HNGN's week ahead in entertainment highlights the horrifying Christmas folk legend which gets a modern retelling in "Krampus," NBC offering up another classic in its live musical broadcast with "The Wiz Live!," and British rockers Coldplay set to release its seventh studio album, "A Head Full of Dreams."
Fans of Marc Maron's "WTF With Marc Maron" podcast will be treated to "Marc Maron: More Later" on Friday night, which is the the comedian's first stand-up special for premium TV in 20 years. Beauty and burlesque fans will have the chance to delve deep into vintage model Dita Von Teese's beauty regimen with her new book, "Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour," which is set for a Dec. 1 release.
This week, theatergoers can choose between the Christmas-themed horror flick "Krampus," the William Riead drama "The Letters" (which offers insight into Mother Teresa's life through her own personal letters) and Michael Fassbender's portrayal of William Shakespeare's iconic character, "Macbeth."
Check out what else is in store in HNGN's week ahead in entertainment:
In Theaters (Dec. 4)
"Krampus"
The German folklore monster Krampus comes to life in Universal Pictures' Christmas-themed horror film. Adam Scott, Allison Tolman and David Koechner star in this modern retelling of the horned figure that terrorizes and punishes children who have been naughty.
"The Letters"
Juliet Stevenson stars in this snapshot into the life of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, Mother Teresa. The William Riead-directed film tells Mother Teresa's story through the letters she wrote to her spiritual adviser and friend, Father Celeste van Exem, which span 50 years.
"Macbeth"
Michael Fassbender takes on the role of one of William Shakespeare's most iconic characters, Macbeth. Director Justin Kurzel sets the scene of this classic tale in war-era Scotland, following Macbeth as he becomes overwhelmed with ambition to become the next king. Marion Cotillard stars opposite Fassbender as Lady Macbeth.
TV Premieres
FYI's "Married At First Sight" (Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. )
The second season of the reality TV series "Married At First Sight" embarks with a whole new set of couples. The show is a social experiment in matchmaking in which three couples are matched by experts in sexology, psychology and spirituality. After each couple is matched, they are then married within moments of meeting each other for the first time.
NBC's "The Wiz Live!" (Thursday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m.)
Continuing with its live programming like last year's "Peter Pan Live!," NBC offers up a modern take on the 1978 musical "The Wiz," which is an adaptation of the 1939 classic film "The Wizard of Oz." "The Wiz Live!" spins L. Frank Baum's novel "The Wizard of Oz" by casting actors of color to tell the story through an urbanized lens. The star-studded cast includes Ne-Yo as the Tin Man, Queen Latifah as The Wiz and Mary J. Blige as Evillene, The Wicked Witch of the West.
Epix's "Marc Maron: More Later" (Friday, Dec. 4 at 10 p.m.)
Comedian Marc Maron stars in his first premium TV stand-up special in 20 years, titled "Marc Maron: More Later." Maron, known for his successful podcast "WTF With Marc Maron," filmed his special at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, and he covers topics from religion to relationships. Special guests include Louis C.K., Chris Rock and Amy Poehler.
Album Releases (Dec. 4)
"A Head Full of Dreams" by Coldplay
British rockers Coldplay are set to release their seventh studio album on Dec. 4, titled "A Head Full of Dreams," just 18 months after their previous LP "Ghost Stories." The new record features guest appearances by Beyoncé, Noel Gallagher and Tove Lo.
"Speedin' Bullet to Heaven" by Kid Cudi
Hip-hop artist Kid Cudi's double LP "Speedin' Bullet to Heaven" marks the rapper's fifth studio album. Cudi made his debut in 2008 when his mixtape "A Kid Named Cudi" caught the attention of hip hop great Kanye West.
"Kannon" by Sunn 0)))
Drone metal band Sunn 0)))'s upcoming seventh album "Kannon" features production by Randall Dunn, who also produced the band's 2009 record "Monoliths and Demolitions." The Seattle rockers named their upcoming LP after the Buddhist goddess of mercy.
DVD Releases
Antman
Minions
The Transporter Refueled
Books (Dec. 1)
An Evil Mind
Top 10 Sunday Times (UK) best-selling author Chris Carter tells the story of Robert Hunter, an Los Angeles Police Department detective with a background in criminal behavior psychology. Hunter trails the case of a serial killer who has been claiming lives all over the United States for the past 25 years.
Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour
Vintage vixen Dita Von Teese reveals her best-kept beauty secrets in her arsenal. With the help of her co-writer Rose Apodaca, Teese covers all aspects of beauty - from nutrition and exercise to skincare and hairstyles. The 400-page book also features step-by-step illustrations so that fans can follow in the burlesque star's beauty footsteps.
Precious Gifts
American novelist Danielle Steel adds another title to her prolific bibliography with the story of Veronique Parke, a mother of three who suddenly becomes a widow. The "Precious Gifts" that her daughter's father leaves behind include a painting of mysterious provenance, a château in the south of France, and it leads the women on a journey to change.
