From a media release:
CBC CELEBRATES THE SEASON WITH AN EXCITING LINEUP OF FESTIVE FILMS, HOLIDAY SPECIALS AND SEASONAL PROGRAMMING
- Holiday Programming from George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, Heartland, Dragons’ Den and Battle of the Blades top holiday viewing list
Kirstine Stewart, interim executive vice-president, CBC English Services, today announced the network’s lineup of festive holiday programming. Kicking off Sunday, Nov. 28 with FROSTY THE SNOWMAN at 5 p.m. (5:30 NT), the festivities continue through December with a series of special television events.
The stars of the CBC’s regular season will be celebrating with Canadians, with special holiday episodes of BEING ERICA, airing Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT), A Heartland CHRISTMAS, Dec.12 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), LITTLE MOSQUE ON THE PRAIRIE ‘A HOLIDAY SPECIAL,’ Dec. 6 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) and Dragons’ Den, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) – and a festive feast from BEST RECIPES EVER, Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. (3:30 NT).
And of course, the festivities continue right through to 2011, with a New Year’s Eve line-up that includes specials from JUST FOR LAUGHS, 7 p.m. (7:30 NT), AIR FARCE, 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), THE RON JAMES SHOW, 9 p.m. (9:30 NT), and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight.
Other highlights from the CBC 2010 holiday season include:
SEASON OF SONG: THE CANADIAN TENORS AND FRIENDS airs Dec.13 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT). An hour-long special featuring performances of holiday favourites by The Canadian Tenors alongside some of Canada’s greatest musical legends and the world’s hottest young stars.
STEVEN AND CHRIS once again host the holiday party that no one wants to miss, with a full week of holiday programming. Get one-of-a-kind seasonal tips on Fashion, Décor, Food and Health, beginning Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT).
George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight: A Holiday Special, airs Dec. 24 at 11:05 p.m. (11:35 NT), and celebrates with new takes on traditional holiday tunes including performances by Chrissie Hynde, Broken Social Scene, Johnny Reid and OK GO, along with a celebrity reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas starring Russell Peters, Sir Richard Branson and more.
Holiday celebrations take to the ice with three special television events. First, catch up with your favourite hockey players-turned figure skaters on BATTLE OF THE BLADES: AFTER THE ICE MELTS, airing Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT). STARS ON ICE, Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT), features Canada’s top figure skaters, including performances by Kurt Browning, Jeffrey Buttle, Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, Shawn Sawyer and celebrations of Canada’s Olympians: Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir and Joannie Rochette. HOLIDAY FESTIVAL ON ICE, Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT), is a holiday-themed skating show – this year, featuring a country theme, with musical performances by George Canyon and the duo One More Girl. Skaters include Kurt Browning, Steven Cousins, Jeffrey Buttle, Shawn Sawyer, Joannie Rochette, Jamie Sale & David Pelletier.
A selection of seasonal, family-friendly movies run throughout the month of December, including, HAPPY FEET, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), DR. SEUSS HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and THE POLAR EXPRESS, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT).
After spending the night purging his feelings to Ivan about Sadie’s tragedy in the line of duty, Mike Sweeney is reeling from Ivan’s confession regarding his disappeared wife, Katya. Mike stumbles into the station and tells Sabina and Samuel of Ivan’s drunken confession. But despite Sabina’s protests, Sweeney begins to spin a plan that keeps Ivan out of jail so he can use Ivan as bait to bring down Ivan’s drug lord brother-in-law Miro. Meanwhile, Ivan awakens to find Miro and his men in the upstairs washroom holding Katya’s cousin Eva hostage. When Ivan confesses to Miro he’s going to sell Miro out to the cops, Miro threatens to kill Evan unless Ivan gives Miro information about Miro’s sister, Katya’s disappearance. Mike and Ivan continue to play a game of cat and mouse. Ivan finally has to make a decision that will be the ultimate betrayal of his family and roots. Ivan’s damage and wreckage over his family galvanizes Mike to make the right decisions with his own damaged family.
Magnus responds to an anonymous call for help at an abandoned building. When she gets trapped inside, she discovers whomever made the call had a very different agenda.
Canada’s favourite comic talks Men & Women, accepts the consequences of settling for less, and has trouble helping his wife pick out new knobs. Meanwhile L’il Ronnie saves up to buy Sea Monkeys; Larry Garibaldi puts some parliamentarians in their place; and Ron pays tribute to Peterborough in his latest Ode to the Road. Guest stars: Linda Kash and Deb McGrath.