This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 21)
- - This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 21)
David MorganDecember 22, 2025 at 12:38 AM
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The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.)
Hosted by Jane Pauley
Seneca Falls, N.Y., hosts an annual festival celebrating the classic film
COVER STORY: The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life" | Watch VideoIs civility still alive in Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that fancies itself the inspiration of Bedford Falls, setting of the 1946 Jimmy Stewart film, "It's a Wonderful Life"? Senior contributor Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, which holds an annual festival devoted to a Hollywood classic's storybook vision of community; and talks with residents, visitors, and two of the film's surviving actors, who explain why a 79-year-old movie that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings still has such a hold on our imagination – while holding a mirror up to our own times.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: A visit to Seneca Falls (Video)In this Dec. 25, 2011 "Sunday Morning" report, Bill Geist visited Seneca Falls, N.Y., a small town which claims it's the inspiration for Bedford Falls, the setting of Frank Capra's holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" – and who could argue?
For more info:
"It's a Wonderful Life" Museum, Seneca Falls, N.Y."It's a Wonderful Life" Festival, Seneca Falls, N.Y.Discover SenecaWhere to watch or stream "It's a Wonderful Life" (Beware: An "abridged" version cuts out much of the film's darker drama)
ALMANAC: December 21 (Video)"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
The Rockettes performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The troupe is marking its centennial. / Credit: CBS News
STAGE: The Rockettes: Kicking up their heels for 100 years (Watch Video)Since their beginnings in Missouri a century ago, the troupe known as The Rockettes has been celebrated for their deftly-coordinated, high-precision dance moves. Since 1933, they've performed in the annual Christmas Spectacular at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Jane Pauley goes backstage with some of the dancers who have not only carried on the traditions of the Rockettes, but also have helped shape a new, diverse chorus line.
WEB EXTRA: The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" (Video)As a holiday treat for "Sunday Morning" viewers, The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," a highlight of Radio City's "Christmas Spectacular" since its debut in 1933.
For more info:
"Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes" (through January 5, 2026) | Ticket inforockettes.com The Rockettes on YouTube
Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest in
MOVIES: Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner | Watch VideoTurner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
Watch the CBS News special "Rob Reiner - Scenes from a Life," airing Sunday, Dec. 21, at 8:30 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on CBS, and streaming on Paramount+.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Three with Rob Reiner (YouTube Video)Watch three stories from the "Sunday Morning" archives featuring actor, writer and director Rob Reiner, including a 2010 profile in which he discusses his career, from star of the classic sitcom "All in the Family," to director of such hits as "Stand By Me," "The Princess Bride" and "When Harry Met Sally"; a 2023 feature in which Rob and his siblings, Annie and Lucas, talk about the legacy of their dad, comedian Carl Reiner; and a 2023 profile in which Reiner and his old high school classmate Albert Brooks reminisce about growing up in Beverly Hills, and how each became a major figure in comedy.
The members of Pentatonix: Matt Sallee, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying. / Credit: CBS News
MUSIC: Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies | Watch VideoThe a cappella quintet Pentatonix has won three Grammy Awards and sold 10 million albums, while their YouTube videos have been streamed more than six billion times. David Pogue talks with group members Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas – and about introducing musical instruments to the mix.
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Pentatonix sings "Christmas Time Is Here" (Video)
To hear Pentatonix perform "O Holy Night" click on the video player below:
For more info:
Pentatonix (Official site) | Tour info
HARTMAN: Secret Santa enlists a Baltimore elf to spread Christmas cheer (Video)Every year, Secret Santa (actually an anonymous, wealthy businessman) goes around the country handing out hundreds of $100 bills to random strangers, often accompanied by Steve Hartman. This time, Santa recruited Baltimore doctor Michael Zolicofer, a.k.a. Dr. Z, to help spread good tidings to random strangers and life-long patients alike.
Correspondent Anthony Mason with Sean Ono Lennon in New York's Washington Square Park. / Credit: CBS News
MUSIC: Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono | Watch VideoThe music of The Beatles, and of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, is timeless. And yet, musician, songwriter and producer Sean Ono Lennon says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, by reminding the world of its power. He talks with Anthony Mason about the Oscar-winning animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"; and of the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko," which features material he'd never heard before.
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Extended interview - Sean Ono Lennon (Video)
To watch a trailer for "One to One," click on the video player below:
For more info:
"One to One: John & Yoko" is now streaming on HBO Maxjohnlennon.comWatch "War Is Over!" on YouTubeSean Ono Lennon on InstagramThe Claypool Lennon DeliriumThe CurrentWar Child
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico. / Credit: CBS News
U.S.: A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls | Watch VideoThe Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. Faith Salie pays a visit.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: A New Mexico monastery meets the internet (Video)The purpose of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is to be a place where people can experience the divine. But as Charles Osgood reported in this May 19, 1996 "Sunday Morning" report, it was also branching out to the internet, as both a business and to educate others about the Benedictine monks' mission. Life magazine photographer Tony O'Brien also talks about capturing the monks' spiritual quest.
For more info:
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, N.M.The YouTube channel of Brother David, "The Desert Monk"
'TIS THE SEASON: Young People's Chorus of New York City: "Deck the Halls" (Video)"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
'TIS THE SEASON: Young People's Chorus of New York City: "Jolly Toyland" (Video)To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
NATURE: Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota (Extended Video)We leave you this Sunday before Christmas with trumpeter swans a-swimmin' near Brainerd, Minnesota. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
WEB EXCLUSIVES:
MUSIC: "The Sound of Christmas" (Video)What's Christmas without a rousing holiday song? "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue created the music and lyrics of "The Sound of Christmas." Hear it performed by Tess Lobell. Arrangement by Steven M. Alper; mix by Scott Jacoby.
EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Kate Hudson & Hugh Jackman (Video)Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, stars of the new film "Song Sung Blue," talk with Tracy Smith about playing Mike and Claire Sardina – real, not-very-famous musicians who performed a tribute act pretending to be very-famous musicians Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline. They also discuss singing, Neil Diamond's songs, and the Oscars (including, as Jackman was, being nominated opposite Daniel Day-Lewis).
MARATHON: A cheese wheel of stories (YouTube Video)Sit back and enjoy a bite of this marathon on everything with cheese:
The story of macaroni and cheeseRecipe for Halls Chophouse lobster mac & cheeseGrilled cheese mania sweeps the nationCreating the perfect mozzarellaThe story behind cacio e pepeBeauty of charcuterieMother Noella, the "Cheese Nun"Mother Noella on the science and spirituality of cheesemakingJim Gaffigan on why cheeseburgers are in "grave danger"Wisconsin's World Championship Cheese ContestA Sunday Drive: Say "Cheese"Almanac: Processed cheese
The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison.
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Investigators probing cause of plane crash that killed NASCAR driver
Nature: Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota
Young People's Chorus of New York City: "Jolly Toyland"
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
