TV One Holiday Programming Features Rickey Smiley, Kim Fields, David & Tamela And More

 TV One brings the holiday spirit with premieres of two original movies and other special holiday programming: A SPECIAL NIGHT OF RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL, airing Tuesday, November 20 at 8 p.m./7C; MERRY WISHMAS, debuting Sunday, December 2 at 7 p.m./6C; LIVING BY DESIGN HOLIDAY SPECIAL, airingSunday,u December 9 at 7p.m./6C; and COINS FOR CHRISTMAS, premiering Sunday, December 16 at 7 p.m./6C.

A SPECIAL NIGHT WITH RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL kicks off TV One’s holiday season with several back-to-back episodes of the hit series. Viewers are invited to bring their TVs into the kitchen and get a jump on their holiday cooking with Rickey, who will be sharing some good cheer along with his favorite holiday-approved recipes during special on-air interstitials of his hilarious“Cooking with Comedy” digital series.

MERRY WISHMAS, starring Tamela Mann (The Manns), David Mann (The Manns), Kim Fields (Living Single), Towanda Braxton (Braxton Family Values), Chrystale Wilson (The Players Club) and Elizabeth Omilami (Madea’s Family Reunion), revolves around successful businesswoman Kenni (Tamela Mann) who hasn’t returned home to the quaint town of Columbia, South Carolina in years. She’s hoping for a peaceful visit when she finally returns home, but unresolved family issues threaten to make the Christmas holiday not so bright. She’s reacquainted with Jessie (David Mann), an old high school friend with a fledgling wellness facility – the Beverly Living Center. She’s instantly thrown into the lives of the center’s residents and meets a host of colorful characters. When Jessie is faced with losing the Beverly Living Center, Kenni steps in to try and help save it. Family conflicts and relationship woes, however, threaten Kenni’s efforts. It looks like only a miracle can save the center and mend broken relationships in time for Christmas.

MERRY WISHMAS is directed by veteran actress Terri J. Vaughn and features a cameo appearance by rap artist Yung Joc, best known for popular singles “It’s Goin’ Down” and “I Know You See It.”

“Having the opportunity to direct my friends David and Tamala Mann was a huge blessing. The rewarding part was their willingness to challenge themselves to go deeper and I’m excited for viewers to see them in the more dramatic moments,” said Vaughn. “The other blessing on this project was being able to direct my mentor and friend, Kim Fields. It was a very rewarding, full circle moment for us. I can’t wait for the world to see!”

For the first time ever, brother/sister duo Jake and Jazz Smollett are inviting cameras to follow them for their LIVING BY DESIGN HOLIDAY SPECIAL. For this exclusive they’re recreating down home recipes and making kicked up cocktails with special celebrity guest, Grammy-nominated singer Ledisi. To really top things off, Jazz will share amazing concepts for setting a table, as well as creating DIY serving trays and other entertaining ideas from scratch. Whether you’re looking for new dishes, or suggestions for adding some pop to your holiday party, Jake and Jazz have you covered!

COINS FOR CHRISTMAS stars Stephen Bishop (Being Mary Jane), Essence Atkins (Marlon), TC Carson (Living Single), Kelly Price (Saints and Sinners) and Karlie Redd (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta). The film chronicles single mom Madison (Atkins) who’s saved all year to make sure her teenage kids have the best Christmas ever. That is until she gets fired from the bookstore she manages and comes home to find that the IRS has frozen her bank account due to delinquent taxes her ex-husband failed to pay. Desperate to pay bills and buy gifts for her children, Madison jumps into the ever-popular “gig economy.” That’s when she meets and eventually gets hired by arrogant, sidelined former professional football player Alec Darby (Bishop), who is also secretly on the verge of going broke. This odd couple butts heads time and time again but can the Christmas spirit help these two get past their bickering, learn from each and ultimately forge a lasting friendship?

MERRY WISHMAS and COINS FOR CHRISTMAS will be featured programming during TV One’s Holiday Movie Marathon on December 24-25. TV One will also air Christmas movies every Sunday until December 23. Written by Cas Sigers-Beedles, MERRY WISHMAS is executive produced for TV One by Roger Bobb, Angi Bones (Bobbcat Films), Terri J. Vaughn and Cas Sigers-Beedles (Nina Holiday Entertainment). David and Tamela Mann also serve as Executive Producers. George Pierre serves as Casting Director. For TV One, Tia A. Smith is Executive Producer in Charge of Production, Donyell McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting, and Robyn Greene-Arrington is Head of Original Programming and Production.

LIVING BY DESIGN HOLIDAY SPECIAL is produced by Powerhouse Productions with co-owners Rochelle Brown and Sonia Armstead as Executive Producers. For TV One, Susan Henry and Gold Morgan are Executive Producers-in-Charge of Production, Donyell McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting and Robyn Greene-Arrington is Head of Original Programming and Production.