Taraji P. Henson’s ‘White Hot Holidays’ Is Going Retro
It’s a Christmas Cookie! Empire queen Taraji P. Henson is back for her third annual Yuletide special, Taraji’s White Hot Holidays, and this time she’s going retro.
“Taraji grew up glued to The Carol Burnett Show,” says executive producer Casey Patterson. “She wanted that same warm, loose, family feeling, with lots of big production numbers and a company of funny friends who love making each other laugh—and that’s exactly what she’s getting!”
The 2017 edition finds Henson going for those guffaws in an A-list comedy ensemble that includes Jay Pharoah, Niecy Nash and Tituss Burgess. There’s a reindeer riff on Hamilton—Prancerton—with Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. And the diva count—Chaka Khan, Ciara, Faith Evans, Salt-N-Pepa—is through the roof.
Henson’s Empire kid Jussie Smollett is also in the house, duetting with Fergie on a Gene Kelly–inspired medley of :Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” Alas, Henson’s fondest Christmas wish remains elusive. “She’d dearly love Carol Burnett to make a guest appearance one year,” Patterson says. “She is the only star who leaves Taraji speechless!”
Taraji’s White Hot Holidays 8/7c, Fox
