The week of November 18 has a huge variety of TV — so there’s something for everyone! Our top picks this week include warm-and-fuzzy Christmas movies, a serious documentary, a sharp-edged comedy, and more.
So whether you’re looking for fun background noise while you set up holiday decorations, or you want to sit and really absorb something new, check out our picks for the week of November 18 and see what speaks to you!
Tuesday, November 19: Night Is Not Eternal
The week of November 18 brings us some bittersweet inspiration along with entertainment. This deeply personal documentary brings together Chinese-American filmmaker Nanfu Wang and Cuban democracy activist Rosa Maria Paya. It’s a story of how a grassroots activist becomes an international leader — and what it really means to resist.
Streaming on Max, 3 am ET/12 am PT
Wednesday, November 20: The Merry Gentlemen

Magic Mike meets holiday hijinks the week of November 18, thanks to this new rom-com! Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray bring a saucy musical twist to the Christmas romance genre. To save her parents’ small-town club, a Broadway dancer arranges a sizzling all-male revue. And, of course, there’s one reluctant dancer who captures her heart…
Streaming on Netflix, 3 am ET/12 am PT
Thursday, November 21: The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 3 Premiere

It’s time to go back to Essex! The Max comedy is back for a third season, starting the week of November 18. Everything you love is back: the talented ensemble, the chaotic coming-of-age, the messy romance, and characters figuring out who they want to be. This season is also notable for the upcoming departure of one of the original stars, Reneé Rapp, as confirmed by Variety.
Streaming on Max, 3 am ET/12 am PT
Thursday, November 21: Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 8

Last week’s episode revealed Levi’s (bittersweet but happy) departure circumstances. It seems likely that the week of November 18 will reveal Mika’s, too. The fall finale also features the Grey Sloan team struggling to treat patients of a heat wave and unexpectedly challenging surgeries.
Airing on ABC, 10 pm ET/9 pm CT
Friday, November 22: The Empress Season 2

Need another romantic period piece to tide you over until there’s more Bridgerton? Check out the second season of this sweeping royal drama. Based (loosely) on a true story, the romance between Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (aka “Sissi”) seems like a fairytale. But court politics, family drama, and the pressure to produce an heir threaten to drive them apart.
Streaming on Netflix, 3 am ET/12 am PT
Friday, November 22: Joy
The week of November 18 brings us the inspiring true story of the team who pioneered IVF. Joy follows a trio of scientists in the 1960s and ’70s, teaming up to address infertility. Their decade-long work eventually achieves its goal with the birth of the first IVF baby: Louise Joy Brown.
Streaming on Netflix, 3 am ET/12 am PT
Saturday, November 23: Three Wiser Men and a Boy

Hallmark’s 2022 hit holiday flick gets a sequel as part of this year’s Countdown to Christmas lineup. It’s five years later, and the Brenner brothers are back in business. When the director of Luke’s son’s Christmas pageant steps down, it’s up to the brothers to save the day. Oh, and they also have to deal with meeting their mom’s new boyfriend!
Airing on Hallmark Channel, 8 pm ET/7 pm CT