TV this week: Bryan Cranston stars in ‘Your Honor’; ‘Shameless’ returns
Also, a Dolly Parton Christmas special and a 'Grinch' musical
Chuck Barney’s TV and streaming picks for Dec. 6-12
DON’T MISS: “Your Honor” — Bryan Cranston returns to television and breaks bad again in this 10-episode limited series. The Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor plays Michael Desiato, a respected New Orleans judge who desperately bends the rules to protect his teenage son (Hunter Doohan), who was the driver in a fatal hit-and-run accident. The victim happens to be the son of the ruthless crime lord (Michael Stuhlbarg) and the effort to cover up the incident leads to a high-stakes game of lies, deceit and unfortunate choices. “Your Honor” is executive produced by Robert and Michelle King, the husband-wife team behind “The Good Fight” and “Evil.” (10 p.m. Sunday, Showtime).
Other bets:
SUNDAY: Have yourself “A Holly Dolly Christmas.” It’s an hourlong special in which country music legend Dolly Parton performs faith-themed hymns and light-hearted holiday classics while sharing a few personal Christmas stories. (8 p.m PT; 8:30 p.m. ET, CBS).
SUNDAY: Brace yourself. The dysfunctional Gallaghers are back for the 11th and final season of “Shameless.” As Frank faces his own mortality in his alcoholic and drug-induced twilight years, the family confronts big changes brought on by the pandemic as well as gentrification in Chicago’s South Side. (9 p.m., Showtime).
SUNDAY: Fresh off her exciting Emmy triumph, Zendaya returns in the first of two new episodes of “Euphoria.” Tonight’s storyline follows her character, Rue, as she celebrates Christmas after being left by Jules at the train station and relapsing. (9 p.m., HBO).
MONDAY: “Nurses,” a Canadian medical drama series, makes its U.S. premiere. The show follows the professional and personal lives of five newbie nurses working on the frontlines of a busy Toronto hospital. (10 p.m., NBC).
TUESDAY: Former “Blue Bloods” star Amy Carlson debuts as a recurring character on “FBI: Most Wanted.” She plays Jackie Ward, a bounty hunter who crosses paths with the Fugitive Task Force during a tense kidnapping case. (10 p.m., CBS).
WEDNESDAY: Someone sound the alarm in Whoville. Matthew Morrison (“Glee”) stars as the Christmas-hating grouch in “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!” It’s a stage version of the story performed in London. (8 p.m., NBC).
WEDNESDAY: “The Great Christmas Light Fight” returns with back-to-back episodes. Watch Clark Griswold wannabes jack up their electric bills and get their shine on while hoping that their epic illuminated displays earn them a big cash prizes. (8 p.m., ABC).
THURSDAY: Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, “Silent Night — A Song for the World” is a documentary that delves into the creation and cultural impact of the revered Christmas carol. Kelly Clarkson, Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee and others celebrate the song that was composed in 1818 in Salzburg and has been translated into 140 languages. (8 p.m., The CW).
FRIDAY: Do you hear what I hear? The second edition of “The Christmas Caroler Challenge” rounds up 10 singing groups, each with a distinctive musical style, and has them throw down in a fierce competition to find out who can put the best spins on holiday tunes. (8 p.m., The CW).
SATURDAY: “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is a revelatory documentary that chronicles the triumphs and trials of brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb. The film follows the musical trio as they rode the highs of fame and fortune, navigated the ever-shifting music business and dealt with the difficulties of working alongside family. (8 p.m., HBO).
Contact Chuck Barney at cbarney@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/chuckbarney and Facebook.com/bayareanewsgroup.chuckbarney.