TV Corner Notes: The Kitchen Closes, but the TV Keeps Cooking

 

A beloved Food Network staple takes its final bow, while prestige dramas and fall finales set the stage for a busy week of TV worth talking about.

Welcome back to TV Corner Notes. This week’s edition is a mix of goodbyes, standout performances, and compelling stories across genres. From The Kitchen ending its remarkable run on a joyful (and delicious) note, to character-driven drama in Landman and gripping mysteries on BritBox, there’s no shortage of moments that linger after the credits roll. Let’s dig in.

The Kitchen Ends

This past Saturday, Food Network aired the series finale of The Kitchen. 

Though not every food show on the network gets a chance to say farewell, it's exceptional when one ends on such a joyful note, with a celebration like a holiday brunch! From Katie Lee's delightful pistachio coffee, Jeff's decadent dubia chocolate cheesecake-coffeecake, GZ's delicious twist on eggs Benedict with crab cakes, Sunny's creative take on huevos rancheros, and Alex Guarnaschelli's elegant spin on pancakes. It's a warm, tasty way to say goodbye, leaving viewers with a smile and wonderful memories.  

Although the ending still feels a bit sad, we're happy to remember that this show lasted longer than we expected! It's wonderful knowing we can always revisit all 40 seasons of this fun, delightful, and informative series that inspired us to get creative in the kitchen. Let's cherish those memories and look forward to more tasty adventures ahead! 

Landman "The Pirate Dinner" 

Tommy faces mounting pressure in Landman’s “The Pirate Dinner,” juggling the fallout from the truck accident, tension over Gallino’s involvement, and a harsh reality check for Cooper. At home, Angela’s pirate-themed welcome party for T.L. delivers some much-needed warmth, while Cooper takes a significant step by asking Ariana’s father for permission to marry her.

Billy Bob Thornton continues to anchor the series with ease, supported by strong turns from Andy Garcia and Sam Elliott. While not every subplot lands, the episode moves key relationships forward. Rating: 8/10.

Read the full review.

After The Flood Season 1

A catastrophic flood sparks a chilling murder investigation in BritBox’s After the Flood, a tight six-episode crime thriller that turns environmental disaster into a slow-burning mystery. When a body is discovered in a submerged parking garage, what begins as routine police work quickly exposes buried secrets and personal stakes.

Sophie Rundle anchors the series with a compelling performance as PC Joanna Marshall, whose determination keeps the story grounded even as the case grows more complicated. While the ending may divide viewers, the journey is tense, atmospheric, and consistently engaging. Rating: 8/10.

Read the full review. Also, take a look at the first-look photos of the second season. 

Outrageous (BritBox) Season 1

Outrageous shows us that truth can be even stranger, and often more captivating than fiction. The BritBox historical drama warmly focuses on the Mitford sisters, six privileged siblings whose lives take very different paths as Europe moves closer to war. What starts as a glamorous glimpse into an eccentric aristocratic family quickly deepens into a more profound story about ideology, loyalty, and the high price of intense beliefs.

The series really shines when it explores the sisters' complex traits. Their political choices, covering everything from fascism to communism, are portrayed not just for shock value but as heartfelt decisions influenced by their insecurities, ambitions, and desire for rebellion. The performances are confident and captivating, giving the intense drama a genuine emotional foundation, while the historical details add a nice touch of authenticity without taking over the story.

That said, Outrageous occasionally offers glimpses into its deeper themes, even though the real history behind it is pretty rich and complex. Still, the combination of family tension, political awakening, and personal scandal keeps the story lively and engaging, making the series a consistently enjoyable watch. Overall, Outrageous is a stylish, thought-provoking period drama that explores messy relationships and challenging ideas, perfect for anyone who loves history with a bit of an edge. I’d give it an 8.5/10.

What to Watch This Week

Monday, Dec. 15

The Creatyre Cases Chapter 6 (Netflix)

The Madame Blanc Mysteries (Acorn TV, two-week event): In this holiday special, Jean is invited to authenticate a newly acquired treasure, a rare Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette. But the festive mood turns dark when Jean discovers a ticking bomb hidden inside.

8/7c FBI fall finale (CBS, two episodes, next day on Paramount+)

8/7c Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 finale (Hallmark Channel)

8/7c Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 finale (Food Network)

8/7c St. Denis Medical fall finale (NBC, next day on Peacock)

9/8c The Voice Season 28 finale Night 1 of 2 (NBC, next day on Peacock)

10/9c Watson fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

Tuesday, Dec. 16

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman Season 6 (Netflix, three-episode binge)

8/7c Beat Bobby Flay Season 4 finale (Food Network)

8/7c NCIS fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

10/9c NCIS: Sydney fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

9/8c The Voice Season 28 finale Night 2 of 2 (NBC, next day on Peacock)

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Fallout Season 2 (Prime Video)

8/7c Survivor Season 49 finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

9/8c Sistas Season 9 finale (BET)

10/9c 106 & Sports Season 1 finale (BET)

Thursday, Dec. 18

Emily in Paris Season 5 (Netflix, 10-episode binge)

Carl Weber's The Family Business Season 6 finale (BET+)

8/7c Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

8/7c Next Level Baker Season 1 finale (FOX, next day on Hulu)

9/8c Ghosts fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

9/8c The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 13 finale (ABC, next day on Hulu)

10/9c Elsbeth fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

9/8c Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? (HBO documentary)This film offers a revealing portrait of frontman Adam Duritz and the emotional and creative toll a band's meteoric rise can have on a musical artist, tracing how he navigated early fame while crafting a raw, definitive follow-up to the band's debut album.

Friday, Dec. 19

Born to Be Wild (Apple TV, six-episode binge): Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, the nature docuseries follows six endangered young animals, from elephant calves to penguin chicks, and the extraordinary people who raise and re-wild them to help save their species. 

The Creep Tapes Season 2 finale (AMC+ and Shudder)

8/7c Jake vs. Joshua: Judgement Day  (Netflix live event)

8/7c Sheriff Country fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

8/7c Twelve Dates of Christmas limited series finale (Hallmark Channel)

9/8c Fire Country fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

10/9c Boston Blue fall finale (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

Breakdown: 1975 (Netflix documentary): The film explores how a turbulent era gave rise to iconic movies like Taxi Driver, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Network, featuring insights from Martin Scorsese, Ellen Burstyn, Seth Rogen, and more. 

HIM (Peacock)

8/7c Sweet Holiday Romance (Lifetime movie): A pastry chef (Erin Karpluk) enters a Christmas cookie competition and teams up with a fudge shop owner (Christopher Russell) to create the perfect confection.

Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts (Hulu, comedy special)

Saturday, Dec. 20

8/7c The 28th Annual Family Film and TV Awards (CBS, hosted by Julie Chen Moonves)

10/9c Finding Mr. Christmas Reunion Special (Hallmark Channel)

11:30/10:30c SNL fall finale (NBC, next day on Peacock)

8/7c Another Sweet Christmas (Great American Family movie): In this sequel, Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison aren't just married, they're just merry!

8/7c A Make or Break Holiday (Hallmark Channel Movie): A couple (Hunter King and Evan Roderick) on the verge of breaking up pretends to be happy while hosting their families for Christmas.

8/7c A Pickleball Christmas (Lifetime movie): A tennis star (James Lafferty) returns home for Christmas and teams up with a pickleball coach (Zibby Allen) to save his family's racquet club.

As we head deeper into the holiday season and toward the end of the TV year, this week’s lineup feels like a reminder of why we keep tuning in—for comfort, connection, and the occasional surprise. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites, catching a finale, or discovering something new, there’s plenty worth making time for. 

Until next week, 

Adam