NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS one-hour holiday-themed variety show features special appearances by Mikey Day (Saturday Night Live), Noah Kahan, Martina McBride, Ashley Padilla (Saturday Night Live), Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Derrick Stroup, the Tennessee Titans, and Carrie Underwood. In his first primetime special, GRAMMY® nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze will guide audiences through a mix of stand-up comedy, pre-taped comedy shorts, sketches and musical performances. Taped at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry, NATE BARGATZE’S NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS will shine a spotlight on the spirit of the city during the holiday season, highlighting family, fun and feel-good moments for audiences of all ages. The special will air on the CBS Television Network Thursday, Dec. 19 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and stream on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs)*. Pictured: Carrie Underwood Photo: Jon Morgan/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Best-bets for Dec. 19: lotsa laughs and music

1) “Nate Bergatze’s Nashville Christmas,” 9 p.m., CBS. There’s only a tad of music — one song each by Carrie Underwood (shown here) and Noah Kahan, brief bits by Darius Rucker. Instead, this focuses on comedy. Some of it is quite good, including a stand-up set by Derrick Stroup and a sketch (Bergatze discussing the future) that’s like one he did on “Saturday Night Live.” Read more…

1) “Nate Bergatze’s Nashville Christmas,” 9 p.m., CBS. There’s only a tad of music — one song each by Carrie Underwood (shown here) and Noah Kahan, brief bits by Darius Rucker. Instead, this focuses on comedy. Some of it is quite good, including a stand-up set by Derrick Stroup and a sketch (Bergatze discussing the future) that’s like one he did on “Saturday Night Live.”

2) “Ghosts,” 8 and 8:30 p.m., CBS. This often has its best episodes linked to Halloween or Christmas. Now here’s a two-parter: Jay’s sister (who knows Sam sees ghosts) is back; she brings their hard-to-please parents for a Yule visit. Jay wants things to be perfect … then deals with a leaky water heater.

3) “Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry,” 8-10 p.m., NBC. This was also filmed in Nashville. Unlike Bergatze’s hour, it loads up with music talent. There are great moments from Kelsea Ballerini, Josh Groban and Kate Hudson, plus vibrant gospel numbers led by Kirk Franklin. It’s a rerun from Monday, followed by a Barry Manilow rerun.

4) “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” 8-10 p.m.,, ABC. A hree-night, six-hour season concludes, with each hour viewing four spectacular bits of outdoor lighting. That’s on the same day that Hallmark+ has the middle of its three-week “Ready, Set, Glow”; its finale will be Dec. 24.

5) “Elsbeth,” 10 p.m., CBS. After two hours of comedy on CBS, here’s a fun blend of humor and mystery. Laurie Metcalf (“Roseanne”) plays the longtime star of a cliche-stuffed cop show. When the producer is killed, Elsbeth brings her bizarre blend of brilliance and quirkiness.

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