What To Watch: Star Trek: Lower Decks Ends, Virgin River Returns, XL Ghosts And More
On TV this Thursday: Star Trek: Lower Decks completes its mission, Virgin River returns for Season 6 and Elsbeth dives into the world of television. Here are 15 programs to keep on your radar. (Also check out our weekly TVLine-Up of premieres and finales and monthly streaming guide.)
Showtimes for December 19, 2024
Beast Games
Series premiere: The MrBeast competition sees players compete in physical, mental and social challenges in hopes of winning $5 million. (Watch trailer.)
The Dragon Prince
Final season premiere: As Aaravos and Claudia seek to destroy the cosmic order, our heroes are ready to sacrifice everything to save the world.
Fast Friends
Series premiere: Contestants take on Friends-themed trivia, puzzles and games; Whitney Cummings hosts. (Watch trailer.)
Laid
Series premiere: A woman (played by Everything Everywhere All at Once's Stephanie Hsu) is forced to confront her past when she discovers all her former lovers are dying; Zosia Mamet (Girls) co-stars. (Watch trailer.)
Rose Matafeo: On and On and On
The Starstruck star reflects on difficult endings and the repetitive loops that shape our lives in this stand-up special.
Second Chance Stage
Season 1 finale: Following a shocking reveal, the finalists perform in front of friends, family and industry leaders who could make their dreams come true.
Star Trek: Lower Decks
Series finale: Lots of wild things happen... and that is all we're allowed to say on the matter.
Virgin River
Season 6 premiere: Ricky makes his return; Mel and Jack's long-awaited wedding arrives. (Watch trailer.)
Ghosts
Fall finale: A leaky water heater threatens to ruin the holidays with Jay's parents (played by Silicon Valley's Bernard White and Snowpiercer's Sakina Jaffrey).
The Great Christmas Light Fight
Season 12 finale: In the final showdown, four families share winter wonderlands in hopes of winning $50,000.
Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
Season 1 finale: The bakers must create a showpiece that reaches new heights before the first-ever champions are crowned.
Christmas Cookie Challenge
Season 8 finale: The final three cookie makers use The Polar Express as inspiration for their creations, and one baker wins the $10,000 prize.
Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas
The comedian serves as master of ceremonies in this festive variety special; guests include Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Noah Kahan, Jelly Roll, Mikey Day and Ashley Padilla.
Elsbeth
Fall finale: After the showrunner of a police procedural is murdered, Elsbeth investigates the show's longtime star (played by The Conners' Laurie Metcalf). (Get scoop.)
Manhunt: Luigi Mangione and the CEO Murder – A Special Edition of 20/20
The newsmagazine provides a minute-by-minute investigation of the cold-blooded execution of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.