PopWatch Planner: 'The Walking Dead,' 'Sound of Music Live!' and more

What’s worthy of PopWatching this week? The first week of December means holiday programming is in full cheery swing with an SNL special, a CMA caroling fest, and a Sound of Music live reboot. But it’s still early, so don’t let the Christmas fever get out of hand. Casey Affleck fights to the bone in Out of the Furnace, in theaters this Friday. And you’ve got zombies to deal with in the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead tonight.

All times listed are Eastern.

SUNDAY 12/01

The Walking Dead, 9 p.m., AMC mid-season finale

Will slow and steady win the zombie race for TWD‘s mid-season finale? Will a Governor/Rick prison face-off give fans a thrilling (albeit familiar) end? Be sure to catch up on all of this season’s slow-growing action with Maricela Gonzalez’ recaps.

MONDAY 12/02

CMA Country Christmas, 9 p.m., ABC

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles hosts this holiday special featuring country stars performing treasured Christmas tunes. The lineup includes Sheryl Crow, Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, and more.

TUESDAY 12/03

The Mindy Project, 9:30 p.m., Fox

In this episode, delightfully titled “Christmas Party Sex Trap,” Mindy schemes up a holiday party so she can have more quality time with Cliff (Glenn Howerton). Meanwhile, Mark Duplass’ Brendan Deslaurier brings a date (Maria Menounos) to the party who makes quite the impression.

WEDNESDAY 12/04

The SNL Christmas Special, 9 p.m., NBC

Saturday Night Live replays its best holiday sketches including “D— in a Box,” “Christmastime for the Jews,” “The Hanukkah Song,” and more.

THURSDAY 12/05

The Sound of Music Live!, 8 p.m., NBC

How do you feel about beloved classics being remade? Whether or not you approve of NBC’s re-imagining of the Julie Andrews classic, the “live” component should prove interesting, as well as the casting of country star Carrie Underwood and True Blood‘s Stephen Moyer as the yodeling Von Trapps.

Watch the trailer below:

FRIDAY 12/06

Out of the Furnace, in theaters

Christian Bale plays a man seeking revenge after his brother (Casey Affleck) goes missing after getting involved in a crime ring (led by Woody Harrelson). The impressive cast also boasts Willem Dafoe, Sam Shepard, Forest Whitaker, and Zoe Saldana.

Watch the trailer below:

SATURDAY 12/07

Big Ten Championship, 8 p.m., Fox

Michigan State vs. Ohio State

SUNDAY 12/08

Bonnie & Clyde, 9 p.m., simulcasted by A&E, Lifetime, and The History Channel

Emile Hirsch stars as Clyde Barrow and The Borgias‘ Holliday Grainger plays Bonnie Parker in this two-night miniseries about the ’30s crime couple.