THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE PBS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE PBS FOR THE HOLIDAYS – PBS Stocking Is Filled With Drama, Music and Food – CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL (2017) Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and Nurse Phyllis Crane (Linda Bassett) Courtesy of Neal Street Productions 2017 ARLINGTON, VA; November 15, 2017 - There’s no place like PBS for the 2017 holidays. On-air and online, the season brims with uplifting drama, stirring music and celebratory cuisine. It’s truly a white Christmas when perennial favorite CALL THE MIDWIFE presents CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL, airing Monday, December 25, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET. As Poplar lies under a thick blanket of snow in the coldest winter in 300 years, the midwives feverishly battle the snow, ice, power cuts and frozen pipes to provide care for their patients. Another “White Christmas,” Irving Berlin’s ever-popular Oscar-winning tune, is the centerpiece of GREAT PERFORMANCES “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn – The Broadway Musical,” an adaptation of the classic 1942 movie musical. The program, airing Friday, November 24, 9:00-11:30 p.m. ET, features big dance numbers, comedy and a hit parade of Berlin’s famous tunes. LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX, the heartwarming story of childhood sweethearts Alan and Celia, reunited after nearly 60 years apart, offers the audience an early Christmas present: a two-part LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX HOLIDAY SPECIAL, airing Sundays, December 17 and 24, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET. The drama follows Celia’s daughter Caroline as she moves the family to a ramshackle farmhouse in time for Christmas, while a ghost seems to haunt Alan’s daughter Gillian.  The gift-giving doesn’t have to wait for December, though. On Thanksgiving night, Thursday, November 23, PBS dedicates a full evening to feisty young red-head Anne Shirley, known to generations of readers as Anne of Green Gables. The post-turkey binge begins at 8:00 p.m. with ANNE OF GREEN GABLES – THE GOOD STARS, introducing the now adolescent Anne, whose free-spirited nature is challenged by her perceived need to be sensible, a journey fraught with confusion and some unfortunate—albeit amusing—mishaps. An encore of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, an adaptation of the classic novel, follows at 9:30-11:00 p.m. ET. As for food, PBS helps viewers prepare their palates for the holidays when “Queen of Cakes” Mary Berry and master baker Paul Hollywood detail how to make the perfect mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake in THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW “Christmas Masterclass,” Friday, December 8, 9:00-10:00 (check local listings). The rebroadcast of A CHEF’S LIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL, Thursday, December 14, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings), serves up the best of Chef Vivian Howard’s Southern cooking heritage and the Chanukah traditions her husband Ben grew up with.  Chef Lidia Bastianich celebrates our homegrown heroes — those veterans who fought for this country and now cultivate the land they fought to defend. For many of them, farming is therapy for the wounds of war. In LIDIA CELEBRATES AMERICA “Homegrown Heroes,” airing December 15, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings), Lidia farms alongside them, cooks with them, then gathers with them in California for a holiday dinner celebrating their service. Then there’s music, especially the choral variety that accords so well with the holiday spirit. The renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their annual concert from Temple Square in Salt Lake City this year features one of the world’s leading tenors, Rolando Villazon. CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING ROLANDO VILLAZON airs Friday, December 15, 9:00-10:00 p.m. with an encore on Thursday, December 21, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET. On Friday, December 22, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET, CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT (2017) features nearly 700 student musicians, Belmont School of Music faculty and Nashville Children’s Choir performing traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites. Taking a slightly offbeat approach to the holidays, ERIC IDLE’S THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE explores the history of the universe — the entire universe! — with Professor Brian Cox, a chorus of singers and dancers, show tunes, and guest stars Warwick Davis, Noel Fielding, Hannah Waddingham and Robin Ince. The comedic musical extravaganza airs Friday, December 22, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET. The musical contributions continue after Christmas, with an extraordinary New Year’s Eve concert celebrating the centenary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth. LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER “New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve: Bernstein on Broadway,” airing Sunday, December 31, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET, will showcase a selection of Bernstein’s best-loved works, along with appearances from special guests. Following at 11:00 is the Austin City Limits special ACL HALL OF FAME NEW YEAR’S EVE, when Roy Orbison, Rosanne Cash and the Neville Brothers are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Performers include Neko Case, Brandi Carlile, Trombone Shorty, Raul Malo, Ry Cooder and more. Chris Isaak hosts. On New Year’s Day, GREAT PERFORMANCES “From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2018” continues the cherished tradition of ringing in the new year with the Vienna Philharmonic at the opulent Musikverein. Hosted by Hugh Bonneville, the program airs live on Monday, January 1, 2018, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET, with a recorded encore at 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET. As lagniappe, AMERICAN MASTERS profiles Bob Hope, fondly remembered at this time of year for his annual USO Christmas military tours. Hope achieved top-rated success in every form of mass entertainment: vaudeville, Broadway, movies, radio, television, popular song and personal appearances, including hosting the Academy Awards more times than anyone else. The program includes excerpts of Hope’s writings, voiced by Billy Crystal, as well as clips and interviews. The unabridged director’s cut of AMERICAN MASTERS “This is Bob Hope…” premieres Friday, December 29 at 9 p.m. ET. Programs in order of broadcast: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES – THE GOOD STARS Thursday, November 23, 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET Join Anne Shirley as she turns 13 and faces complex situations with friends, adults and Gilbert. Her free-spirited nature is challenged by her perceived need to be sensible, a journey fraught with confusion and some unfortunate—albeit amusing—mishaps. GREAT PERFORMANCES “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn – The Broadway Musical” Friday, November 24, 9:00-11:30 p.m. ET Enjoy the hit Broadway adaptation of the classic 1942 movie musical, showcasing an Irving Berlin score including the Oscar-winning “White Christmas” with big dance numbers, comedy and a hit parade of the great songwriter’s famous tunes. THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW “Christmas Masterclass” Friday, December 8, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) Join “Queen of Cakes” Mary Berry and master baker Paul Hollywood for a special Christmas masterclass. Showcasing festive favorites, Paul and Mary detail how to make the perfect mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake — and introduce some new tasty treats for the holiday season. CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING ROLANDO VILLAZON Friday, December 15, 9:00-10:00 p.m.; Thursday, December 21, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET Celebrate the holidays with the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This season’s cross-cultural spectacular features the world’s leading tenor, Rolando Villazón, and seasonal favorites. LIDIA CELEBRATES AMERICA “Homegrown Heroes” Friday, December 15, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) Host Lidia Bastianich celebrates our homegrown heroes — those veterans who fought for this country and now cultivate the land they fought to defend. For many of them, farming is therapy for the wounds of war. Lidia farms alongside them, cooks with them, then gathers with them in California for a holiday dinner celebrating their service. LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX HOLIDAY SPECIAL Sundays, December 17 and 24, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET Packed with shocks and surprises, the heartwarming drama continues the compelling story of childhood sweethearts, reunited after nearly 60 years apart, as they and their families negotiate the highs and lows of life and relationships. Episode 1, 12/17: Caroline’s new headship involves moving the family to a ramshackle farmhouse in time for Christmas. Alan has a difficult conversation with Gillian, who’s consumed by thoughts of the afterlife, convinced she’s being haunted by Eddie. Episode 2, 12/24: Caroline tells Gillian the truth about why she took the new headship. Gillian’s mounting guilt over Eddie’s death drives her to make a life-changing decision. On the night of Celia’s play, a twist of fate means Alan is forced to confront his fears. CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT (2017) Friday, December 22, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET Join nearly 700 student musicians, Belmont School of Music faculty and Nashville Children’s Choir for a production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites. ERIC IDLE’S THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE Friday, December 22, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET Explore the history of the entire universe with Professor Brian Cox, a chorus of singers and dancers, show tunes, and guest stars Warwick Davis, Noel Fielding, Hannah Waddingham and Robin Ince in this comedic musical extravaganza. CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL Monday, December 25, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET Join the midwives as they battle snow, ice, power cuts and frozen pipes to provide patient care during the coldest winter in 300 years. Valerie helps a young couple who experience a traumatic birth and Sister Julienne tries to reunite a family. BOB HOPE: AMERICAN MASTERS Friday, December 29, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET Explore the entertainer’s life with unprecedented access to his personal archives and clips from his classic films, radio and TV shows. Hear excerpts of Hope’s writings, voiced by Billy Crystal, and interviews with Woody Allen, Dick Cavett, Margaret Cho, Linda Hope, Kermit the Frog, Leonard Maltin, Conan O’Brien, Tom Selleck, Brooke Shields, Connie Stevens and writer Sherwood Schwartz and biographer Richard Zoglin. LIFE FROM LINCOLN CENTER “New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve: Bernstein on Broadway” Sunday, December 31, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET The annual Philharmonic New Year’s Eve concert, with special guests, celebrates the legacy of the late Leonard Bernstein, whose music for Broadway includes West Side Story. ACL HALL OF FAME NEW YEAR’S EVE Sunday, December 31, 11:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. ET Enjoy the 2017 Austin City Limits special as Roy Orbison, Rosanne Cash and the Neville Brothers are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Performers include Neko Case, Brandi Carlile, Trombone Shorty, Raul Malo, Ry Cooder and more. Hosted by Chris Isaak.  MAKING A NEW AMERICAN NUTCRACKER December 2017 (check local listings) Join narrator Neve Campbell for interviews with the creative team that brought to life an original Joffrey Ballet production, reimagining The Nutcracker as Marie falls asleep on Christmas Eve and dreams of the World’s Fair. GREAT PERFORMANCES “From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2018” Monday, January 1, 2018, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET (check local listings) and 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET GREAT PERFORMANCES continues the cherished tradition of ringing in the new year with the Vienna Philharmonic at the opulent Musikverein, under the baton of conductor Riccardo Muti and featuring favorite Strauss Family waltzes accompanied by the dancing of the Vienna City Ballet. Hosted by Hugh Bonneville. Encores: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Thursday, November 23, 9:30-11:00 p.m. ET This adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, a precocious orphan placed in the care of uptight Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew, played by Martin Sheen. Neither the adventurous Anne nor the conservative Marilla could anticipate the profound effect they’d have on each other’s lives. A CHEF’S LIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL Thursday, December 14, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) Join Chef Vivian Howard for a taste of the holidays as she serves up the best of her Southern cooking heritage and the Chanukah traditions her husband Ben grew up with. From a simple corned ham to an upscale oyster dressing, from humble Hoppin’ John to an elegant red velvet cake, sample one of the most charming and delicious holiday celebrations of the season.