Fanatic Feed: ABC Renewals, A Christmas Carol Trailer Drops, Smollett In the News, and More!

You know how I feel about Christmas movies, right?

Well, even with all of the incarnations we've had in the past of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the FX, and BBC (with Scott Free and Tom Hardy's Hardy Son & Baker), looks like it will upend the holiday season.

The movie will first air as an FX Original Movie on Thursday, December 19th at 7:30 ET/PT and air subsequently on December 22, then again on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This A Christmas Carol is an original take on the iconic ghost story written by Steven Knight (Taboo, Peaky Blinders) that immerses viewers on a spine-tingling journey of Scrooge's dark night of the soul.

In this version of the classic tale, Guy Pearce stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, Stephen Graham is Jacob Marley, Joe Alwyn is Bob Cratchit, and Vinette Robinson is Mary Cratchit.

Andy Serkis is the jaded Ghost of Christmas Past, Charlotte Riley is Lottie (Scrooge's elder sister)/Ghost of Christmas Present, and Jason Flemyng is the menacing Ghost of Christmas Future.

Kayvan Novak, Tiarna Williams, Lenny Rush, and Johnny Franklin also star.

Take a look at the first trailer below, and let us know if you'll be tuning in for this epic production.

Shameless showrunner John Wells is expanding his relationship with Netflix.

Based on Stephanie Land's best-selling memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive, the comedy series, Maid, has been picked up directly to series at the streamer.

"Maid is a poignant portrait that chronicles Stephanie Land’s strife and victories, and has the power to connect with our members around the world as they identify with her struggles and root for her success," said Netflix VP Originals Channing Dungey.

"We’re excited to share the stories inspired by Stephanie’s book and bring them to life along with WBTV, John Wells Productions, and LuckyChap Entertainment.”

“Stephanie tells the searing and remarkably human story of a young woman battling to find a secure future for herself and her infant daughter, Mia, in the face of overwhelming odds and governmental assistance programs of impossible complexity," Wells said.

"We're delighted to be able to partner with LuckyChap, Warner Bros, and the extraordinarily talented Molly Metzler to tell this moving story.”

I'm ashamed to admit that I have no particular knowledge o the TBS series, Miracle Workers, but Miracle Workers: Dark Ages is coming on January 24.

And it looks terrific!

The first season of Miracle Workers, created by Simon Rich and based on his book, What in God’s Name, ranks as 2019’s #1 new cable comedy, and the second season of the anthology features a pretty great cast.

Executive produced by Lorne Michaels, Miracle Workers: Dark Ages centers upon a group of medieval villagers trying to stay positive in an age of extreme income inequality, poor healthcare, and widespread ignorance.

This 10-episode installment will feature Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Karan Soni, Jon Bass, and Lolly Adefope returning in new roles and facing new challenges.

Deadline reported that Joan Allen is joining Julianne Moore and Clive Owen for the television adaptation of Stephen King's Lisey's Story.

The Apple TV+ original limited series is a deeply personal thriller (the genesis of which has been said to be King getting struck by a van) follows Lisey (Moore) two years after the death of her husband (Moore).

Lisey encounters a series of events that force her to face certain realities while throwing into doubt what everything she knows when forgotten and repressed memories surface.

J.J. Abram's Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television join Stephen King who writes the series and executive produces the eight-hour original.

Pablo Larraín will direct the series.

Will any Stephen King fans finally get lured into watching Apple TV+ as a result of this sure-to-be addition to the lineup?

Just when you thought Jussie Smollett had finally gone away, well, today's news smacks you right in the face.

The former Empire actor, who got a deal with the City of Chicago that allowed him to walk away from charges stemming from what they seem to believe was a falsified report of a hate crime, has decided to sue the Windy City and police department.

Most of us would allow the deal of the century to ride, but not Smollett.

Instead, he and his lawyers are focusing on the dismissal of all charges that coincided with his payment of $10,000 and some community service in exchange.

That's not a non-guilty plea, but it's not a criminal prosecution, either.

Initially, the whole fiasco on every level bit Smollett in the butt when the City filed a lawsuit against him for the costs associated with the investigation into his claims.

Now, he's whacking back with a case of his own.

And finally, ABC has renewed all six of its retro game shows.

In another embarrassing moment, I have yet to watch most of these (there is so much TV!), but who doesn't love a good retro game show?

Press Your Luck and Card Sharks have been the latest added to the lineup, and they've joined four others with renewals.

Celebrity Family Feud, The $100,000 Pyramid, Match Game, and To Tell the Truth have all gotten renewed, as well.

With the Wednesday Press Your Luck/Card Sharks/Match Game lineup, the network scored first or second among adults 18-49.

The Sunday lineup was consistently at the top of the ratings, too.

"Summer has become synonymous with ABC’s 'Fun & Games' brand," said Rob Mills, senior vp alternative series, specials and late night at ABC.

"To have these shows return is a testament to their strength, and the excitement and fun they bring each week. These are legit star-studded shows that celebrate everything we love about the spirit of competition. Thanks to them and The Bachelorette, we dominated summer and are doubling down on next year."

Which of these throwbacks to you watch?

In case you're wondering, the jury is still out on summer scripted show Reef Break as well as the competition show, Family Food Fight.

Holey Moley, a mini-golf competition program, had been renewed previously.

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.