Highlights December 18 to December 24

Monday, December 18th

Explore the universe of space-themed treasures, including NASA Space Program autographed photos, a 1737 celestial & terrestrial atlas, and a Star Trek treatment, script and letters. Have the values of these stellar finds skyrocketed in the market? Antiques Roadshow Out of This World at 7:00 pm.

Mary Berry spends Christmas in her mother's homeland of Scotland to enjoy a winter break soaking up her Scottish heritage and enjoying traditional festive delights with familiar faces, as well cooking up some of her own indulgent dishes. Mary Berry's Highland Christmas at 8:00 pm.

Beloved chef Lidia Bastianich celebrates 25 years on public television in this documentary special. Join Lidia's family and celebrity friends for an intimate look at the memorable moments of her life, both on and off the screen. 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee at 9:00 pm.

In the late 1800s, Italians immigrated to St. Louis in search of the American Dream resulting in one of the largest Italian American neighborhoods in the United States today, The Hill. Here they started their own businesses, built their own church, and created a self-sufficient "city within a city." While similar immigrant neighborhoods across the country have long ago lost their identity, The Hill remains strong, making it the last of a dying breed. America's Last Little Italy: The Hill tells the story of this enduring neighborhood by looking at its past, present, and future. America's Last Little Italy: The Hill at 10:00 pm.

Tuesday, December 19th

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the remarkably diverse backgrounds of country music icons Clint Black and Rosanne Cash. Finding Your Roots Country Roots at 7:00 pm.

Judy Woodruff sets out to discover why America is at a crossroads. America at a Crossroads with Judy Woodruff at 8:00 pm.

The struggle between the Israeli leader and multiple U.S. presidents over Middle East peace. Leading up to the Gaza war, Netanyahu's relations with the U.S. and Palestinians. Also, with The Washington Post, how Israel's security barrier was breached. Frontline Netanyahu, America & The Road to War In Gaza at 9:00 pm.

The Speech We Hate features a Kenyan filmmaker whose love story of two women garnered a nationwide ban. Viewers also meet a Turkish political artist who was censored for his provocative work in the U.S., a hip-hop historian who recalls the arrest of members of 2 Live Crew for obscenity, and a student who took a lawsuit over banned books in his school all the way to the Supreme Court. Free To Speak The Speech We Hate at 11:00 pm.

Wednesday, December 20th

Experience the astonishing natural life found in the world's longest mountain range, where pumas hunt guanaco, shape-shifting frogs hide in remote cloud forests and descendants of the Inca build bridges of grass. _Kingdoms of the Sky: Andes_ at 7:00 pm.

Stunning new archaeological evidence provides clues about the Egyptians who built the Great Pyramid of Giza -- and how they did it. Join researchers as they delve into the logbook of a work crew and discover how the massive project transformed Egypt. Nova Decoding The Great Pyramid at 8:00 pm.

A review of how ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics were first translated 200 years ago and a look at the archaeological work being done in Egypt right now to understand one of the most important scribes. Secrets of the Dead Decoding Hieroglyphics at 9:00 pm.

Thursday, December 21st

What happened when we expanded out of Africa and into Asia -- where did we go and whom did they meet along the way? The latest evidence suggests we left far earlier than previously thought and interbred with a newly-discovered type of ancient human -- the Denisovans. The existence of these people was only established four years ago, when geneticists extracted DNA from a tiny fragment of finger bone. And because our ancestors mated with them, their genes found a home within our DNA. More than that, they've helped us survive and thrive. First Peoples Asia at 7:00 pm.

Chet heads to the coast where he eats at the classic Hotel Blessing buffet, explores a history as old as Texas, gets wet in the Gulf of Mexico, eats some authentic Vietnamese food, and fishes in the dark. Daytripper Palacios/Matagorda, TX at 8:00 pm.

Drama adaptation of Charles Dickens's much-loved tale of a young orphan boy. Having endured a miserable and brutal childhood, Oliver is sold to a local undertaker where his mistreatment forces him to escape to London. Once in the capital, he is welcomed into the seductive world of pickpocketing by the criminal underworld and, before long, is in deep trouble with the law. Timothy Spall and Tom Hardy star in this 2007 adaptation. Oliver Twist at 8:30 pm.

Friday, December 22nd

In DEBBIE GIBSON HOLIDAY: A SOUNDCHECK SPECIAL, singer-songwriter, producer and actress Debbie Gibson shares insight and inspiration about recording her first holiday album, Winterlicious, and performs some classic and new holiday hits. The half-hour concert, filmed at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey, includes performances of "The Gift," "Let it Snow," the "Christmas Dreams Medley" and "White Christmas," which Gibson performs as a duet with her father. In between songs, Gibson talks with host Jen Eckert about her creative process, writing original songs, her own holiday memories, and recording the new album. Singer Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block also discusses what it's like working and touring with Gibson. Debbie Gibson Holiday: A Soundcheck Special at 7:30 pm.

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. Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas at 8:00 pm.

Saturday, December 23rd

Check out the vibrant contemporary murals that are bursting on the walls of Austin and energizing the city's urban architecture. Meet the artists who are transforming and beautifying spaces with their uplifting public art. Muraling Austin Big, Bright & Bold at 4:30 pm.

Edgar and Sara fly to Oaxaca and visit a corn farm in San Martin Tilcajete to see the man behind the heirloom corn they use at Nixta Taqueria; Beto and his General Manager drive to San Antonio to tour their tortilla purveyor's tortilla factory and get lunch at Taquitos West Avenue; Anthony and Xose have lunch at The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant and reflect on challenges they faced after high school. Taco Mafia Tradicion at 5:00 pm.

Brian LeFeve, a life coach focused on Human Optimization and helping individuals live their best life. This is a story about taking the uncomfortable steps necessary to living your best life. Start Up Brian LeFeve: St. Clair Shores, MI at 6:00 pm.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Adia Victoria update soul and blues on ACL. Rateliff and his band perform songs from their LP The Future. Victoria plays tunes from her Americana Music Awards Album of the Year nominated A Southern Gothic. Austin City Limits Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats/Adia Victoria at 7:00 pm.

A celebrity florist brings glamor and murder to Kembleford. Father Brown The Gardeners of Eden at 8:00 pm.

Hastings describes to Poirot a recent theft from a jeweller's shop window. The perpetrator was arrested on the spot. Then a heavily veiled lady arrives who identifies herself as Lady Millicent Castle Vaughan. Agatha Christie's: Poirot The Veiled Lady at 8:46 pm.

Sunday, December 24th

Hosted by lifestyle expert Sira Williams, KARAMU: FEAST FOR THE 7TH DAY explores the tradition of Kwanzaa, focusing on the final feast that concludes the annual celebration. The half-hour program explores the history, principles, and symbols of Kwanzaa while celebrating the culinary traditions of West Africa. Featuring dishes from Mali, Ghana,and Nigeria, KARAMU: FEAST FOR THE 7TH DAY focuses on food and culture, and their integral relationship to building community. Sira also shares her personal story as a child born in Mali, West Africa, to her American mother and Malian father, giving viewers insight into her experience growing up and the importance of African roots in American culture. Karamu: Feast for the 7th Day at 6:00 pm.

Mrs. Hall conquers demons from her past. While she is away, Tristan discovers the challenge of housekeeping. Meanwhile, Helen is at loose ends. All Creatures Great and Small Edward at 7:00 pm.