What to Watch the Week of November 12: The Crown Does the Impossible, Julia Season Two Delights, and Gerry Hits the Fantasy Suites on The Golden Bachelor

Disney/ABC; Daniel Escale/Netflix; Max/Warner Bros. Discovery

Get ready for the best TV-watching day of the year this week, thanks to The Golden Bachelor's overnight dates (aka the fantasy suites!), The Crown's return, and Julia's second season.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 16, starting with part one of the sixth and final season of Peter Morgan's Emmy-winning The Crown, on Netflix. I've heard from many of you who said you weren't as enamored with the critically-acclaimed series in season five (it heavily centered on Princess Diana's final years). I think there's two reasons for that, starting with 1) the cast and stories from seasons 3-4 were so beloved, and 2) in many ways, the narrative involving Princess Diana felt more like history lessons we already knew as opposed to discovery surprising moments in the royal family.

For those reasons, I was a bit hesitant diving into the first four episodes of season six (which will drop this Thursday), since they center on Princess Diana's final days before her tragic death. There's been so much written about it, and many of us, myself included, lived through it, making it a moment that one might not care to revisit.

I was wrong. As someone that thought they knew pretty much everything about those final days, there was so many fascinating moments I was apparently not aware of, leading me to do a deep dive of certain instances that did indeed happen (I won't reveal what they are here, as not to 'spoil’ anything). Also, Princess Diana's final days on the series are handled with such grace and thoughtfulness, that any reports you might have seen of the actual royal family being outraged at the depiction seems ridiculous.

On that note, these first four episodes are quite emotional, so I advise you to tune in to the new season of Max's stellar dramedy, Julia, once you finish watching. Season two also premieres on Thursday with three episodes, followed by one a week. The first three episodes take place in the South of France and Paris, and it's truly the chef's kiss. Sarah Lancashire is absolutely brilliant as the larger-than-life Julia Child, and the supporting cast reads like an all-star Tony Awards (David Hyde Pierce, Bebe Neuwirth, Judith Light, Stockard Channing, etc.). More on that below.

And then there's The Golden Bachelor on Thursday. It's the last all-new episode before the two-hour finale at the end of the month (the episode that airs on Thanksgiving is a recap special), as Gerry, Theresa, and Leslie head to Costa Rica for the overnight dates. He says “I love you” to both of them (he was cagey about declaring that to Theresa during their hometown date), and even tells Leslie that he thinks she's the one. Oh boy. Yes, even our wise and mature Golden Bachelor is not immune to the trappings of dating and falling for two women at once.

There's a lot that's going to go down over these next few weeks on The Golden Bachelor (see the newest trailer below), so my best advice is to stay away from spoilers and just enjoy the ride. There's going to be so much to discuss.

And that's just Thursday (see, I told you). Holiday programming is also in full force this week, and if you don't have Apple TV+, not to worry, because they'll be streaming A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for free starting Saturday.

With that, get your hot cider or cocoa ready—or make The Golden Bachelor's Edith's famous guacamole, and settle in on the couch. See you next week!

Sunday, November 12

Antisemitism in America (CNN): The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, a CNN Original, returns with an in-depth examination from CNN Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash of the rise of antisemitism in the United States, following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.

Per CNN, “Bash investigates not just what the attacks against Jews are but why they are so pervasive right now.  Antisemitism and its conspiracies and tropes run deep in society and has for millennia, but in modern times it has largely festered beneath the surface. In America, that changed in the last ten years with extremists from the hard right feeling emboldened by the political climate. But antisemitism has also been brewing on the hard left, masquerading as political free speech, especially at America’s elite universities.” 9 p.m. ET/PT

The Earthshot Prize (PBS): Filmed in Singapore only a few days ago, PBS will again be the U.S. broadcaster for this year’s ceremony, which is spearheaded by Prince William, and also features Cate Blanchett, Sterling K. Brown, Lana Condor, Robert Irwin, Bastille, OneRepublic, and more. Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham hosts. 7 p.m. ET (check local listings), PBS.org and the PBS app

Monday, November 13

The Lady Bird Diaries (Hulu): ABC News Studios, in partnership with Trilogy Films premieres this fascinating documentary from award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, which looks at hours of personal and revealing diaries Lady Bird Johnson began recording after JFK’s assassination and throughout her husband’s administration. The film is based on Julia E. Sweig’s New York Times bestselling biography, Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight, and the eight-part ABC Audio and Best Case Studios podcast, In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson. Streaming

Tuesday, November 14

Dancing with the Stars (ABC/Disney+): It's “Whitney Houston Night” as the seven remaining couples dance to hit songs from one of the bestselling music artists of all time. Actor/singer Billy Porter will guest judge. 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT, and streaming the next day on Hulu

NCIS: Sydney (CBS/Paramount+): A new NCIS spin-off is here, with the fifth series to come out of the popular global franchise. It's also the first-ever international edition. Here's what we know: With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are grafted into a multinational task force to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet. Led by NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey and her 2IC AFP counterpart, Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey, our team of Americans and Aussies must quickly learn to trust each other, overcoming and harnessing their differences to solve each case. Though jurisdictional tussles and culture clashes make for a rocky start, Mackey will eventually come to respect JD’s nose for the truth, as he does her maverick style. Meanwhile, sassy AFP Constable Evie Cooper and endlessly curious Special Agent DeShawn Jackson form a fast friendship, while curmudgeonly forensic pathologist Doctor Roy Penrose meets his match in the brilliant young forensic scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson. Together, the team becomes NCIS’ first ever internationally blended family. 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT

JFK: What the Doctors Saw (Paramount+): This eye-opening documentary captures the words and memories of nine of the doctors who were in the emergency room at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas on the morning of November 22, 1963. Director Barbara Shearer uncovers fascinating accounts that will change what you thought you knew about JFK's assassination. Streaming

Gary Cooper: Enduring Style (book): In this new book, Gary Cooper: Enduring Style, gives readers a look at a larger-than-life leading man and the real life he led. Per the official press release, “The photos you’ll see were taken primarily by his wife, Rocky, and include snapshots of his home life, his easy style, and time spent with his friends. Regardless of place or present company, Cooper had the model outfit for every occasion, embodying a type of refined masculinity rarely seen—though always in high demand—to this day. These intimate family scrapbook photos from his personal collection, curated by his daughter, Maria Cooper-Janis, show us that 3x Oscar winner Gary Cooper was every inch and stitch the elegant paragon off-screen as on.” Pre-order here

Thursday, November 16

The Crown (Netflix): The first four episodes depict the blossoming relationship between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before their fateful night in Paris. We'll have interviews with the producing team next week about the painstaking lengths they took to bring these incredible episodes to life. Streaming

Julia (Max): After you watch the very emotional episodes of part one of the final season of The Crown, I recommend you watch the first three episodes of Julia season two. It's an absolute delight that takes us (mostly) away from Boston and to the South of France and Paris. In other words, it's exactly what you need. Episodes 1-3 streaming

The Golden Bachelor (ABC): Here we go: it's the fantasy suite dates (also called the overnight dates), and Gerry is about to make both women think they're the front-runner. Oy. 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT and streaming the next day on Hulu

Best. Christmas. Ever! (Netflix): Nineties icons Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Jason Biggs, and Matt Cedeño star in this Netflix movie. Here's what we know: Every Christmas Jackie (Brandy) sends a boastful holiday newsletter that makes her old college friend Charlotte (Heather Graham) feel like a lump of coal. When a twist of fate lands Charlotte and her family on Jackie’s snowy doorstep just days before Christmas, she seizes the opportunity to prove her old friend's life can’t possibly be that perfect. Streaming

A World Record Christmas (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries): This all new movie is inspired by the real story of Auldin Maxwell, an autistic teen who is the current holder of the Guinness World Record for stacking Jenga blocks on top of one vertical block. Here's the official logline: Charlie (Aias Dalman) is an autistic boy determined to set a Guinness World Record by stacking 1400 Jenga blocks. His mother Marissa (Nikki DeLoach) and stepfather Eric (Lucas Bryant) encourage him to reach for his dream and they all celebrate when he gets the good news that he’ll get his chance on Christmas Eve. With his father mostly absent from his life, Charlie hopes that setting the record will draw him back in. Meanwhile, Marissa and Eric have hit a lull in their relationship and are working at igniting the spark once again. 8 p.m. ET/PT

Friday, November 17

May December: Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) buckles under pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past. In theaters

Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+): In the penultimate episode (titled “Book of Calvin”) of the limited series, the chapters of Calvin’s life offer new perspective on the unsolved mysteries of his past. Streaming

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (Lionsgate): The prequel stars Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Jason Schwartzman, and Viola Davis. The story is set 64 years before the original, and follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a postwar Capitol. In theaters

Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story (Prime Video): In this documentary about Tyler Perry's life (which was filmed over the course of 10 years), director Gelila Bekele offers fascinating insight into his personal life and media empire. Bekele tells Glamour that "this film is an intimate portrait of Tyler Perry, showcasing his challenging origins, creativity in writing and storytelling, and business acumen. It delves into his traumatic childhood, explores his healing process through forgiveness, and celebrates the love and influence of his mother, Maxine. The movie also examines his decision to create America's largest motion picture studio, a significant milestone in his career, and its impact on the entertainment industry and the Atlanta local community.” Streaming

The Holiday Shift (The Roku Channel): In this five-episode romantic comedy series, you'll see intersecting love stories of young mall employees during the holiday season. Definitely unique, and definitely something fun. And I definitely miss the mall. Streaming for free

Saturday, November 18

A Merry Scottish Christmas (Hallmark Channel): Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf star together in their first on-screen pairing since Party of Five went off the air in May 2000. In A Merry Scottish Christmas, the two play siblings again, but this time they've grown apart over the past few years. However, when they meet up at their mom's childhood home in Scotland for Christmas, they can't help but be charmed by the idyllic Glencrave and its beautiful 15th century castle. Together, Chabert's Dr. Lindsey Morgan and Wolf's Brad Morgan discover a stunning family secret that their mom has been keeping from them. 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Apple TV+): It's the 50th anniversary of this iconic film, and Apple TV+ is streaming it for free today and tomorrow, Sunday, November 19. In the movie, Peppermint Patty invites everyone to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving, even though he's going to see his grandmother. Snoopy decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal with help from his friends. Streaming for free

Jessica Radloff is the Glamour senior West Coast editor and author of the NYT best-selling book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series.

Originally Appeared on Glamour