SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 30

2019

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

When the original copyright was allowed to lapse on this 1946 holiday movie, it was all over the place during the Christmas season – and I do mean all over, because even local broadcast stations and low-rent cable channels could run It’s a Wonderful Life for free. No rights fees. Every ad they crammed into the telecast, and there were plenty, amounted to 100 percent pure profit. What could be more perfect for the commercialization of the season than that? But when NBC and Universal wrapped up exclusive rights a few years ago, the Frank Capra movie, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, is available only twice yearly, on NBC: once on Christmas Eve, and once tonight. And every time a bell rings, the peacock makes a little more money…

<< PREVIOUS | NEXT >>

Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!

Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)

Name (required)

Email (required) (will not be published)


Type in the verification word shown on the image.

Page: 1 of 200 | Go to page:

3992 Comments

I really enjoyed reading this since it focused on useful points. Well done on putting this together.

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

????

I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

????

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks..

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

?? ??? ??

I read your Article very carefully it is really very good

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

????

Great tips and very easy to understand. This will definitely be very useful for me when I get a chance to start my blog

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

????

Great tips and very easy to understand. This will definitely be very useful for me when I get a chance to start my blog

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

?????

I wish for the great of success in all of our destiny endeavors

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

?? ??? ??

You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!

Jun 13, 2026 | Reply

?? ??? ??

Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

Jun 11, 2026 | Reply

?? ??? ??

A decent blog dependably concocts new and energizing data and keeping in mind that understanding I have feel that this blog is truly have each one of those quality that qualify a blog to be a one.

Jun 11, 2026 | Reply

?????

Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences

Jun 11, 2026 | Reply

The Arcady at Boon Keng

The Arcady at Boon Keng is a remarkable residential development that blends modern elegance with comfort and convenience. With its thoughtfully designed homes, quality amenities, and inviting atmosphere, it offers residents an exceptional urban living experience. The Arcady at Boon Keng stands out for its stylish design, premium features, and commitment to contemporary living.

Jun 10, 2026 | Reply

?????

? ??? ??? ?? ????. ? ??? ?? ????!

Jun 10, 2026 | Reply

??? ??? ??

Nice post. I was continuously checking this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part :) I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

Jun 10, 2026 | Reply

??? ??? ??

I am glad to read your blog. your blog is really awesome and cool. your blog is really great and cool. thanks for sharing the nice and cool post

Jun 10, 2026 | Reply

??? ??? ??

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog, I will keep visiting this blog very often

Jun 9, 2026 | Reply

??????

I ought to declare scarcely that its astonishing! The blog is instructive additionally dependably manufacture astonishing entities

Jun 9, 2026 | Reply

??????

I'm amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that's both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few people are speaking intelligently abou

Jun 9, 2026 | Reply

??? ??? ??

This is a fabulous post I seen by virtue of offer it. It is genuinely what I expected to see look for in future you will continue subsequent to sharing such an extraordinary post.

Jun 9, 2026 | Reply

??? ??? ??

This is a fabulous post I seen by virtue of offer it. It is genuinely what I expected to see look for in future you will continue subsequent to sharing such an extraordinary post.

Jun 9, 2026 | Reply

Page: 1 of 200 | Go to page:

David Bianculli

Founder / Editor

David Bianculli has been a TV critic since 1975, including a 14-year stint at the New York Daily News, and sees no reason to stop now. Currently, he's TV critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and is an occasional substitute host for that show. He's also an author and teaches TV and film history at New Jersey's Rowan University. His 2009 Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', has been purchased for film rights. His latest, The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, is an effusive guidebook that plots the path from the 1950s’ Golden Age to today’s era of quality TV.

New From TVWW

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

David Bianculli

PBS' 'Frontline’ Examines Pension Promises and — Spoiler Alert — Finds the Math Doesn’t Add Up

The Decadence of ‘Versailles’ Comes to Ovation

Prescribing Mamie Gummer in 'Emily Owens, M.D.'

Looking for a Free Ride? HBO Can Deliver

'Pass the Biscuits' Part of the Hatfield-McCoy Pop-Culture Legacy