ABC Famiy announces it's 2014 25 days of Christmas line up

ABC Family  Christmas  TV News 
   ABC Family announced it's  2014 schedule  for it's annual 25 days of Christmas .  Last week it announced it's  Countdown schedule  .
                                        

Burbank, CA (October 13, 2014) — ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas,” cable’s biggest programming event of the year, returns with 25-continuous days of holiday-themed entertainment for the whole family. From December 1 – 25, viewers can ring in the holidays with new holiday episodes of original series, holiday specials and returning favorites.
This year, “25 Days of Christmas” will feature original holiday episodes of comedy series “Melissa and Joey,” and “Baby Daddy.” And for the first time, holiday episodes of drama series “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Fosters,” “Switched at Birth,” and “Chasing Life” will also make their debut during the week of December 8.
The holiday cheer continues with the network-television premiere of the delightful holiday movie “Arthur Christmas,” featuring the voices of James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Jim Broadbent as Santa, on Saturday, December 6 (9:00– 11:00 PM ET/PT) and the ABC Family debut of the new Christmas special “Toy Story That Time Forgot” on Sunday, December 7 (8:00– 8:30 PM ET/PT)           On Sunday, December 21, the network will air a Rankin Bass holiday classics marathon, featuring such beloved programs as “The Little Drummer Boy” (1:00 – 1:30 PM ET/PT), “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (3:00-4:00 PM ET/PT), and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (4:00 – 5:00 PM ET/PT). Other returning favorites include“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (Monday, December 1, 6:00–8:00 PM), holiday classic “Elf”(Monday, December 1, 8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT,) and a “The Santa Clause” double feature (begins Tuesday, December 2, 8:00 PM ET/PT).
25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS day-by-day programming highlights include*:
Monday, December 1
(4:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)Pardon-Me-Pete the Groundhog tells the story of how Jack Frost briefly became human and helped a knight win his lady love. (Animated)
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWNFred Astaire narrates this tale of Kris Kringle (voice of Mickey Rooney), a young man who starts a gift factory where he builds toys and gives them to all the local children, earning him the name Santa Claus. (Animated)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONThe comic misadventures of the beleaguered Griswold family continue as America’s most dedicated dad (Chevy Chase) is determined to stay at home to create “the most fun-filled old fashioned family Christmas ever” – but life has a particular way of throwing wet logs on Clark Griswold’s fire. (Live Action) 
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) ELFBuddy (Will Ferrell) grew up in the North Pole, never realizing he was not a Christmas Elf like all of his friends. When he finds out the truth, he sets out for New York City to find the father he never knew. But Buddy isn’t used to the big city, and New York has never seen anyone like Buddy! (Live Action) 
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSETim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a divorced father whose strained relationship with his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) begins to mend only after a bizarre twist of fate transforms him into the new Santa. (Live Action)
(12:00–1:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN Encore Presentation
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979) Encore Presentation
Tuesday, December 2 (4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULYRudolph’s magical glowing nose is not only helpful at Christmas, but also in the heat of summer when Rudolph and his friend Frosty the Snowman are called in to rescue a struggling circus at a special July 4th benefit. (Animated)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) ELFSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
THE SANTA CLAUSE DOUBLE FEATURE!
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSESee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSEHoliday magic mixes with comical chaos as Tim Allen reprises his role of Scott Calvin, aka Santa, as he juggles a full house of family and the mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) – whose chilling Santa-envy has him trying to take over the “big guy’s” holiday. (Live Action)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCERA young girl reawakens the Christmas spirit in her town when she becomes convinced a wounded reindeer is actually Santa’s reindeer Prancer. (Live Action)
Wednesday, December 3
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCERSee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Live Action)
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSESee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESSThe Academy Award®-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for the inspiring tale of a young boy and the magical train he boards to the North Pole. Based on the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. (Animated) 
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMASThe Brady family reunites for Christmas and prays for a holiday miracle when Mike Brady (Robert Reed) is involved in an accident. (Live Action)
Thursday, December 4
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEARSanta sends Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to find Baby New Year, who has run away from Father Time. (Animated)
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSBased on Pulitzer Prize-winner Phyllis McGinley’s children’s book, Mrs. Claus narrates this memorable classic about the time she almost donned her husband’s famous red suit. (Animated)
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESSSee Wednesday, December 3 for description. (Animated)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROLThe classic tale of a miserly old man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited on Christmas Eve by three ghosts who attempt to help him change his life and embrace the holidays. (Animated)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SNOWIn a reinvention of the Santa Claus myth, this original ABC Family holiday movie finds Nick (Tom Cavanagh) reluctantly taking over the family business at the North Pole and, in the process of trying to bring back the spirit of Christmas they lost long ago, finds his true love. (Live Action)
Friday, December 5
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(8:00–10:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMASJim Carrey stars as the title character who tries to ruin Christmas for all the Whos of Whoville in this live-action adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss children’s story. (Live Action)
(10:30–11:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWNSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
(11:30 PM–2:00 AM ET/PT) – FRED CLAUSSanta’s estranged older brother, Fred (Vince Vaughn), has reluctantly agreed to visit his family at the North Pole for Christmas. But when their longtime rift threatens Christmas for everyone, it’s up to Fred to prove that he is a true Claus and save the holidays! (Live Action)
Saturday, December 6
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMASAll Ethan (Ethan Embry) and his younger sister Hallie (Thora Birch) want for Christmas is for their parents to get back together. The children concoct a scheme to make their holiday wish come true, and with the help of mice, an ice-cream truck, a few telephone calls and the magic of Santa, their plan might just work!  (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMASDennis tries to spread the Christmas spirit to his grumpy neighbor Mr. Wilson (Robert Wagner) and receives some help from the Angel of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. (Live Action)
(11:00 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUSSee Friday, December 5 for description. (Live Action)
(1:30–2:00 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLANDEveryone’s favorite snowman, Frosty, plans to marry, but not if the evil Jack Frost can help it. Can the children save Frosty from being frozen lifeless and get him to the church on time? (Animated) 
(2:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSESee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Live Action)
(4:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMASSee Friday, December 5 for description. (Live Action)
(6:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY 3In the third installment of the beloved film series, Andy is growing up and decides to put away his toys for good, except for Woody (voice of Tom Hanks). But the gang accidentally ends up among the toys at a daycare center, run by the ruthless teddy bear Lotso (voice of Ned Beatty). It’s up to Woody to rescue his friends and return them home!  (Animated)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS - Network Television Premiere!How does Santa deliver all those presents on one night? With a team of Christmas elves, and one high-tech operation, and the entire Claus family’s help! However, after a present is lost on Christmas Eve, Santa’s youngest son Arthur teams up with an elf for an urgent mission to make sure a little girl receives a special gift.  (Animated)
(11:00 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE Encore Presentation
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)See Monday, December 1 for description. (Animated)
Sunday, December 7
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMASSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Live Action)
(9:00–9:30 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOYBased on the Christmas song, the “Little Drummer Boy” tells the story of Aaron, a poor boy who cannot afford to buy a present for baby Jesus and instead plays a special song for him on his drums. (Animated)
(9:30–11:30 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULYSee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Animated)
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMASSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Animated)
(1:30-3:30PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) was always too busy to spend time with his son, Charlie. But when he dies in a car accident, Jack finds himself back to life in the form of a snowman! (Live Action)
(3:30–5:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSESee Tuesday, December 2 for description.  (Live Action)
(5:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY 3See Saturday, December 6 for description. (Animated)
(8:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT – ABC FAMILY PREMIEREDuring a post-Christmas play date, the “Toy Story” gang find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional. It's all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to return to Bonnie's room. (Animated)
(8:30–10:30 PM ET/PT) ELFSee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(10:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT Encore Presentation
(11:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
Monday, December 8
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) ELFSee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE FOSTERS – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!As Callie and Jude spend their first Christmas with the Fosters, Callie feels the sting of still being an official foster kid, while Jude’s guilt over having been adopted has him overcompensating.
(9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) SWITCHED AT BIRTH – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!As the Kennish and Vasquez families prepare to celebrate Christmas in their traditional ways, Bay and Daphne find themselves living each other’s lives as if the switch never happened.
(10:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWNSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Animated)
(12:00–1:00 AM ET/PT) THE FOSTERS – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE Encore Presentation
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SWITCHED AT BIRTH – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE Encore Presentation
Tuesday, December 9
(5:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLANDSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Animated) 
(5:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROLCharles Dickens’s famous story is retold with Mickey as Bob Cratchit, Uncle Scrooge as Ebenezer Scrooge, Goofy as Jacob Marley’s ghost, and Donald as nephew Fred. (Animated)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE MERMAIDAriel (Jodi Benson) is a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid enchanted with all things human. Disregarding her father’s order to stay away from the world above the sea, she swims to the surface and, in a raging storm, rescues the prince of her dreams. Determined to be human, she strikes a bargain with the devious sea witch, Ursula (Pat Carroll), and trades her fins and beautiful voice for legs. 
(8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) PRETTY LITTLE LIARS – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer look to clear Spencer’s name and prove a connection between Alison and Bethany, while Alison gets a glimpse at the past, present and future by a ghostly presence.
(9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) CHASING LIFE - NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!April’s grandparents (guest stars Ed Asner and Marion Ross) stir up trouble when they pay a visit and the Carvers celebrate an early family Christmas.
(10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEARSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(12:00–1:00 AM ET/PT) PRETTY LITTLE LIARS – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE Encore Presentation
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) CHASING LIFE – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE Encore Presentation
Wednesday, December 10
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE MERMAIDSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT) BABY DADDYBen takes drastic measures to get Emma a much sought-after toy for her first Christmas.
(7:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEYJaime Pressly drops by as Mel’s sister Meredith, who comes home from prison on furlough to celebrate Christmas with the kids and Mel, and seems unruffled by Joe's obvious animosity towards her.
(8:00–8:30 PM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEY – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!Mel and Joe are about to celebrate their first Christmas as a couple, which leads to a competition over whose family ornament should take the top spot on the tree.
(8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) BABY DADDY – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE!Ben’s holiday season is going horribly wrong and he wishes there was no such thing as Christmas. But when Ben’s wish comes true and the holiday vanishes, he also erases Emma’s existence, since he met her mother at a Christmas Eve party. Can Ben get his loved ones to believe in Christmas and bring Emma back before it’s too late?
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)(12:00–12:30 AM ET/PT) MELISSA & JOEY – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE Encore Presentation
(12:30–1:00 AM ET/PT) BABY DADDY – NEW HOLIDAY EPISODE Encore PresentationThursday, December 11
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)See Sunday, December 7 for description. (Live Action)
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1, for description. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SCROOGEDA comedic take on Charles Dickens' novel "A Christmas Carol.” A television executive (Bill Murray) who exploits the holidays in order to boost ratings, is haunted by three ghosts. (Live Action)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONESIn the ABC Family original holiday movie, Holly (Tia Mowry) is devastated when she is turned down for a spot in the Christmas singing group The Snow Belles. So she forms her own group, the Mistle-Tones, and challenges her rival Marci (Tori Spelling) and The Snow Belles to a Christmas Eve sing-off!  (Live Action)
Friday, December 12
(4:30–5:30 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)See Monday, December 1 for description. (Animated)
(5:30–7:30 PM ET/PT) SCROOGEDSee Thursday, December 11, for description. (Live Action)
(7:30–9:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSESee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(9:30 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) MIRACLE ON 34^TH STREET (1994)A young girl is reluctant to believe in Santa Claus, despite the appearance of a jovial man who claims to be the real thing. (Live Action) 
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFSMelissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez star in ABC Family’s original holiday tale about a desperate young woman who kidnaps a handsome guy to take home to her parents at Christmas to prove how well she’s doing with her life. (Live Action)
Saturday, December 13
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGELWhen diva country singer Ruby Diamond (Dolly Parton) is unexpectedly killed in a car accident, she is denied access into heaven because of her selfish ways. If she reunites the Bartilson family, who have been torn apart ever since Mrs. Bartilson died, by midnight on Christmas Eve, she will become an angel. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONESSee Thursday, December 11 for description. (Animated)
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE 3Eight year old Alex is home sick from school when he must outwit a gang of thieves who are targeting his neighborhood searching for a specific toy car, which Alex has!
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCERSee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Live Action)
(3:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) MIRACLE ON 34^TH STREET (1994)See Friday, December 12 for description. (Live Action)
(5:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSESee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
(10:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWNSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Animated)
(11:00–11:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(11:30 PM–2:00 AM ET/PT) FRED CLAUSSee Friday, December 5, for description. (Live Action)
Sunday, December 14
(7:00–9:30 AM ET/PT) MIRACLE ON 34^TH STREET (1994)See Friday, December 12 for description. (Live Action)
(9:30–11:30 AM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)See Sunday, December 7 for description. (Live Action)
(1:30–4:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUSSee Friday, December 5, for description. (Live Action)
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
(6:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMASSee Friday, December 5 for description. (Live Action)  
(9:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Encore Presentation
Monday, December 15
(4:30–7:00 PM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORYThe holder of a Golden Ticket wins a trip to where the world’s most wonderful sweets are made, in the mysterious chocolate factory of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). (Live Action)
(7:00–7:30 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING The half-hour holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing, who are responsible for preparing all of the homes for Santa before the big guy arrives.  Featuring the voices of Dave Foley and Sarah Chalke. (Animated)
(7:30–8:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICEPrep & Landing Elves Wayne and Lanny are back to save the day when someone threatens to put the whole world on Santa’s Naughty List. Featuring the voices of Dave Foley, Chris Parnell, and Rob Riggle.  (Animated)
(8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESSSee Wednesday, December 3 for description. (Animated)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BABYIn this ABC Family original holiday movie, Mary Class (Jenny McCarthy) is a highly driven business executive whose great success is acknowledged by everyone but her father, who just happens to be Santa Claus (George Wendt). (Live Action)
Tuesday, December 16
(2:00–4:30 PM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORYSee Monday, December 15 for description. (Live Action)
(4:30–6:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULYSee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Animated)
(6:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESSSee Wednesday, December 3 for description. (Animated)
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONEKevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is shocked when his Christmas wish – that his family would leave him alone – comes true when he is inadvertently left behind from a holiday vacation. But now there are two ruthless burglars targeting Kevin’s neighborhood, and it’s up to him to defend his house and catch the thieves! (Live Action) 
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBEIn this ABC Family original movie, Jenny McCarthy reprises her role as Mary Class, Santa’s daughter, who is faced with a decision when her father decides to leave her in charge of the family business. Also starring Paul Sorvino and Dean McDermott. (Live Action)
Wednesday, December 17
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAZEIn this ABC Family original movie starring Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison, Melody Gerard is unhappy when her boss sends her to her sleepy hometown to convince the reluctant townspeople to allow them to build a new discount store. Desperate to get out of town and back to her “real” life, Melody takes a spill and wakes up in an alternate universe where she never left home.
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BABYSee Monday, December 15 for description. (Live Action)
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBESee Tuesday, December 16 for description. (Live Action)
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(3:00–4:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S TWICE UPON A CHRISTMASMickey and friends return to tell five more tales of holiday spirit and Christmas cheer. (Animated)
(4:30–5:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(5:30–6:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWNSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Animated)
(6:30–9:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONESee Tuesday, December 16, for description.  (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSESee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPIDIn this ABC Family original movie, Christina Milian stars as high-powered Hollywood publicist, Sloane, who finds herself haunted by the ghost of her recently departed infamous client, Caitlin (Ashley Benson), in a modern day take on Charles Dickens’ holiday classic story of A Christmas Carol. (Live Action)
Thursday, December 18
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPIDSee Wednesday, December 17 for description. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGELSee Saturday, December 13 for description. (Live Action)
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) 12 DATES OF CHRISTMASStarring Amy Smart and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, the ABC Family original holiday movie follows a young woman who re-lives the same first date on Christmas Eve over and over again until she learns to open up her world to new things and stop living in the past. (Live Action)
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFSSee Friday, December 12 for description. (Live Action)
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCERSee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Live Action)
(5:00–6:30 PM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMASKelsey Grammer narrates three charming Christmas tales with a Mickey Mouse twist, including the Christmas classic The Gift of the Magi, starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse. (Animated)
(6:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSESee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
(8:30–11:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUSSee Saturday, December 5, for description. (Live Action)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFSSee Friday, December 12 for description. (Live Action)Friday, December 19
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) DESPERATELY SEEKING SANTAIn this ABC Family Original movie, an ambitious marketing executive gets more than she bargained for when she decides to run a “Sexy Santa” contest to replace the typical mall Santa, and the winner turns out to be more than just a handsome face.
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) UNACCOMPANIED MINORSWilmer Valderrama stars in this holiday romp set in the Unaccompanied Minors Room, an airport holding cell for dozens of stranded, parent-free kids from all over the country. (Live Action)
(11:00–11:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(11:30 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) PRANCERSee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Live Action)
(1:30–3:30 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1998)See Sunday, December 7 for description. (Live Action)
(3:30–6:00 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUSSee Friday, December 5, for description. (Live Action)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONESee Tuesday, December 16, for description.  (Live Action)
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) ELFSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Live Action)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGEDSee Thursday, December 11, for description. (Live Action)
Saturday, December 20
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) THE DOG WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS VACATIONChristmas chaos ensues in the ABC Family original movie “The Dog Who Saved Christmas” when the Bannister family adopts a misguided guard dog Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez) to try and keep their home safe from neighborhood prowlers. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWSWhen Puppy Paws, the feisty son of Santa Paws, forgets the true meaning of the season, it’s up to the Buddies to remind him that Christmas is not about what you get; it’s about what you give. (Live Action)
(11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(12:00–2:00 PM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMASSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Animated)
(2:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONESee Tuesday, December 16, for description.  (Live Action)
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1, for description. (Live Action)
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) ELFSee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(8:00–10:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMASSee Friday, December 5 for description. (Live Action)
(10:30 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE Encore Presentation
(1:00-2:00 AM ET/PT) A MISER BROTHERS’ CHRISTMASStarring Mickey Rooney, “A Miser Brothers’ Christmas” tells the story of how Santa throws out his back, potentially spoiling Christmas for boys and girls all over the world. (Animated)
Sunday, December 21
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWSSee Saturday, December 20, for description.  (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMASSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Animated)
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) RICHIE RICH’S CHRISTMAS WISHRichie Rich (David Gallagher) gets more than he bargained for when Professor Keanbean (Eugene Levy) invents a wishing machine that magically transports Richie to an alternate universe where his nasty cousin Reggie Van Dough rules with an iron fist. (Live Action)
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS MARATHON!
(1:00–1:30 PM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOYSee Sunday, December 7 for description. (Animated)
(1:30–2:00 PM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEY“Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey” tells the story of the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. (Animated)
(2:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEARSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(3:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWNSee Monday, December 1, for description. (Animated)
(4:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(5:00–7:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMASSee Friday, December 5 for description. (Live Action)
(7:30–10:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONESee Tuesday, December 16, for description.  (Live Action)
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESSSee Wednesday, December 3 for description. (Animated)
Monday, December 22
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) RICHIE RICH’S CHRISTMAS WISHSee Sunday, December 21 for description. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMASSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Live Action)
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) UNLIKELY ANGELSee Saturday, December 13 for description. (Live Action)
(1:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) SNOWGLOBEIn the ABC Family original movie, a mystical snow globe transports Angela (Christina Milian), who longs for the perfect Christmas away from her boisterous family, into an idyllic Christmas winter wonderland. (Live Action)
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE MISTLE-TONESSee Thursday, December 11 for description. (Live Action)
(5:00–5:30 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLANDSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(5:30-6:30 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEARSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(6:30–7:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWNSee Monday, December 1 for description. (Animated)
(7:30–8:30 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4, for description. (Animated)
(8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOTSee Sunday, December 7 for description. (Animated)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSESee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(12:00-2:00 AM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULYSee Tuesday, December 2 for description. (Animated)
Tuesday, December 23
(7:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMASSee Thursday, December 18 for description. (Live Action)
(8:30–10:30 AM ET/PT) CHRISTMAS CUPIDSee Wednesday, December 17 for description. (Live Action)
(10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABYSee Monday, December 15 for description. (Live Action)
(12:30–2:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA BABY 2: CHRISTMAS MAYBESee Tuesday, December 16 for description. (Live Action)
(2:30–4:30 PM ET/PT) HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFSSee Friday, December 12 for description. (Live Action)
(4:30–6:30 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSESee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(6:30-7:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOTSee Sunday, December 7 for description. (Animated)
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONESee Tuesday, December 16, for description.  (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS See Wednesday, December 3, for description. (Animated)
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMASSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Animated)
Wednesday, December 24
(7:00-7:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(7:30–9:30 AM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMASSee Saturday, December 6 for description. (Animated)
(11:00 AM-1:00 PM) SNOWSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Live Action)
(1:00 PM-3:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROSTSee Sunday, December 7 for description. (Live Action)
(3:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESSSee Wednesday, December 3 for description. (Animated)
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONESee Tuesday, December 16, for description.  (Live Action)
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1, for description. (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) ELFSee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SCROOGEDSee Thursday, December 11, for description. (Live Action)Thursday, December 25
(7:00–7:30 AM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLANDSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(7:30–8:00 AM ET/PT) THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOYSee Sunday, December 21 for description. (Animated)
(8:00–8:30 AM ET/PT) NESTOR, THE LONG EARED CHRISTMAS DONKEYSee Sunday, December 21 for description. (Animated)
(8:30–9:00 AM ET/PT) ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMASActor Joel Grey narrates this animated holiday special adapted from the famous poem by Clement Moore. (Animated)
(9:00–9:30 AM ET/PT) MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROLSee Tuesday, December 9 for description. (Animated)
(11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONESee Tuesday, December 16, for description.  (Live Action)
(1:00-2:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEARSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(2:00–3:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWNSee Monday, December 1, for description. (Animated)
(3:00–4:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUSSee Thursday, December 4 for description. (Animated)
(4:00–4:30 PM ET/PT)  DISNEY’S PREP & LANDINGSee Monday, December 15 for description. (Animated)
(4:30–5:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’ S PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICESee Monday, December 15 for description. (Animated)
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATIONSee Monday, December 1, for description. (Live Action)
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) ELFSee Monday, December 1 for description.  (Live Action)
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) HOME ALONE Encore Presentation
(12:00 AM–2:00 AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE 3See Saturday, December 13, for description.  (Live Action)
Fans can get more information online at:http://abcfamily.com/25daysFacebook.com/25DaysofChristmasTwitter.com/ABCF25DaysTwitter hashtag: #25DaysofChristmasInstagram.com/25DaysofChristmasabcf
Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. For 2014, ABC Family has launched the “WATCH ABC Family” authenticated service which allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on demand access to such popular series at home and on the go via a wide array of devices. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.     

The Lookback : Soaps from the Past

The Flashback Soaps 


     Here at Joshuaonline  we have an odd affection to soaps ( Soap Operas, though Zest is nice)  and for the first time ever our segment here called The Lookback  is not doing a piece on children's Television. ( We've moved up).  We are taking a look back (sorry, didn't mean to phrase it that way) at some old soaps.  Soaps  started before TV existed   (on newspapers?) back when  Radio was the king of entertainment ( oh yeah Radio).   We are staying on the TV part  for this one.

1. Search For Tomorrow  
     Search for Tomorrow was a CBS Television soap that began in 1951 , the original time  like many soaps  and other daytime programs of the time was 15 minutes.  It was made by Proctor and Gamble (yes the one's who make toothpaste and other house-hold products) this was also a time when advertisers had tons of power in making TV programs not just airing them.
   
  CBS before the EYE , doesn't that music sound soapy?
 
  It broadcast live for it's early life until the late 1960's. The Soap was was about a housewife named Joann Gardener and things that happen to her and those around her.  She tangled with the Mafia (because why not?)  She lost a husband, started an INN ,  got remarried , her baby was  killed,  and you know other normal things. (yeah in crazy land)  In 1967 ,the show stopped being broadcast live and was now in color , and went 30 minutes in 1968.   By the 70's they people in charge wanted the show to have a young feel so they cut back Joanne stories (not  putting her in a coma though).
     In 1982 CBS canceled the program   even though it still had good ratings.  The Final episode on CBS was March 26,1982  but it wasn't dead ( just like a soap to die just to come back to life)  It moved to NBC because P&G still loved it.  It didn't have a good time on NBC and ended in 1986.


oooh cloudy


2.  The Doctors (the soap , the American one )
    The Doctors, was an NBC soap Opera that began on April 1st 1963  , the same day as General Hospital ( you see what NBC and ABC were doing there).  Now at first , it wasn't a soap as in a serial meaning the story followed along as you watched each day.  Each episode was self contained as an anthology series.  It changed to a serial format in 64 . It was soap about doctors (well of course)  It had plotlines about Cancer, drugs , the death of Alec Baldwin's character  (he was actor on the show in the early 80's).
 The series ran on NBC from 1963 until December 31st , 1982  one of the reasons for it's demise was  low ratings and stations adding newscasts at lunchtime (thanks for that).



  where Richard Nixon's hair line and Eyebrows went

3. Dark Shadows
    Dark Shadows , was an ABC soap that premiered in 1966 it was created by Dan Curtis. The Soap was about Werewolves, Vampires , zombies, witches, Time travel... (you know daily things I have to put up with)  Sometimes one actor would play more than one person ( which would make love scenes ... odd)    Victoria Winters was the primary  character who ends up in a strange town , the show didn't originally feature the supernatural things until later in it's run.  It came on at 4/3c ( when network Daytime meant... daytime)  Though ratings  declined after a storyline that turned off some viewers and ABC was removing shows that weren't deemed to be money makers ... this show had a young audience, the show was canceled in 1972.
 It did repeat after that including time on then Sci-fi Channel in the 2000's.


  now the Munsters... I mean Dark Shadows.

4. Ryan's Hope
    Ryan's Hope , premiered on ABC in  July of 1975.  It was about an Irish-American family called the Ryans, Who lived in New York City,  The series originally focused on the Ryans and their adult kids it showed  the clashes between the parents and kids different thinking on things.
  It also had plot lines with political scandal  (easy to do ) , extramarital affairs , premartial children, abortion rights , and women in careers (it's the 70's to 80's) .  The show was a hit , though it faced tons of recasting.  It later on experienced random changes with odd plot-lines such has a character being kidnapped by a gorilla , lost mummy  and more. (Darn , I lost my mummy) It didn't follow the show's ideal of being a  show about what could be real life.

   
    The intro ,Jaws Free   ABC/Youtube

 The series in it's final years suffered bad ratings , and many ABC stations  dropped the show (like jerks)  it ended in 1989.



  weekdays on ABC !  

5. Capitol
   Capitol  was a CBS soap that started in 1982 ;  it was about  3 families , Denning, Clegg, and McCandless ,who lived in a fictional suburb of Washington D.C.  As the name of the program suggests the families were involved in politics.  The main point was about the women of the families who were feuding with each other.  It had a Romeo and Juliet style storyline between the kids of two of the feuding mothers  who wanted to marry.
     The series featured  big plotlines about the other family members.  The series lost ratings when  one of the storylines didn't do as well.  CBS canceled the show and it ended in 1987.




Washington D.C... taped in LA  just like the real one

    And that's our First look at soaps that no longer run .. we hope you enjoyed  and ......... [cliffhanger]

ABC Family Announces it's "Countdown 25 Days of Christmas" schedule

ABC Family   TV NEWS  PR

                                   


       ABC family has announced it's  annual Countdown to Christmas  programming line up.
Via Press Release :
 

Burbank, CA (October 08, 2014) — ABC Family offers viewers the best way to gear up their holiday festivities with the network’s annual programming bonanza “Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas”beginning on Sunday, November 23rd .


The movies featured in this year’s “Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas” demand to be watched with a bowl of popcorn and possibly some loved ones. There is no better way to unwind from a day of holiday activities - preparing the turkey, eating leftovers, spending all your money during Black Friday - than with a favorite movie and your social-media platform of choice. Let’s face it: no television viewing experience is complete without a hashtag.


“Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas” airs Sunday, November 23 – Sunday, November 30. Movie highlights include:


Sunday, November 23rd
(5PM–8PM ET/PT) THE HUNGER GAMES
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games is a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson). If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. “The Hunger Games” stars Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne Academy Award®-nominee Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, Academy Award®-nominee Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman and Donald Sutherland as President Snow. “The Hunger Games” repeats on Friday, November 28th at 8PM and Saturday, November 29th at 5PM ET/PT.


(8PM – 10:30PM ET/PT) FINDING NEMO
Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to his worrisome father Marlin and his friendly-but-forgetful regal-blue tang fish Dory to bring Nemo home -- meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer-dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way. “Finding Nemo” repeats on Monday, November 24th at 6pm ET/PT.


(10:30PM – 12AM ET/PT) TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
In this beloved animated movie, Jack Skellington (Danny Elfman & Chris Sarandon), Halloweentown’s beloved Pumpkin King, is obsessed with bringing Christmas under his control and enlists his loyal townspeople to help him become a substitute Santa and create a “new and improved” version of the holiday.


Monday, November 24th
(6PM-8:30PM) FINDING NEMO
Please see description on Sunday, November 23rd at 8PM ET/PT


(8:30PM–11PM ET/PT) DARK SHADOWS
Continuing their creative and commercially incandescent partnership, superstar Johnny Depp and macabre movie master Tim Burton reunite yet again in this silver screen adaptation of the cult classic supernatural soap opera. When Barnabas Collins’ (Johnny Depp) fling with jealous Angelique (Eva Green) goes horribly wrong, she turns Barnabas into a vampire and buries him alive. Almost two hundred years after this unfortunate incident, Barnabas is eventually freed and returns home to protect his dysfunctional descendants. The movie also stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter and Bella Heathcote. “Dark Shadows” repeats on Tuesday, November 25th at 6pm ET/PT.


(12AM–2AM ET/PT) ANOTHER CINDERELLA STORY
A famous dancer (Drew Seeley) returns for his senior year to surround himself with “real” people and remind himself why he fell in love with dance in the first place. At the masked high school dance, he meets a mesmerizing girl (Selena Gomez), but before he can learn her true identity, she disappears. His only clue to her identity is the mp3 player she left behind.


Tuesday, November 25th
(6PM–8:30PM ET/PT) DARK SHADOWS
Please see description on Monday, November 24th at 8:30PM ET/PT


(8:30PM–11PM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
This family musical fantasy tells the story of eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). Determined to find someone worthy of a dream-of-a-lifetime jackpot, Wonka hides five golden tickets inside five candy bars, with the winners receiving a trip through his factory and enough candy to last, well, forever. Poor but honest Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) is thrilled when he finds a ticket and chooses his Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson) to visit the factory with him. But when Wonka’s rival Slugworth (Gunter Meisner) offers Charlie a lot of money in exchange for the Everlasting Gobstopper sample, Charlie makes a heartwarming decision that earns him Wonka’s admiration and trust. “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” repeats on Wednesday, November 26th at 6pm ET/PT.


(12AM–2AM ET/PT) MIRROR, MIRROR
After a beloved King vanishes, his ruthless wife seizes control of the kingdom and keeps her beautiful 18-year-old stepdaughter, Snow White (Lily Collins), hidden away in the palace. But when the princess attracts the attention of a charming and wealthy visiting prince, the jealous Queen (Julia Roberts) banishes the girl to a nearby forest. Taken in by a band of rebellious but kindhearted dwarfs, Snow White blossoms into a brave young woman determined to save her country from the Queen. With the support of her new friends, she roars into action to reclaim her birthright and win back her Prince (Armie Hammer) in this magical adventure comedy that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.


Wednesday, November 26th
(6PM–8:30PM ET/PT) WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Please see description on Tuesday, November 25th at 8:30PM ET/PT


(8:30PM–11PM ET/PT) CARS 2
“Cars 2” is a laugh-out-loud, heart-warming adventure geared for the entire family. Star racecar Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship on the road from Radiator Springs to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage! “Cars 2” repeats on Thursday, November 27th at 5:30PM ET/PT




(12AM–2AM ET/PT) A CINDERELLA STORY
Deep in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Sam (Hilary Duff) a modern-day Cinderella, finds her Prince Charming (Chad Michael Murray) on the Internet. Despite the comically malevolent efforts of her stepmother and stepsisters to keep her at work in their diner, Sam dreams of meeting her online soul mate at the high school Halloween dance. Now, Sam discovers that outward appearances can be deceiving--and that even in the San Fernando Valley stories can have a happy ending.


Thursday, November 27th
(5:30PM–8PM ET/PT) CARS 2
Please see description on Wednesday, November 26th at 8:30PM ET/PT


(8PM–8:30PM ET/PT) TOY STORY OF TERROR!
Join Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and their pals in a frighteningly fun animated adventure. What starts out as an exciting road trip for the Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse following a detour to a roadside motel. After Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles) suddenly disappears, his friends find themselves caught up in a hilarious mystery that must be solved before they suffer the same fate in this thrilling Toy Story! “Toy Story of Terror!” repeats on Friday, November 28th at 7:30PM ET/PT


(8:30PM–11PM ET/PT) RATATOUILLE
Remy (Patton Oswalt) dreams of becoming a great a French chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem that Remy is, well, a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When Fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath the same restaurant named famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett). Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely, and certainly unwanted, visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy’s passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down. Remy finds himself torn between his calling and passion in live or returning forever to his previous existence as a rat. Along the way he learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is – a rat who wants to be a chef. “Ratatouille” repeats on Friday, November 28th at 5PM ET/PT


(12AM–2AM ET/PT) A CINDERELLA STORY: ONCE UPON A SONG
It’s a modern and enchanting twist on an enduring classic. Katie (Lucy Hale) dreams of being a recording artist but is continually thwarted by her cruel stepmother (Missi Pyle) and stepsister (Megan Park). When Katie falls hard for Luke (Freddie Stroma), the new boy at her Performing Arts school, she tries to get his attention with her singing. But when her stepsister takes credit for Katie’s amazing voice and Luke falls for the wrong girl, Katie must learn to stand up for her dreams before her stepmother forces Katie to sing Luke into the arms of her wicked stepsister.


Friday, November 28th
(5PM–7:30PM ET/PT) RATATOUILLE
Please see description on Thursday, November 27th at 8:30PM ET/PT


(7:30PM–8PM ET/PT) TOY STORY OF TERROR!
Please see description on Thursday, November 27th at 8PM ET/PT


(8PM–11PM ET/PT) THE HUNGER GAMES
Please see description on Sunday, November 23rd at 5PM ET/PT


(12AM–2AM ET/PT) HOME ALONE 3
In the third installment of the popular “Home Alone” series, complete with an all-new cast, a top-secret computer chip has been stolen from the U.S. Defense Department. The international criminals who expertly engineered its heist are asking for untold millions of dollars on the black market. But the precious booty, hidden inside a toy car, has been temporarily misplaced, thanks to inattentive airport baggage handlers. Its final destination: a quiet, comfortable Chicago suburb. Taking up residence in the tree-lined neighborhood, the four highly-trained spies marshal their diabolical resources and ruthless skills to retrieve the device. Their state-of-the-art surveillance and shrewd strategy foil Interpol, the FBI, U.S. Defense Department agents and the local police, but one person can stop this high-tech gang of black marketers: eight-year-old Alex Pruitt (Alex D. Linz). He is the last and only line of defense when this pesky team of bad guys invades his neighborhood. Alex has his own special surveillance tools. He has a carefully mapped-out strategy. He has courage. He has the chicken pox. And he's "home alone"...



Saturday, November 29th
(5PM–8PM ET/PT) THE HUNGER GAMES
Please see description on Sunday, November 23rd at 5PM ET/PT


(8PM–10PM ET/PT) BRAVE
“Brave” whisks viewers away on an astonishing adventure to an ancient land full of mystery and tradition. Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land. When Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos in the kingdom, she must harness all of her skills and resources including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers to undo a beastly curse before it's too late, and discover the meaning of true bravery. “Brave” repeats on Sunday, November 30th at 6PM ET/PT.


(10PM–12AM ET/PT) DESPICABLE ME
In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences and flowering rose bushes sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout belonging to Gru (Steve Carrell), a dastardly villain who, along with the help of his many little minions, is planning the biggest heist in the history of the world: he's going to steal the moon! But his plans are foiled the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. This smash hit boasts a stellar all-star vocal cast that includes Julie Andrews, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Danny McBride, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Mindy Kaling and more. “Despicable Me” repeats on Sunday, November 30th at 8PM ET/PT.


(12AM–2AM ET/PT) PARANORMAN
The team behind “Coraline” delivers this stop-motion 3D animated comedy thriller about a small town that comes under siege by zombies and needs the help of a misunderstood local boy named Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he'll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst of all, moronic grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits. The all-star vocal cast includes Casey Affleck, John Goodman, Anna Kendrick and Elaine Stritch.


Sunday, November 30th
(6PM–8PM ET/PT) BRAVE
Please see description on Saturday, November 29th at 8PM ET/PT


(8PM–10PM ET/PT) DESPICABLE ME
Please see description on Saturday, November 29th at 10PM ET/PT


(10PM–12AM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
The comic misadventures of the beleaguered Griswold family continue in this latest "Vacation" outing. This time America's most dedicated dad, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is determined to stay at home to create "the most fun-filled old fashioned family Christmas ever" -- but life has a particular way of throwing wet logs on Clark's fire.


Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today's families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today's relationships - told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family's programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. For 2014, ABC Family has launched the “WATCH ABC Family” authenticated service which allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on demand access to such popular series at home and on the go via a wide array of devices. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas." ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.

The Lookback : Children's TV: Animated Live action shows

The Flashback  Children's TV 

      In case our title doesn't make sense ( it really doesn't)  this time we look at something a little strange and have touched upon before : Animated versions of live action shows (usually prime time) .   When a prime time (usually a family program) was  popular enough it sometimes wanted to grow  beyond that . This is where this comes in.   This is not really done now. (that's why there is no animated version of  "Big Bang Theory" floating around and if it was could it be for kids?)   So let's draw into a journey (boo!) into the world of animated TV shows made from live action TV shows.

1. "The Brady Kids"  

  What's it Based on ?  : "The Brady Bunch" (1969-1974)   

      So the "Brady Bunch" was a popular show with the families and especially with the kids watching , so why not cash in on that? (Yeah, why not?)  In 1972 , ABC had a new Saturday Morning series based on the Brady Bunch  it was called "The Brady Kids". ( I bet it was going to focus on the kids)   The original  voices of the regular series  did the voices on this show , for the first season that is , in the 2nd season  only Mike Lockinland (Bobby Brady) , Eve Plumb ( Jan Brady) , and Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) stayed as the voices of their charterers in season 2.  

     In the cartoon there was no parents or Alice (gasp)   as most animated versions of live action TV shows , it had animals in it ( kids like animals , I guess)  there was a bird  who also was a wizard ( Like Harry Potter but with wings) , A dog named Mop Top ( I guess Tiger's voice wasn't working on this show either) ,  and two Pandas Ping and Pong.   

   Unlike  the original live action show the Brady's where able to go on adventures with out adult supervision (every child's dream)  the went to the jungle, enter road rallies ,  Meet Wonder woman  in Ancient Greece (huh?)  ,and also magical things happens thanks to the wizard Bird. 

     

 The Youngest one is Bob     /Youtube

     After 22  episodes and two seasons the series packed up and left  , and  a few months later the live-action series  left too.  

2.Laverne and Shirley in the army
     What's it based off of ?  Laverne and Shirley  (1976-1983)
   Hmm "Laverne and Shirley" is so great  that let's make an animated series and put them in the army ? ( Ok then )  Yes that is what happened, in 1981 Hanna and Barbera made an animated series based on the popular sitcom , for ABC.  This series put Laverne and Shirley in the army ( odd)  it also didn't last long only 13 episodes for 1 season.

 


  presented without comment // Youtube

You would think that that would make them give up ( I did) , but no...  they created an hour called "The Mork and Mindy/ Laverne and Shirley /Fonz hour.  So, now they made Laverne and Shirley still in the army but now the Fonz joined them. (I wish this was fake)  and they added his dog , Mr. Cool from his own animated series.  The series was stopped after Cindy Williams ( Who played Shirley on the main show . and voiced her on the animated series) quit, so they played the eight and that was it.
 
more after this jump  , please join us

Discovery takes more control of The Hub and will be renamed Discovery Family

Discovery   TV News 

           Four years and 3 days after , Discovery Communications and Hasbro relaunched Discovery Kids as the Hub, a channel for kids and family , will be renamed Discovery Family as Discovery takes a controlling stake in the Network..   The Relaunch happens October 13. The Hub struggled in ratings , and is in less homes than the channels it competed against.
   

Via- press release

-- Hasbro and Discovery Partnership Focused on Continuing Successful Creation of Entertaining and Award-Winning Content for Kids and Families --
-- Discovery Communications and Kids Television Veteran Tom Cosgrove Named GM of Discovery Family Channel Under the Leadership of Group President Henry Schleiff --

(Silver Spring, Md. and Pawtucket, RI) – Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today announced The Hub Network will become Discovery Family Channel effective October 13, 2014. The network will broaden its programming focus to serve families in primetime and continue to showcase Hasbro Studios award-winning children’s content in daytime.
During the daytime, Discovery Family Channel will offer a robust line up of brand new Hasbro Studios’ series as well as beloved library programming, including MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS, while during primetime, the network will serve a growing family audience that began to develop under The Hub Network. Primetime programming will draw from Discovery’s three decades of leadership in creating the highest-quality, real-world content that appeals to the entire family in the Natural History, Adventure, Animals and Science genres. Initial series will include SUPERHUMAN, TIME WARP, FLYING WILD ALASKA, AFRICA and EXTREME ENGINEERING: BIGGEST REVEALS.
“The next chapter of our collaboration will harness the incredible content strengths of both Discovery and Hasbro to program Discovery Family Channel with highly-rated award-winning storytelling around Hasbro’s brands and Discovery’s most popular non-fiction shows that appeal to both children and families alike,” said Hasbro President & CEO Brian Goldner. “Discovery Communications has a nearly 30-year track record of building television brands that create maximum value for advertisers and distributors through their world-class raft of programming and we look forward to evolving this network together.”
Under the executive management of Group President Henry Schleiff, Tom Cosgrove will assume the role of general manager of Discovery Family Channel and will manage all network operations and programming, working closely with the Hasbro Studios team as the new channel will prominently feature Hasbro Studios-produced content in daytime. Schleiff has overseen the successful turnaround and growth of several networks within the Discovery portfolio. Previously, Cosgrove served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Discovery Channel and Science Channel and has held senior leadership positions at ABC Family, Fox Family, Fox Kids and TV Guide Channel prior to his time at Discovery. Most recently, he led 3net and 3net Studios.
“Hasbro is a world-class company with franchises and characters that appeal to kids and families around the world. They have been terrific partners over the past several years as we developed our kids television audience in the U.S., and we look forward to a continued strong collaboration as we evolve to the Discovery Family Channel together,” said Discovery Communications President & CEO, David Zaslav. “Henry’s proficiency in developing and growing strong brands combined with Tom’s experience on Discovery’s flagship brand and deep background in family programming make for a perfect leadership team to drive the network toward future growth.”
The repositioning to Discovery Family Channel builds upon Discovery’s ongoing strategy to maximize its portfolio of channels to satisfy viewers and drive value for distributors and advertisers, while working alongside quality content partners to create long-term value. The Hub Network has grown from nearly 56 million homes in 2010 to approximately 70 million U.S. homes today. Since launch, the strong performance of Hasbro children’s content helped lift the network’s total day P2-11 delivery by +89% and for the past three years, The Hub Network has consistently been the most co-viewed children’s cable network among kids 2-11 watching with adults 18-49--a trend the partners plan to continue with Discovery Family.
“Brian and I want to thank the entire team at The Hub Network for their passion and dedication in building this brand over the past five years,” added Zaslav. “They are a fantastic group of executives, guided by a tremendously creative and inspiring leader in Margaret Loesch. We are grateful for their work in creating a channel of which Discovery and Hasbro have been incredibly proud.”
Discovery Family Channel will continue as a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro, with Discovery Communications taking a 60% ownership position in the new channel and Hasbro’s stake decreasing to 40%. The network will be consolidated and managed under the Discovery portfolio of networks.


About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 pay-TV programmer reaching 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content on worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery and Science, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery also controls Eurosport International, a premier sports entertainment group, including six pay-TV network brands across Europe and Asia. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company's world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company’s Hasbro Studios is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling around Hasbro brands across television, film, commercial productions and short-form. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

The Lookback : School House Rock

The Flashback ABC Children's Programming 

    It would be hard to talk about classic chidren's TV blocks with out  looking at this  show ( it would be illegal  not to look at it) .  A way to refresh your memory it was a segment of 3 minutes (less commercial space to fill then )   of educational videos. (Before E/I to boot)  Apparently it was created  as an advertising venture. ( According to Wikipedia, please don't be wrong)
     The idea was , hey kids like Rock and  learning is good so why not combine the two in an interesting way.     The segements were broken up as different episodes and different "series" , the first was "Multiplication Rock" in 1973 .
 
   Three is a magic number    Disney/ Youtube
         The first episode was called "3 is  Magic Number" teaching kids how amazing the number 3 is ( 3 is amazing )  
    "Multiplication Rock"  ran 11 segments in 1973.  That Fall they introduced "Grammar Rock"  it ran between 1973 to 1993 (the final two made to air in 1993 ).  Due to Bi-Centennial fever (achoo) in 1975 they created "America Rock" (it sure does)  to show different aspects of America like history, the constitution, how laws are made, and other aspects.   This series ran from 1975-76 and some in 79 and 2002.

You thought we were going to.. hahhahaha  Disney/Youtube

 "Science Rock" came out in 1978 to teach kids about different elements of Science  (like why your arms are not attached to your head)  
    Almost after being forgotten it came back in 1993 to make those more episodes for the  series they made in the 70's including a couple more Grammar Rock segments.   In 1995 a new series "Money Rock" (nobody must have watched this ) ,which talked about money usage by you and the government.  When   Disney took over it moved on to One Saturday Morning ( it did fit in the E/I )



No comment  / /  Disney /Youtube

It finally did leave TV in 2002, but was released to VHS (later DVD) .  In 2009 a new set of episodes came out on DVD called "'Earth Rock" (for the hippie inside).

On a side note ....The BBC had a favourite (see what we did there?, no really I don't )
   
  Three is such a magic number  // BBC  Lambie Narin


So once again a (short) look at something in the past of TV history.