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The TV Cave Daily Watchlist: What to Watch on December 20: Football and An SNL Farewell

Football player in red jersey number 12 prepares to throw a pass on a field. Background shows blurred players. Action-focused scene.

Whether you’re here for bowl season chaos, wall-to-wall Christmas movies, or one last late-night farewell, tonight’s TV lineup is absolutely stacked. From football rivalries to festive romances and a must-see SNL goodbye, here’s everything worth parking on your couch for.



🏈 College Football Takes Over the Afternoon

If your holiday plans involve snacks, sweatpants, and yelling at the TV, you’re in luck.

12:00 PM ET

  • Miami vs. Texas A&M ABC / ESPNNoon kickoff energy hits hard as these two programs clash to start the day.

3:30 PM ET

  • Tulane vs. Ole Miss HBO Max / TNT / truTVUpset potential? Always. Expect momentum swings and fan bases holding their breath.

7:30 PM ET

  • James Madison vs. Oregon HBO Max / TNT / truTVNight game, bright lights, and plenty on the line. This one’s prime couch-watching material.


🎄 Early Evening Holiday Heartstrings

7:00 PM ET

The Christmas Checklist — UPtv

Limited Series Finale Just in time for Christmas Eve, Noah and Emily wrap up their journey with one final wish on the checklist. Tissues strongly recommended.



✨ 8 PM ET: The Ultimate Holiday TV Pile-Up

This is the hour where you have to choose wisely—or fire up multiple screens.

🎬 Awards & Specials

  • The 28th Annual Family Film and TV Awards — CBSJulie Chen Moonves hosts as Jeff Probst and Penn & Teller are honored, Blake Shelton hits the stage, and family-friendly TV gets its big night.

  • Roy Wood Jr.’s Very Very Very Merry Holiday Special — CNNComedy, music, and festive chaos collide in Washington, D.C. Yes, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds.



🎄 Holiday Movie Premieres (Pick Your Flavor)

  • A Make or Break Holiday — Hallmark ChannelA couple on the brink of splitting pretends everything is fine while hosting Christmas with both families. What could go wrong?

  • A Pickleball Christmas — LifetimeA former tennis star heads home for the holidays and finds redemption—and romance—on the pickleball court.

  • Another Sweet Christmas — Great American FamilyMarried and merry, Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison return for another round of holiday cheer.

  • The Best Thing About Christmas — UPtvA grieving songwriter finds hope, healing, and a Christmas miracle thanks to family and faith.

  • Ordinary Girl in a Tiara — The CWVintage fashion, old rivalries, and couture chaos collide in this holiday fairytale with a modern twist.



💍 Late-Night Holiday Wrap-Ups

10:00 PM ET

Finding Mr. Christmas — Hallmark Channel

The reunion special spills behind-the-scenes moments and catches up with the contestants. Closure never looked so festive.



🎤 Midnight Moment: A Big Farewell

11:30 PM ET

Saturday Night Live — NBC

Fall Finale Ariana Grande hosts as Bowen Yang takes his final bow, with Cher as the musical guest. Expect emotions, laughs, and at least one moment that breaks the internet.


📌 The TV Cave Watch Tip

If you can only pick one thing tonight:

  • Football fan? Oregon vs. James Madison.

  • Holiday movie lover? Choose your network and commit.

  • Pop culture junkie? SNL is non-negotiable.


Check back tomorrow for more TV news, recaps, and everything worth watching—because your remote deserves better choices.

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