It seems as if Hairspray was just remade. It can seem that way when every little theater that could makes putting on this musical a habit.
Nevertheless, here comes NBC with Hairspray Live! at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Two things will be familiar with this production: the plot, about how a teen (newcomer Maddie Baillio) has a dream of becoming a dancing machine in segregated Baltimore, and Harvey Fierstein in drag in one of the lead roles. There are other familiar names in the cast: actress-singer Ariana Grande, singer-actress Jennifer Hudson, Sean Hayes, Martin Short and professional dancer Derek Hough, whose sister Julianne was just in Grease Live! -- also branded with an exclamation point -- on another network.
Not content to let NBC feel the beat, Fox has holiday treat, too. The network will bring back Showtime at the Apollo with a two-hour special on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. Steve Harvey, who kicked off his career at the Apollo, is back for hosting duties.
(Harvey hosted from 1993-2000. Comedians-actors Mark Curry and Sinbad also hosted during the show's run from 1987-2008.)
It's Showtime at the Apollo was the televised version of the now 82-year-old "Amateur Night at the Apollo." The legendary New York City theater is known for having the most discerning crowds; there will be boos. Even for a persevering, 13-year-old Lauryn Hill (see below). The competition stage has been host to numerous legends, including James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. Each competition would offer a platform for a new or emerging singer or group to show and prove.
John Legend, Flo Rida, Anderson Paak and the Free Nationals and Jodeci are scheduled to perform, along with Doug E. Fresh, Rakim, Bell Biv Devoe and En Vogue. Comedians set to appear include George Lopez, Mike Epps, Tracy Morgan and Anthony Anderson.
Fox plans another Apollo special for early 2017.
SUNDAY
Secrets and Lies: The truth is out there, and being that this is the season finale, I'm sure Eric will find it. 8 p.m. ABC
Mariah's World: Mariah Carey is getting ready for a "Sweet Sweet Fantasy" Tour and this eight-part series invites viewers along for the ride. 8 p.m. E!
Westworld: The season finale is 90 minutes long. It needs to be twice that to answer our many questions, but we'll take it. 8 p.m. HBO
MONDAY
The Voice: The live performance show will showcase the eight remaining singers. 7 p.m. NBC
The Great Christmas Light Fight: It's the fourth season opener for this show that pits holiday displays in a fight to light the night. 7 p.m. ABC
Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night: The holidays inspire us to sing. It inspired this list, too: Mariah Carey, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan and Teyana Taylor. The show will also feature a performance by Vanessa Williams, whose Star Bright (1996) is still one of my favorite Christmas albums. 8 p.m. VH1
TUESDAY
The Voice: The voting is tallied. Who will move on? 7 p.m. NBC
This Is Us: The fall finale of the new season's most affecting show takes us to Christmases past and present. 8 p.m. NBC
WEDNESDAY
Empire: Andre is walking to the bad side -- again. 8 p.m. Fox
Little Women: Dallas: Whaaaaat? Brichelle is trying to apologize? And Asta is having a cosplay party. 9 p.m. Lifetime
THURSDAY
Taraji's White Hot Holidays: This is the second year for actress Taraji P. Henson's holiday special. Empire co-stars Jussie Smollett and Taye Diggs will perform. Other guests include TLC -- please let them sing "Sleigh Ride" -- Missy Elliott and Pharrell Williams. 7 p.m. Fox
Supernatural: The devil's in the details, and in the White House making a deal with the president of the United States. 8 p.m. The CW
FRIDAY
The Vampire Diaries: The name of this episode could be the name of them all: "The Next Time I Hurt Somebody, It Could Be You." Stefan and Caroline attempt to have a peaceful holiday dinner. Ha! 7 p.m. The CW
Madonna: Rebel Heart Tour: A backstage pass to Madonna's 55-city tour. Look, there's Katy Perry! 8 p.m. Showtime
SATURDAY
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman: If you must know, the not-classic Frosty Returns will come on right after the two classics. 7 p.m. CBS
Mary Poppins: Julie Andrews made her film debut as the titular character in the Academy Award-winning film. She won an Oscar for it, too. 7 p.m. ABC
Out this week on home video
There's a lot of love in the wrong places, some great acting and a story filled with secrets and lies in Greenleaf: Season One. Producer Oprah Winfrey co-stars in the OWN show set against the backdrop of a megachurch called Greenleaf World Ministries.
Also out this week: Beauty and the Beast: The Final Season; BrainDead: Season One; Don't Think Twice; Elena of Avalor: Ready to Rule; The Great Gilly Hopkins; The Hollars; Jason Bourne; Kicks; Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures; Ordinary World; Scream Queens: The Complete First Season; The Secret Life of Pets; and Zoo: Season Two.
