This week, four of the big five networks are airing special programming, with Fox opting to wait a bit to roll out their specials. most of these programs are Christmas specials, but there is also a concert even planned. Most are also returning favorites, with just the aforementioned concert not being broadcast in some form last year.
Christmas In Rockefeller Center, Wednesday at 8 on NBC
Hosted by the Today crew, this tree lighting special has been an annual tradition for NBC, having been broadcast yearly since 1997. This year, the special will serve as a lead-in to new episodes of SVU and Chicago PD, after airing with a Dolly Parton movie last year. 2016's ceremony drew a 1.7, up two tenths from the previous year. Will this year's airing also be up or will it see a decline?
Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo, Wednesday at 10 on CBS
This special will feature Bruno Mars in his first TV concert event, and it's the only special of the week that hasn't previously aired in some form. Its lead-in will be Survivor, which is one of the best lead-ins that CBS can offer, putting 24K Magic Live in a pretty good position. Will this special do magic-ally or will it be a disappointment?
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Thursday at 8 on ABC
Always a strong performer, Charlie Brown Christmas returns this year on Thursdays, where it aired last year. Last year's performance was disappointing, however, with a 25% year-to-year decline to 1.5, well below that year's Thanksgiving special. This year's CB Thanksgiving was down 15% to 1.7, does this indicate trouble for CB Christmas?
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration Thursday at 9 on ABC
This young special returns this year, with DWTS alums Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey hosting. IT will receive a lead-in from Charlie Brown Christmas, a huge upgrade from having to self-start on Thanksgiving in 2016. However, it didn't have to air at 10 PM that year, which may hurt it due to its family-friendly nature. Will Charlie Brown help the special be up, or will 10 PM hurt it more than its lead-in will help?
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, Friday at 8 on The CW
A long-running favorite, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer has always been a moderate performer for the CW. Last year's special drew a 0.3 for both airings, with one on Black Friday and another on a random Monday. This year, it returns to Friday, where it will air in place of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Will the show be able to improve on the ratings-challenged CW comedy or will it falter this year?
