and finale, death while the others are up to their usual shenanigans. Monday at 10 p.m. on FX.
What do animals do when we’re not around?
Don’t get this new documentary series confused with the animated film “The Secret Lives of Pets,” which has a very similar name. This series, “The Secret Life of Animals,” is a Nature Channel-esque docuseries that highlights seemingly insightful and surprising behaviors of 77 species of animals. Streaming on Wednesday on AppleTV+.
The post Tales of Messy Romances, Plus 6 Things to Watch on TV This Week appeared first on New York Times.
