The CBS holiday schedule 2018 outlined special primetime programming, live events, and curated marathons designed for family viewing during the Christmas and New Year periods. This guide details the key lineup shifts, classic film airings, and multiplatform promotions that defined the network’s seasonal strategy.
Below is a structured overview of the most relevant programming blocks, air dates, and promotion highlights from the 2018 holiday schedule.
| Date Range | Programming Block | Flagship Show | Promotion Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29 – Dec 2 | Countdown to Christmas | Holiday-themed episodes of regular series | Seasonal binge windows |
| Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Classic Holiday Film Marathon | It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story | Live tweets and cast lookbacks |
| Dec 24 – Dec 26 | 25 Days of Christmas Kickoff | New family films and encore premieres | 25 Days advent calendar integration |
| Dec 31 | New Year’s Eve Live | Times Square correspondents and music performances | 跨平台联动 and social watch parties |
| Jan 1 | First Look 2019 | Preview slate for upcoming dramas and comedies | Cross-promo for midseason launches |
Countdown to Christmas Programming
Leading into the holiday, CBS stacked original holiday episodes and curated repeats to maintain daily engagement. The network emphasized accessible family content and seamless app integrations for binge viewing.
25 Days of Christmas Events
Marathon Strategy
CBS anchored its 25 Days of Christmas with marathons of acquired family titles and original holiday films. Schedule gaps were filled with themed specials, behind-the-scenes features, and interactive on-screen prompts for social sharing.
Digital Extensions
Streaming apps featured exclusive shorts and playlists synchronized with linear airings, creating a multiscreen experience for viewers managing holiday routines.
New Year’s Eve and Live Specials
The New Year’s Eve broadcast combined live music segments, crowd graphics, and localized cut-ins to reflect major affiliate markets. Anchor teams focused on timely resolution of stories while maintaining a celebratory tone for at-home viewers.
Programming and Marathon Schedule
CBS aligned its holiday schedule with predictable viewing windows, positioning key films and premieres to capture multi-generational households. This approach supported consistent tune-in across evening time slots.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Check local affiliate listings for exact air times, as they varied by market.
- Use the CBS app for synchronized behind-the-scenes content during marathons.
- Set recordings for flagship films to avoid schedule conflicts with holiday activities.
- Monitor social channels for last-minute changes to live special coverage.
- Plan multi-screen viewing during 25 Days of Christmas for enhanced engagement.
FAQ
Reader questions
What time did CBS air holiday movies in the 2018 schedule?
Prime-time holiday movies typically aired from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. ET, with marathons running in late afternoon and early evening blocks on weekends.
Were there any new holiday films in the 2018 lineup?
Yes, the network debuted at least one original holiday film and several first-run episodes of scripted series wrapped in festive storylines.
Did CBS adjust its news programming for the holiday schedule?
Regular evening newscasts remained on air, but morning and weekend news segments sometimes shifted to accommodate special holiday features and live events. Viewers interacted with promo codes and hashtags on air and on social, while the CBS app hosted exclusive shorts, cast messages, and extended marathons.