In December 2019, CPTV and CPTV Spirit will showcase a variety of holiday programs and special presentations, including a new Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert, the 2019 Call the Midwife Holiday Special, and much more! See the schedule of these new specials below.
Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Feat. Kristin Chenoweth
Premieres Monday, December 16 at 10 p.m. on CPTV; Encores Saturday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m. on CPTV, Tuesday, December 24 at 10 p.m. on CPTV and Wednesday, December 25 at 9 a.m. on CPTV
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square are joined by Kristin Chenoweth, Emmy® and Tony® award-winning actress and singer, for this beloved Christmas tradition featuring favorite holiday music, dancing, and storytelling.
The Ornament of the World
Premieres Tuesday, December 17 at 10 p.m. on CPTV; Encores Friday, December 20 at 2 p.m. on CPTV Spirit and Sunday, December 22 at 9:30 a.m. on CPTV
Filmed in Cordoba, Granada, Seville, and Toledo, this is the story of a remarkable 800-year period when Muslims, Christians, and Jews in medieval Spain forged a common cultural identity that often transcended their religious differences.
Lidia Celebrates America: The Return of the Artisans
Premieres Saturday, December 21 at 4 p.m. on CPTV; Encores Thursday, December 26 at 7 p.m. on CPTV Spirit
Join Lidia Bastianich this holiday season, as the renowned chef, author, and food ambassador journeys across the country to host a new television special—exploring how food artisans and artisanal crafts are gaining momentum in the U.S. Lidia meets people mastering the arts of meat curing, coopering, jam-making, cider-making, and more, and finds out what inspires and fuels them.
Handel’s Messiah
Premieres Tuesday, December 24 at 11 p.m. on CPTV Spirit
Narrated by Jane Seymour, this docudrama tells the story of George Frideric Handel. Handel was a prodigious musical genius, and while many of his musical works have endured, his most notable composition is his oratorio Messiah. Its debut performance in Dublin, Ireland in 1742 was a turning point for Handel; for Charles Jennens, the man who wrote the libretto for the oratorio; and for Susannah Cibber, a formerly scorned actress/singer who regained her standing within the theater after performing her solo.
Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas
Premieres Wednesday, December 25 at 8 p.m. on CPTV
Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas — from carols to turkey, gift-giving to mistletoe and mulled wine — has surprising Tudor origins, rooted in devotion and charity.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special (2019)
Premieres Wednesday, December 25 at 9 p.m.
Mother Mildred and the Nonnatus House team go to the Outer Hebrides in response to a nursing shortage. Navigating the terrain, they strive to keep up with the needs of the locals.
Live From Lincoln Center – New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve 2019: Sondheim Celebration
Premieres Tuesday, December 31 at 9:30 p.m. on CPTV
The New York Philharmonic and guest vocalist Katrina Lenk (“The Band’s Visit”) celebrate the orchestral music of Stephen Sondheim, performing suites from “Sunday in the Park,” “Into the Woods,” “Sweeney Todd,” and more.
Austin City Limits – 6th Annual Hall of Fame Honors
Premieres Tuesday, December 31 at 10 p.m. on CPTV Spirit
Celebrate the 2019 ACL Hall of Fame with host Robert Earl Keen as Shawn Colvin, Buddy Guy, and Lyle Lovett are inducted. Guest performers include Jackson Browne, Bruce Hornsby, Shemekia Copeland, Jimmie Vaughan, Sarah Jarosz, and more.
London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2020
Airs Live on Wednesday, January 1 at 7 a.m. on CPTV Spirit (Following the Parade Preview Show at 6 a.m.)
London’s New Year’s Day Parade is a cherished turn-of-year tradition bringing pomp, circumstance, and good old-fashioned fun to the U.K. capital. Live, uninterrupted coverage begins with London’s Deputy Lieutenant Roger Bramble delivering a goodwill message from the Queen, followed by three and a half hours of music, dance, floats, balloons, and more, all along a route of iconic London locations. The 2020 event features more than 8, 000 performers from numerous nations, including 20 marching bands and 1,000 cheerleaders from U.S. high schools and universities.
New Year’s Day – Jane Austen Marathon
On Wednesday, January 1, tune in to CPTV for back-to-back specials celebrating beloved author Jane Austen. These include:
11:30 a.m.: Northanger Abbey – Felicity Jones plays romance addict Catherine Morland in Jane Austen’s parody of gothic fiction.
1 p.m.: I Hate Jane Austen – British columnist Giles Coren hates Jane Austen’s writing. Can others convince him he is wrong?
2 p.m.-8 p.m.: Pride and Prejudice, Parts 1-6 – Andrew Davies’ multi-award-winning adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic Regency romance stars Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle, and a fabulous supporting cast.
And Austen lovers won’t want to miss the premiere of Sandition on Masterpiece on January 12, 2020 at 9 p.m. on CPTV!