The Best Holiday TV Shows

What it's about: John Adams is a 2008 American television miniseries chronicling most of U.S. President John Adams' political life and his role in the founding of the United States. Paul Giamatti portrays John Adams. The miniseries was directed by Tom Hooper. Kirk Ellis wrote the screenplay based on the book John Adams by David McCullough. The biopic of John Adams and the story of the first fifty years of the United States was broadcast in seven parts by HBO between March 16 and April 20, 2008. John Adams received widespread critical acclaim, and many prestigious awards. The show won four Golden Globe awards and thirteen Emmy awards, which is more than any other miniseries in history.

Where to Watch: 7 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO & Prime Video). 7 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (HBO). 7 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $3.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: Valentine's Day, 1900. Three schoolgirls and their governess mysteriously disappear in Hanging Rock, Australia, without a trace.

Where to Watch: 6 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video). 6 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: A tight-knit, but slightly dysfunctional family of five, gather in their hometown of Chicago for the “perfect” holiday. From break-ups to arrests to sharing one bathroom, each family member is packing his/her own eccentricities and hiding secrets from the others – as if the holidays were all about carols and eggnog!

Where to Watch: 5 episodes (83%) are available to watch free online (FOX). 6 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 1 episodes (17%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (FOX). 6 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 3 services (Google Play, Vudu & YouTube).

What it's about: A strong-willed dad navigates the stress of the holiday season when his daughter brings her new boyfriend home for Christmas.

Where to Watch: 8 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix).

What it's about: 'Tis the season to find the greatest holiday baker! Eight bakers compete with their family traditions and superb baking skills. Hosted by Bobby Deen, this baking championship will add some flair to this sweet holiday season.

Where to Watch: 24 episodes (31%) are available to watch free online (Food Network). 11 episodes (14%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 43 episodes (56%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Food Network). 47 episodes (61%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: Saints & Strangers is a story that goes beyond the familiar historical account of Thanksgiving and the founding of Plymouth Plantation, revealing the trials and tribulations of the settlers at Plymouth: 102 men, women and children who sailed on a chartered ship for a place they had never seen.Of this group, half are those we think of as pilgrims, or saints, religious separatists who abandoned their prior lives for a single cause: religious freedom. The other half, the merchant adventurers–referred to as strangers–had less spiritual and more material, real-world objectives. This clash of values created complex inner-struggles for the group as they sought to establish a new colony, compounded by a complicated relationship with the local Native American tribes. The conflicting allegiances among these groups, culminated in trials of assimilation, faith, and compromise that continue to define our nation to this day.

Where to Watch: 2 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $7.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: Take a trip back in time to see what Christmas and the holiday season were like in America not too long ago as we reveal how many of today’s popular holiday celebrations and traditions had their start in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. With experts and cultural icons offering their own insight and personal memories, we reveal how your favorite holiday films, fads, television specials, songs and toys are still part of your holiday celebrations today.

Where to Watch: 4 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video). 3 episodes (75%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (History).

What it's about: Actor and former NFL star, Terry Crews, surprises families at Christmas time by providing them with some last-minute help during the holidays.

Where to Watch: 5 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (The CW).