What's On Tonight (Friday): Incompetent Revolutionaries and the Women Who Love Them...

         

One Battle After Another

I have never watched a Paul Thomas Anderson movie.  Will that change this weekend?  Possibly!  I know I would enjoy any of his films, but none has had the hook I needed to pique my interest.  Many people have proclaimed his most recent film, Top Pick One Battle After Another, not only his best but also the best of the year.  Seems like a good time to jump on the train especially since I already have HBO Max.

Or perhaps you feel PTA isn't the master and his fans are a little punch drunk.  Instead of going for the hard eight how about a safer bet?  Born to be Wild is a new Apple series that follows endangered animals as they are raised in captivity and eventually released in the wild.  If you prefer shows where there will be blood, Shudder has a drag queens vs zombies film sure to please.  For those delicate little magnolias out there, perhaps the newest season of Dora would be more their speed.  For lovers of true crime, Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders unravels the phantom thread of a bizarre murder case involving a woman with an inherent vice.  Or maybe just spin some licorice pizza and have yourself a cathartic boogie night.  JUNUN!

⭐🎥 One Battle After Another (HBO Max, 3:01 AM) STREAMING PREMIERE. 'Bob is a washed-up revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa. When his evil nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her as both father and daughter battle the consequences of their pasts.'✔️

Elsewhere...  

 PREMIERES

Born to be Wild

🐘 Born to be Wild (Apple, 12:01 AM) SERIES PREMIERE. 'Filmed over several years across three continents, the six-part documentary series follows six endangered young animals as they grow up in our world but are destined to return to theirs.'✔️

😂 Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts (Hulu, 12:01 AM) SPECIAL PRESENTATION. 'After nearly a decade away, Kumail Nanjiani returns to Chicago, where he got his start in standup, in a new special that tackles anxiety, the perils of buying drugs pre-legalization, and most importantly, cat medication.'

🎥 Queens of the Dead (AMC+/Shudder, 3:01 AM) 'Drag queens and club kids battle zombies craving brains during their drag show in Brooklyn, putting personal conflicts aside to utilize their distinct abilities against the undead threat.'✔️

🍄 Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders (CNN App, 3:01 AM) LIMITED SERIES. 'In the quiet hills of Gippsland, Victoria, a family lunch turned fatal when a homemade Beef Wellington left three people dead and one clinging to life. At the center of the storm stood Erin Patterson, a suburban mother thrust into an international media frenzy, accused of orchestrating an unimaginable crime.'

🌪️ Discovered by Disaster (Disney+, 3:01 AM) SPECIAL PRESENTATION. 'A factual docuseries that explores how catastrophic natural events unveil hidden treasures and reshape our understanding of history.'

🎥 Breakdown: 1975 (Netflix, 3:01 AM) 'As America faced social and political upheaval, filmmakers turned chaos into art. This documentary explores how a turbulent era gave rise to iconic movies like "Taxi Driver," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Network," featuring insights from Martin Scorsese, Ellen Burstyn, Seth Rogen, and more.'

🎥 The Great Flood (Netflix, 3:01 AM) 'When a raging flood traps a researcher and her young son, a call to a crucial mission puts their escape -- and the future of humanity -- on the line.'

🎥 Queen of Coal (Netflix, 3:01 AM) 'A trans woman attempts to break societal norms and become the first female miner in her town.'

🎥 Raat Akeli Hai - The Bansal Murders (Netflix, 3:01 AM) 'A seasoned investigator is summoned to a powerful family's estate to unravel a brutal killing, navigating deceit, entangled loyalties and secrets buried deep within.'

🎥 Scotty James: Pipe Dream (Netflix, 3:01 AM) 'Chronicles halfpipe rider Scotty James’ life and career.'

🎥 A Time for Bravery (Netflix, 3:01 AM) 'A psychoanalyst on community service aids an agent shattered by infidelity. Together, they confront danger and discover second chances.'

🎥 Him (Peacock, 3:01 AM) STREAMING PREMIERE. 'Centers on a promising young football player (Tyriq Withers), invited to train at the isolated compound of a dynasty team's aging QB1. The legendary quarterback (Marlon Wayans) takes his protégé on a blood-chilling journey into the inner sanctum of fame, power and pursuit of excellence at any cost.'✔️

🧇 Mo' Waffles (Tubi, 3:01 AM) SEASON ONE. 'When a hip hop legend vanishes before his waffle joint's opening, his oddball crew must crack the case, wondering if one of them could be the culprit.'

🌊 Inside the Enchanted Waterways (Nat Geo Wild, 8:00 PM) SERIES PREMIERE. 'Offers an up close look at the world’s aquatic ecosystems in a way only National Geographic can.'

🐘 Adult Swim's The Elephant (Adult Swim, 11:00 PM) SPECIAL PRESENTATION. 'Creators join forces for an epic experiment. Each creates their part of the animation without knowing what the others are making. Get ready for a wild ride in story telling!'✔️

Adult Swim's The Elephant

🎄CHRISTMAS PREMIERES🎄

🎄🎥🎄Chasing Christmas (GFAM+, 3:01 AM) 'When a Christmas wishes tree brings together morning show host Michael and artist/designer, Mia, they set out on a holiday mission to make a child’s Christmas dreams come true.'✔️

🎄🎥🎄Sweet Holiday Romance (Lifetime, 8:00 PM) 'A sweet and savory romance blossoms when a world-renowned pastry chef teams up with a handsome man to recreate his aunt's famous fudge recipe for a Christmas cookie competition.'

 RETURNING SHOWS

💖 How to Ruin Love (Netflix, 3:01 AM) SEASON TWO PREMIERE.

🗺️ Dora (Paramount, 3:01 AM) SEASON FOUR.

STREAMING

🔔 Pluribus (Apple, 12:01 AM) "Charm Offensive" 

🔔 Jasmine (HBO Max, 12:01 AM)

👰‍♀️ Bridezillas (All Reality, 3:01 AM) "Liezilla & Cryzilla" 

💀 The Creep Tapes (AMC+/Shudder, 3:01 AM) SEASON FINALE. 

🎵 Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era (Disney+, 3:01 AM) 

🏒 Heated Rivalry (HBO Max, 3:01 AM) 

🔔 The Nightclub: Stories from Turkish Nightlife (HBO Max, 3:01 AM) 

🔔 The Seduction (HBO Max, 3:01 AM) SEASON FINALE. 

💖 Love is Blind: Italy (Netflix, 3:01 AM) 

🔔 Tougen Anki (Netflix, 11:31 AM) 

Queens of the Dead

LIVE SPORTSBALL TODAY/TONIGHT

🏈 College Football: Myrtle Beach Bowl: Kennesaw State Owls vs Western Michigan Broncos  (ESPN, 11:00 AM)

🏌️ PGA TOUR Pro-Am Golf: 2025 PNC Championship Pro-Am (Golf, 12:00 PM)

🏈 College Football: Gasparilla Bowl: Memphis Tigers vs North Carolina State Wolfpack (ESPN, 2:30 PM)    

🏀 College Basketball: Hampton Pirates at Grambling State Tigers (ESPNU, 5:00 PM)

🏀 NBA Basketball: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (Amazon, 6:30 PM)

🏀 College Basketball: Jackson State Tigers at Norfolk State Spartans (ESPNU, 7:30 PM)

🏀 College Basketball: Villanova Wildcats at Wisconsin Badgers (Fox, 8:00 PM)

🥊 Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua (Netflix, 8:01 PM) 

🏈 2025-26 College Football Playoff: Alabama Crimson Tide at Oklahoma Sooners (ABC/ESPN, 8:07 PM)

🏀 NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves (Amazon, 9:30 PM)     

🏀 College Basketball: Abilene Christian Wildcats at BYU Cougars (TNT/TruTV, 9:30 PM)

🏀 College Basketball: Washington Huskies at Seattle Redhawks  (ESPN2, 11:30 PM)

🕖 8:00 EASTERN / 🕖 7:00 CENTRAL

👮 Sherriff Country (CBS, 8:00 PM) FALL FINALE. 'A father and son flee a secluded ranch run by one of Edgewater's most powerful families; Mickey investigates disturbing allegations of abuse and uncovers dangerous secrets, which leads to a tense standoff and confrontation.' 

🎄💖🎄The Twelve Dates of Christmas (Hallmark, 8:00 PM) 'Kate has difficult decisions to make and turns to Delilah for help; despite Laura's commitment to not meddle, she wants to make things right for Callum and Kate.' 

🌊 Inside the Enchanted Waterways (Nat Geo Wild, 8:00 PM) 'Our ocean is the most powerful force on Earth. Dive in to see how life began.' 

🔔 Power Book IV: Force (Starz, 8:00 PM) 'While some relationships are mended, other brewing tensions reach their boiling point, setting the stage for unlikely allies.' 

🔔 Happy's Place (NBC, 8:00 PM) FALL FINALE. 

💰 Gold Rush (Discovery, 8:00 PM) 
🎄🎥🎄Sweet Holiday Romance (Lifetime, 8:00 PM) 
💖 Ready to Love (OWN, 8:00 PM) 

👮 On Patrol: First Shift (Reelz, 8:00 PM) 

🤼‍♂️ WWE's Friday Night Smackdown (USA, 8:00 PM) 
🤸 Stumble (NBC, 9:30 PM) FALL FINALE. 

Him

🕗 9:00 EASTERN / 🕖 8:00 CENTRAL

🔥 Fire Country (CBS 9:00 PM) FALL FINALE. 'When a red flag warning sets the stage for a volatile day, a turf war between Station 42 and neighboring Drake County comes to a head.'

🔔 Craft in America (PBS, 9:00 PM) 'The intersection of history, culture and contemporary craft in the eastern region of the U.S.; featuring M&S Schmalberg, Bisa Butler, Colette Fu, Roberto Lugo, Ubaldo Vitali, Paul Revere and Helena Hernmarck.'

🎄💖🎄The Twelve Dates of Christmas (Hallmark, 9:00 PM) SEASON FINALE. 'As the twelfth date draws near, Kate is feeling confident in her choices; when new information comes to light, she can no longer deny her true feelings.'

🌊 Inside the Enchanted Waterways (Nat Geo Wild, 8:00 PM) ''Coasts are gateways from land to sea, offering opportunities to many creatures.'

⚔️ Spartacus: House of Ashur (Starz, 9:00 PM) 'Ashur desperately maneuvers to secure a place in the upcoming games of the Ludi Apollinares before the imminent arrival of Marcus Crassus.'

🏠 My Lottery Dream Home (HGTV, 9:00 PM) 
👽 The Unbelievable with Dan Ackroyd (History, 9:00 PM) 
👮 On Patrol: Live (Reelz, 9:00 PM) 
💀 Dateline NBC (NBC, 9:01 PM) 
🪓 The Last Woodsman (Discovery Channel, 9:08 PM) 

🕗 10:00 EASTERN / 🕖 9:00 CENTRAL

👮 Boston Blue (CBS, 10:00 PM) FALL FINALE. 'Mae faces public and family backlash over the consequences of her past decisions; Sarah struggles with guilt that pushes her to take risks in pursuit of justice; Lena and Danny dive into a tense homicide case.'

🔔 Craft in America (PBS, 9:00 PM) 'Celebrating the continuum of heritage and the handmade; featuring Graham Ebner, the Institute of American Indian Arts, Poakalani Quilters, Hokule'a, Marques Hanalei Marzan, Kawika Lum-Nelmida, the Bishop Museum, Cary Schwarz and Jeff Minor.'

🔔 It's Florida, Man (HBO, 10:00 PM) 'Seeking a social outlet, a Sarasota man heads to the Everglades with a new friend on a search for the elusive Skunk Ape.'

👽 The Proof is Out There (History, 10:03 PM) SEASON FINALE. 'Are lasers in the Hawaiian sky a secret space weapon? Did a tourist's photo capture a famous Canadian beast?'

LATE NIGHT

🔔 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 11:34 PM) 'Actor Noah Schnapp; Gwen Stefani talks and performs; poet Amanda Gorman.'

🔔 Late Night with Seth Myers (NBC, 12:37 AM) 'Actor Tom Hanks; comic Matt Rogers.'

🐘 Adult Swim's The Elephant (Adult Swim, 11:00 PM) 
🔔 Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC, 11:35 PM) 
🔔 The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS, 11:35 PM) 
🔔 Nightline (ABC, 12:37 AM)

📺Broadcast/Cable/Satellite - RETRO BINGE📺

The Andy Griffiths Show (Sundance, 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM); Law & Order (Pop, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM); South Park (Comedy Central, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM); Roseanne (CMT, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM); Living Single (TV One, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM); M*A*S*H* (TVLand, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM); Gunsmoke (TVLand, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM); Parks and Recreation (Comedy Central, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM); The Andy Griffith Show (TVLand, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM); Family Ties (Antenna, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM); The Office (Comedy Central, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM); 227 (Antenna, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM); The Jeffersons (Antenna, 7:00 PM -9:00 PM); Everybody Loves Raymond (TVLand, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM); Barney Miller (Antennae, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM); Becker (Antenna, 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM); The Golden Girls (Hallmark, 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM); The King of Queens (TVLand, 11:00 PM - 2:00 AM); Wings (Antenna, 12:30 - 1:00 AM); The Drew Carey Show (Antenna, 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM)

📺 Johnny Carson (Antenna, 11:00 PM) 'Bruce Dern; David Letterman; Judith Blegen.'

Chasing Christmas

\Key Sources: The Futon Critic; Rotten Tomatoes; YouTube; TV Guide; TV Passport

⭐: Top Pick
💲: Game show
🎥: Movie
📺: Throwback
✔️: Video/gif/photo included