Original subtitles

I'm Meg Marshall.

With Christmas two weeks away, we are still hoping

for more snow in time for Santa

to steer his sleigh over a beautiful Texas sky.

Isn't that right, Billy?

Thanks, Meg.

Back to you, Meg.

Back to you, Meg.

Back to you, Meg.

That's my bad.

Hey, mom, it's me... again.

Sorry, I keep calling, but I'm about to go on

and just wanted to hear your voice.

Please call me back.

I'm recording some behind the scenes footage.

You ready to knock their socks off?

Ready as I'll ever be.

Well, I think there's a network news internship

with your name on it.

Is this the student news team from UT?

I'm their professor.

Meg, where is Billy?

He missed rehearsal last night.

Sorry. I just need to make one quick call.

We're on-air in five. I need her camera ready.

I'll find Billy.

Okay. Copy that.

Is it really hot in here?

Oh. My script!

Why isn't Billy here?

You can handle it.

We all know who did

all the heavy lifting on this project, didn't we?

But he's my co-host.

Hey, hey!

Ho, ho, ho!

I knew he'd make it.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

I need butts in seats.

Hey, you've got my copy, right Meg?

Yeah. Oh.

Thanks.

He's looking cute in that suit.

Oh, really? I didn't notice.

Well, let's just give you some lipstick

in case you didn't notice you.

Okay. You look great.

Wow.

You look pretty.

Thanks for doing all this, Meg.

You're the best.

Uh, you're a little, uh...

Oh.

You missed quite a party last night.

Should I wear it?

What do you think?

I was busy working on our scripts.

Ah, just a little...

Can we get a little makeup over here?

Are you okay?

Hm? Oh. I just always, um,

talk to my mom before I go on stage, so...

You fall off the horse, you get back in the saddle.

- Whoa. What horse? - Here we go guys.

Is that one of my lines?

No. Just, uh, stick to the copy and, uh, be charming.

It's gotten you this far, right?

You think I'm charming.

Oh, mom. Thank goodness.

Actually, you know what? I think no hat.

Dad?

More professional, right?

Wait, what?

Okay, people. We're back in three... two.

Happy holidays, Hill Country. I'm Rhonda Wilson.

Every year at Christmas...

Meg. Meg.

You okay?

Billy Kane and Meg Marshall.

You got this.

Get her out of here. Get her out of here!

Billy!

Stay weird, Austin.

Words to live by.

I'm Billy Kane coming at you live from Longhorn News.

Now this week marks the kickoff of Christmas mayhem in ATX.

Hey, Charles.

Hey, Meg. Where are we at?

Um, I got a crew on top of the toy drive at Loretta's.

Nice.

And then they'll cover the free screening

of It's a Wonderful Life at Fern Park.

Oh, and did y'all hear Aunt Franny's fruitcakes

was chosen for Oprah's favorite things this year?

Can I get a Yee-haw for that?

Yee-haw!

Yeah, we'll work on that.

Pretty big news about Franny's Fruitcakes.

I didn't even think I like fruitcake.

So good.

Oh, hey, any update on your 40th anniversary

Reindeer Roundup piece?

It's not like you to turn your segments in late.

I know, and I should be able to do this with my eyes closed,

but I don't know why that's so hard.

Well, you'll figure it out.

You always do.

Yeah.

You were late for the live countdown on New Year's Eve.

You missed the ball drop.

To be fair, I was stuck in an Uber.

I mean, the traffic was terrible.

And then you fell asleep on air

during an interview for Fashion Week.

The guy had been talking about buttons.

Buttons for ten minutes.

You interviewed stars on the red carpet

and didn't know what movie they were in.

It was a very forgettable movie.

I mean, the reviews were terrible.

And then Billy... then there was this.

Santa!

Is no one allowed to make mistakes these days?

I mean...

No.

It is not just one mistake, Billy.

It's all of them.

And now Santa is suing.

Santa.

You botched the official start of Christmas.

If you just gave me a chance to do real news

to talk to regular people, I'd be more engaged.

No one wants to hear their news from Billy Kane.

They want you to spill the tea.

You just have to be charming and say what we tell you.

And you can't even do that.

I can be charming, I can be charming.

I can be my charming old self like I am every year in the...

Dancing Around the Christmas Tree special.

It's a 'Rockin'.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree special.

Right. Rockin', rockin'.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree.

I can do that like I do every year.

We won't be needing you for that anymore.

We're done here, Billy.

I think we all just need to take a breath.

Dancing. Rockin. Tomato. Tomahto.

I know the optics aren't great,

but low-key Billy didn't do anything bad.

Just a little sus.

Yes, just a little sus.

Sus?

Suspicious.

Okay. Consider this the beginning

of an indefinite leave of absence.

Did I just get fired?

They're just taking a little break.

Dumped. I've never been dumped.

Shh! Give me a minute to think.

Uh, where does your family live again?

You can spend Christmas with them

and wait for this mess to blow over.

Texas. I haven't lived in Dallas in 20 years.

Don't be delulu, Billy.

If you stay in L.A., the paparazzi could be anywhere

just waiting for you to make another mistake.

Trust. Once they see what they're missing,

they'll be begging to get you back.

Yeah, but-but-but- I--

You're going to Texas.

Everyone should suffer through the holidays

with their family anyway.

So, if anyone does snap a pic, I want the headline to be:

Billy Kane. Family man.

Texas?

Once a year during Reindeer Roundup,

these very horses get to be reindeer.

Last summer, this guy,

he survived a javelina attack.

He had to overcome his fears, rebuild his confidence.

A lot like you kids are learning how to do.

And because he's come so far,

this Christmas I've chosen him to be--

Drumroll, please.

Rudolph in this year's Reindeer Roundup.

Woo!

Okay, here we go, fellas. Let's do--

Easy there, cowboy.

Dad, I thought we agreed you were going to teach the kids

without riding the horses this year.

Exactly how am I supposed to do that?

I mean, someone's got to show them how it's done.

Great. You ready?

All right.

All right, kiddos. It's almost quitting time.

Why don't you all go get cleaned up.

I love watching you ride.

I love watching you ride, too, but...

that fall you took off Donner last year was no joke.

Yeah. Well, you know what I always say.

When you fall off a horse, you get

back in the saddle.

Please, Dad.

If you don't want me to stop riding,

host the Reindeer Roundup with me.

Dad, we've been through this.

I'm not going out there again. The lights, the crowd...

There's no way I could be on stage like that.

I don't know why you won't let me try to help you with this.

It's what we do here.

Look...

Everything happened for a reason, okay?

I'm happy behind the scenes. It's where I belong.

I'm proud of you.

I just wish your mom could see

what we created with Rising Saddles.

And all the kids we have helped.

It's a beautiful way to honor her memory.

It really is.

Reindeer Roundup just has to have

a Texas-sized turnout so we can fund it.

Well... let Travis ride for you and--

It can't be just anyone stepping into my boots, Meg.

It's the Marshall Ranch, after all.

I got to do it.

Besides you,

Reindeer Roundup is the only piece of your mom I got left.

Yeah.

I can't imagine having to tell those kiddos that it's over.

Wait, you're at DFW?

Billy, we sold the house in Dallas, remember?

We moved this fall

so Graham could go to a horse therapy program.

Why doesn't anybody tell me anything?

I mean, I left you three messages and the texts.

This is great. You can come here.

It's a different kind of Texas than we grew up in.

But it's an easy drive, and we have plenty of room.

Come to Fern.

Fern?

Billy, come.

There's something about this little Texas town.

It might be just the Christmas gift you need.

Calling all passengers...

Okay.

Still stressing about your Reindeer Roundup piece.

I put some extra marshmallows on there.

Looked like that kind of a night.

Thanks, Loretta.

Has anyone ever said no to extra marshmallows?

No one that I want to know.

Is Billy Kane getting canceled for Christmas?

Celebrity host and Hollywood bachelor Billy Kane

is getting some unwanted press of his own.

It was announced today that Kane will no longer be hosting

the annual Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree special.

A video has gone viral of Kane's latest on-air disasters,

creating a backlash against him, his lack of effort

and what many are calling Kane's entitled and lavish lifestyle.

Isn't that the fella?

The one you always make me change the channel

whenever he comes on?

Billy Kane.

That's him.

You might need some extra marshmallows.

Oh, I think we're gonna need something a little stronger

than that, Loretta.

Mmhmm.

A shot of peppermint schnapps for all of us.

I just can't believe it took this long to catch up with him.

He's made a career out of spreading the gossip.

It's about time he is the gossip.

You want to put yourself in the spotlight,

you got to be able to take the heat, right?

Mm.

To Billy Kane for being so--

Hot.

Meg Marshall.

Wow. Look at you.

You look great.

Hey, I love the whole cowgirl vibe

and the, uh, Canadian tuxedo.

It's a Texas tuxedo. Denim on denim.

It's a classic.

Ah!

Why am I defending my outfit to you?

Or-or better question,

why the heck are you in Fern?

Well, um...

You know, sometimes in Hollywood, you gotta

lay low for a bit until the nonsense blows over.

Oh.

Is that how news works?

Gosh. Meg Marshall, I mean, what are the odds

both of us spending Christmas

in this, um, this little podunk town?

Well, this "podunk town" is my home, Billy.

Not just for Christmas.

So...

Excuse me. Can I have a photo?

Oh, sure. Yeah.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Great - Thank you.

Uh, hey, hey.

I'm sure it's a very special place.

You know what? I have an idea.

Why don't I buy you a drink

and you can give me a Christmas tour.

Um, yeah, I think-I think I'm gonna pass

on being your holiday tour guide,

but if you're looking for friends in Fern,

I'm sure I can help you out.

Merry Christmas y'all. Next round's on Billy Kane.

Yeah!

Hey...

Thank you. Oh.

Yeah. Of course, yeah.

Hi!

Are you crazy?

Fern News. You guys have a station here?

I could have killed you.

You're a reporter.

I'm a producer.

I don't go in front of the camera anymore.

I don't have the ego for it.

Hey, you have to admit.

I mean, this is wild, right?

Us both being here.

We should... we should catch up, right?

For old times' sake.

Sure.

I'm happy with my life.

And the whole world knows

you're having a blast with yours.

So great. We're caught up.

Now, I've got work to do, so if you'll mosey on back

Ah, work. There it is. There it is.

That-that old- that old excuse.

We should just grab dinner.

Or is Megan Marshall still afraid to have fun?

Sure.

I'll have dinner with you...

if you can catch me.

How's that for fun?

Hey!

- My favorite brother! - Hi!

Home for the holidays.

It's a Christmas miracle.

Jeff, Graham, come say hi.

Wow. Look at this place. Bigger than your old place.

- Mmhmm. - Wow.

Hey.

He looks, um, taller on TV.

Yeah, that's all celebrities.

Thanks for that.

Welcome to Fern.

Mm... Mm... Mm... Mm!

Hey, buddy. How you holding up?

- I... - You know, because of the--

Right. No, we didn't watch that stupid viral video.

Of course, it did pass through my Facebook feed,

but I did not like it.

Hm.

But, dude, knocking Santa off that float was

hilarious.

He was like, whoa! And you were like, oh!

Jeff...

Sorry, I did watch it once. My bad.

Billy Kane. Hey, can we help you with your bags?

Yes, please.

Graham the man, you want to give Uncle Billy a hand?

- Thanks, buddy. - Thank you, sweetheart.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We really are so excited

to have you here with us for Christmas.

Even if it wasn't entirely your choice.

Well, I mean, who wouldn't want to be in Fern?

You did choose to be here, right?

Yes. I chose to move to Fern.

Just joking, just joking.

Graham was struggling a little in Dallas.

There was some bullying. He was losing his confidence.

But then we heard about this program, Rising Saddles.

It is amazing.

Equine therapy.

It helps kids, well, anyone really,

overcome all sorts of things.

Anxiety. Depression. Helps you find yourself.

It's great. Thank you for having me.

We are still settling in

and the guest room is a work in progress.

Bunk room's ready.

Bunk room?

All cowboys sleep in bunk rooms.

Uncle Billy can sleep on the bottom bunk.

Welcome to Fern.

Is he alive?

Yeah, he's just asleep.

I've never seen a grown-up sleep in so late.

Up and at 'em.

Ow!

What time is it?

Cowboys are up with the sun.

It's fine. Sleep.

We're just grabbing Graham's boots.

So we get to the Marshall Ranch on time.

Marshall?

As in Meg Marshall?

How do you know?

Uh, we're old friends.

You know what?

Why don't I take Graham to the ranch today.

Really?

Yeah, yeah.

Give me a chance to do some Christmas shopping

and spend some time with my favorite nephew.

Yeah.

Aren't I his only nephew?

Yeah.

Come on, let's go.

Morning, Miss Meg. We popped a tire.

You sure did.

This is my Uncle Billy.

I told him he really needs

an all-terrain vehicle around here.

Uncle Billy.

Mmhmm. That's me. This is my car.

So, does this count as catching you?

Because dinner's on me.

Hey. I'm, uh, I'm kind of stuck here.

I can see that.

No, I mean, in Fern for the holidays.

And it has been a while since I've been in Texas,

but I cannot stop thinking about queso.

Do you want to fix your car or get nachos?

Honestly, nachos sound pretty good.

Graham, check and see if there's a jack.

I'll check.

Hey, since I have you here, uh, about the station,

- you're a producer, right? - Mm-hmm.

I was thinking that it might be good for me to get

my hands dirty while I'm here.

You know, do a little real, real news.

Found it.

All right, cowboy, you want to--

Meg, you need a hand with that?

Oh. Thanks, Travis.

Looks like my main man, Graham's, got it under control.

Yeah, y'all got it from here?

Hi.

Hey, wait. Uh, are we on for Tex-Mex?

Breakfast Taco.

Tex-Mex as it gets.

Nice try, partner.

Come on.

No!

You must be Billy Kane.

Or what we're calling you around these parts... trouble.

Oh, the video makes it look worse than it actually was.

In Hollywood, there's a--

- Hollywood. - Yeah.

I ain't talking about Hollywood.

Sam Marshall, Meg's father.

Oh.

If you plan on sticking around here,

you either stay away from Meg or you make yourself useful.

Meg's got no time for play.

Totally. I mean...

Yes, sir.

Useful how?

Setting up Reindeer Roundup.

Reindeer Roundup?

What's that?

Oh, Meg's in charge of all this?

Makes the whole thing happen.

Huh?

Oh, here, let me help. I can be useful.

Great.

- Thank you. - Mmhmm.

Oh!

You know, on second thought,

I better ask Meg before I take on any new recruits.

Well, I reckon she's down at the station.

You know what? I'll, uh...

I'll go down to the news station and, uh,

I will tell her that you sent me.

It's really nice to meet you, Mr... Mr. Marshall.

Oh.

Wow. Sleeping on the job.

And they call me lazy.

How did you--

So, what you working on?

Um, I'm sure you wouldn't be interested.

It's just your regular local news for the people of Fern.

We don't cover your starlet girlfriends in this office.

- I deserve that. - Yeah.

So if you could please find somebody else

to follow around town,

I have a deadline on my Reindeer Roundup piece.

Ah, right. The Reindeer Roundup.

You know, by the look of things at the ranch,

I think you could use my help and your dad agrees.

My dad?

Did he tell you where to find me?

Yeah. He told me where to find you.

So where should we start?

I can give you notes on your segment,

or I guess we could head to the ranch and just sort of--

Yeah, neither.

Despite what my dad may have said.

Right on cue.

Hi, Dad.

Wait. What happened?

Uh, Meg, we got a breaking story.

A trailer full of snowballs came unhitched, and--

There's snow covering the road in both directions

and now the town.

Yeah, Dad. Of course.

Snowballs?

For the snowball corral.

Doesn't snow melt--

They're cotton, Billy. Keep up.

Billy. Billy Kane! That's Billy--

No. Oh, okay.

Uh, anyway, uh, the crews out covering the toy drive story,

but I've got an extra camera.

If you could find yourself a cameraman.

Yeah.

I know my way around a camera.

Are you coming?

Huh? And I thought L.A. traffic was bad.

How did this happen?

Oh, it looks like it hit that dang pothole

and it spilled everywhere.

All right, let's get this cleaned up.

So there are holes in the road.

I'm just saying, you know,

maybe it wasn't such a poor choice in rental cars.

- Okay. Hold this. - Yeah.

Hi.

You know what? Never mind.

I'll just set it here.

Breaking news.

Attractive man and beautiful but serious woman

find themselves trapped in a holiday snowmageddon.

See what happens. Live at 6:00.

Yeah. Breaking news.

Serious woman is actually trying to work.

Why don't you go over there and direct traffic.

Can attractive man handle that?

Okay. All right. Where should we start?

Hey!

Hey, Meg.

Anybody want a picture?

Have a look at Hollywood.

Here we are!

Seriously.

All right, let's get this all cleaned up

while he's got them distracted.

My hands are shaking.

Yeah.

Okay.

You know that whole hitching a wagon while running

a news segment thingy you did was something.

Yeah. That whole entertaining, frustrated driver thingy

you did was... actually something, too.

Why are you still here?

I left my car at the station.

Can I ask you something?

Why are you still here?

I mean, in Fern.

You could have made it in a place like LA.

I'm happy here.

I've always felt like I've been able

to see the difference I make.

Besides, I think I'd go crazy in a town full of Billy Kanes.

Yeah. Fair enough.

I mean, I sometimes drive myself crazy.

Oh wow, Tamales. I haven't had one in ages.

We used to have them every Christmas Eve.

It was one of my favorite family traditions.

Well, the Lopezes make the best in Texas.

In fact, your sister offered to host everyone tonight

to make them for the Roundup.

- She did? - She did.

You want to make yourself useful,

you could wrap them with us.

Or I could, uh, run the kissing booth.

You saw those stranded drivers. They were fawning over me.

You could really, uh, capitalize on that.

Okay.

Oh, ready to catch

all those hardened Christmas criminals, Dad.

- You bet your boots I am. - Mm-hmm.

No ties, no suits, no bah-humbug attitude.

Billy's got a nice one for your wall.

Yeah. Sure does.

Ooh, Gucci.

Bless you.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Well, we got to pick up the trees over at Big Jim's.

Maybe Hollywood here can give you a hand.

Him?

In those shoes?

Never say no to an extra pair of hands, Meg.

Grab him a pair of boots from the barn.

Hey, would your dad really have cut off my designer tie?

People love to get sent to reindeer jail.

They purposely wear old ties so they can get them cut off.

It's a hoot.

A hoot?

Wow. You really know how to have a good time.

Oh, wow.

What?

That smell.

I keep my Christmas tree in a box.

It's not- it's not the same as this.

So you like your trees like you like your news?

Fake.

Funny.

A little hurtful, but true. Yes, true.

Red carpet rundown is probably not going to win me a Pulitzer.

But I found my lane early in my career

and everyone thought I should stay in it.

Everybody but me.

My dad always says,

if you don't like the trail you're riding,

get off and walk.

Sometimes that's easier said than done.

Yeah, sometimes it is.

So...

What now?

We cut down some trees.

Hey.

You notice that mesquite behind you has mistletoe in it?

Be perfect for the kissing booth.

Nice city boy.

I'm pretty impressed you knew that was mistletoe.

I also know that mistletoe is a parasite.

And if we don't get it out of that tree,

it is going to kill it.

You see, you can take the boy out of Texas,

but you can't take the Texas out of the boy.

- Yeah. - Okay, Texas...

Um, let's, uh-- let's load up these trees.

Uh, yeah, we should go help with those tamales.

I put too much meat in the first one

and couldn't get the master on it, but now I've got it.

Nothing wrong with a hearty tamale.

Here you go.

Where's your tie and whose boots are those?

Oh, I am trying something new.

Cool.

Are you, um, gonna make a move or what?

Oh, here. Can I give you a hand?

Yes, actually.

- Can you-- - Yes. Here we go.

- Um... - Okay.

Oh, that is hot.

Thanks. I know how to handle my men.

Oh, really?

Well, at least of the gingerbread variety.

Hey.

- Gingerbread men? - Yeah.

How many do we have?

Ah...

This is my mom's gingerbread recipe.

Ah.

I remember after my parents passed away,

Christmas was the hardest.

It's probably why I stopped coming back

to Texas for the holidays.

Yeah.

Never stops being hard, does it?

But I bet it means a lot to Alison that you're here.

Yeah. I mean, she's kept the old family traditions.

Mmhmm.

It almost feels like Mom and Dad are in the other room

wrapping presents.

Yeah. Even after all this time

when I smell my mom's cookies baking...

it's like she's still here.

Well, maybe she is in some way.

She's inspiring all this.

Yeah.

Look, I know we haven't really talked about it,

but I just feel like I have to say some things

about the fact that I owe my entire career to you.

Yeah, let's not.

You forged your own path, just like I did.

Past is the past.

- Yeah, but, Meg, I think-- - Billy...

It's done.

Okay.

Oh, I can't believe I'm saying this, but

like you said, for old-time's sake,

maybe I can show you my Reindeer Roundup piece.

I thought you would never ask.

...expect all that and more

at the 40th anniversary celebration of Reindeer Roundup.

It's nice.

Nice?

It's not like Billy Kane not to have an opinion.

Well...

I mean, what do I know about real news, anyway?

I must have interviewed everyone in town twice.

It's been over 40 years of Reindeer Roundup.

There's so much to say.

Everyone loves something different.

I- I just want to fit it all in.

Maybe you don't have to.

Rising Saddles must be pretty special

if my sister moved her whole family here for it.

And your mother's spirit must be pretty powerful

if it can fill a room

every single time you smell her cookies.

I don't know, maybe you just want to capture...

that.

Well, when you do go back to LA,

back to your sunshine infusions or whatever.

This is a box of your stuff

I have now moved from three different houses.

Wow. My goodness, this is a blast from the past.

Why did you keep all this stuff?

I guess I just figured

if things ever got really desperate.

I could hock Billy Kane's Christmas stocking on eBay.

Oh, yeah.

You get big money- big money on that stuff.

- Look at these. - Oh my goodness.

Oh, my gosh.

Remember the matching onesies at Christmas.

Oh, don't think you're getting out of that this year.

You will be receiving your very own reindeer onesie

this Christmas as well.

More blackmail material?

- Oh, yeah. - Mm-hmm.

Wait. What-what's this? Meg Marshall?

Wow.

Yeah, this was our senior project.

We got chosen to do the Austin Morning News.

That was actually when it all went wrong.

Wrong?

Yeah, it must be so hard

to become rich and famous almost overnight.

No. Meg panicked.

She embarrassed herself on live TV.

Oh, so you have a lot in common.

Too soon.

Seconds before we went to air,

she actually found out that her mom had died.

Oh, no. Oh, that's so awful.

Yeah. I mean, it was awful, and nobody knew.

I ended up having to do it alone.

I sort of came off as the hero, got whisked off to LA and...

Yeah, the truth was that Meg, she did all the work.

This internship was her life.

I mean, I tried to tell everyone that she did the work,

but they... I don't know, they didn't listen.

Does she know that?

No. Meg's not interested in rehashing the past,

and I don't blame her.

In the end, she was the real winner.

She has built a life for herself that makes a difference.

And I am stuck here picking up the pieces of mine.

Stuck, huh?

Maybe you really do need those sunshine infusions.

Well, I'll have to make do with black coffee.

May I have this dance?

♪ Days are gettin' colder and the nights are getting long ♪

♪ Another year is over and another one coming on ♪

♪ All I want for Christmas is... ♪

Hey Meg! Coming to the Christmas campout tomorrow night?

Wait. The campout is tomorrow?

Yes, ma'am. Same time every year.

I can't believe I forgot the campout.

I gotta get back and start the barbecue.

Oh, the boys got it all under control.

Don't you, Travis?

You got it.

All you got to do is show up.

Now that's music to my ears.

Hey, Billy boy. You coming along, too?

- Come to where? - The Christmas campout.

Uh...

Oh!

Hollywood, is that you?

- Uh... - Are those wranglers?

Yeah.

I barely recognized you.

I barely recognized myself.

Yeah. I don't think Billy does camping

unless that's what he calls roughing it

in a standard room at the Four Seasons.

That's what I call glamping.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

All right. Okay, very funny.

Okay.

We should ask him to come.

We should teach him to do stuff.

He's gonna hurt somebody out here.

That's good.

♪ I'm going to wrap my arms around you... ♪

Fine. You can ask him,

but I'm not going to be his babysitter.

I got to get back to work.

See y'all under the stars.

Hey, Hollywood, we got to get you a bedroll.

- You're coming camping. - Uh...

I feel like I missed something.

It's the Christmas campout, and you're gonna want to be there.

There's only two places

that you're gonna catch Meg Marshall.

Getting lost, looking up at the big Texas night sky

or on the dance floor.

Judging by those two left feet,

I think the campout might be your only option.

♪ 'Tis the season ♪ Fern is jolly.

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la. ♪

Yee-haw!

Welcome to Reindeer Roundup.

Merry Christmas y'all.

Who's ready to have some fun?

Woo!

Hey, just checking in.

Seeing how it's all coming along.

I might not be the right person to tell this story.

Okay. I don't think that's true.

Look, you just got to find the beating heart.

You know, sometimes the stories closest to home

are the hardest ones to tell.

Uncle Billy?

Oh, sorry, buddy. I was trying to be quiet.

Get back to bed. Sorry.

I can't.

I'm nervous about the campout tomorrow.

Well, there's nothing to worry about,

and I'll be right there with you.

Yeah, I guess you understand.

I do.

Hey, what do you mean by that?

Mom says you're just like me.

You came here to escape from some bullies,

and Fern's gonna help you feel better, too.

Yeah.

I guess that's true.

We both have to push ourselves to do scary things.

Hey, I feel better knowing that I'm doing it with you.

I'll show you the ropes.

'Night, Uncle Billy.

'Night, buddy.

I'm glad you're here.

Me, too.

I'll teach you how to tie a knot for that latch.

Huh. I thought filling that up with hot air

would be a lot easier for you.

Oh, yeah. You gonna...

Oh!

Hey.

Maybe this will help.

Hey, y'all.

Uh, I just want to say that this, uh,

this Christmas campout is one of my favorite traditions

we do here at the ranch.

Meg, come up here with me. Come on.

You see this lady?

She was the inspiration for this program.

Rising Saddles, first Christmas miracle.

Her mother saw that this ranch helped her to grow

from a shy little girl hiding behind her daddy's leg

to this capable and confident woman you see here today.

And her mama knew this place could help others do the same.

And when her mother passed away,

Meg and I, we decided to make that dream a reality.

And we created Rising Saddles.

And I sure do miss my beautiful wife.

But her legacy shines through you kids,

and I thank you for that.

All right, enough of this sentimental stuff.

Let's get to the reindeer award.

All right. And the young cowboy that we've chosen

to guide Santa's sleigh this year

for reindeer Roundup is...

Graham.

Graham, for the gram!

Oh, yeah.

All right, all you cowboys and cowgirls,

let's get some shuteye. We got a big day tomorrow.

Silent night, Holy night.

All is calm and all is...

Maybe you actually do want a silent night.

I'll get back to the campout.

You can stay.

So...

You really are the OG Christmas miracle, huh?

As the story goes.

Hm.

I always thought Meg Marshall came out of the womb

kicking butt and taking names.

It's hard for me to imagine you as timid or shy.

They want to believe the magic of this place

transformed me into some confident, amazing woman.

Unfortunately, I am not the success story

he makes me out to be.

Oh, come on. You're like the mayor of Fern.

Look at Reindeer Roundup.

Yeah, exactly.

My dad always dreamed I'd take it over,

but I have a panic attack

every time I stand in front of a camera.

I still have nightmares of impaling that newscaster

with a Christmas tree.

Oh, she survived.

That was a one-time thing.

You were the star of our class.

Thanks.

It was different when my mom was here.

The day she died, I lost that part of myself.

I still feel like the little girl hiding in the shadows.

Dad!

I don't want the kids to see me like this.

- Ah! - Call an ambulance!

Okay, okay.

Morning, sunshine.

How are you feeling, Dad?

Well, I was just telling this lovely young lady

that she could save the decorations

for the patients who are staying over Christmas.

I got a Reindeer Roundup to host.

Uh-huh. And I told you, Mr. Marshall,

I can't make any promises,

no matter how much he flatters me.

Yeah, the doctor's the only one who can discharge you.

Dad, this is serious.

Even if by some miracle, you get out of here

before Christmas, no way you can host.

Then you should.

Don't. That's not an option.

Unless I can magically find some other host

that you actually approve of.

Yeah, I was afraid you were going to say that,

so I made a call.

Hollywood.

He can save Reindeer Roundup.

Billy?

That's me.

Magic host. You're welcome.

Uh, okay. No offense, Billy,

but you think he can take mom's place or yours?

He doesn't know anything about any of this,

Fern, Rising Saddles.

Have you ever thrown a lasso?

Have you even been on a horse?

Meg, we got a dozen cowboys on the ranch

who can do that sort of stuff.

What we need is a good host, someone who can work the crowd.

That's what your mom had.

You can teach people to cowboy. You can't teach charisma.

That's right. And I'm a natural.

Okay. Teach him to cowboy in less than a week?

Look at him.

His jeans are tucked into his boots.

Yeah, but you know how to do all of that stuff.

You teach them.

Uh, okay.

Okay. This is a terrible idea.

You'll get them there.

And if not, the crowd will get a kick out of Hollywood

making a fool of himself.

Sure, you look the part,

but the horses aren't going to be impressed

by just a pretty face.

Oh. You, uh, think I have a pretty face.

So what exactly did I sign up... for?

Um, is there a script? Uh, do I just wing it?

Wing it?

It's a little more than that.

You're the master of ceremonies.

You're going to ride in on Santa's sleigh.

All right. Piece of cake.

What else?

The main event is the Christmas tree lassoing competition.

Anyone can compete. Your job is to get on a horse.

Lasso the tree first and show them how it's done.

No, no, no, no, that- that...

That's not possible.

I gotta get to work.

These boys will take good care of you.

You don't just stand there waiting on a storm to pass.

Ride through it.

Go get 'em, cowboy.

Okay.

What do I do?

How do I become a cowboy?

Seriously?

You want to be a real cowboy?

You gotta learn how to ride the bull.

Aren't these for tourists and bachelorette parties?

Look, I'm not joking.

If you can't do this,

there's no way that you're gonna be able to host

the Reindeer Roundup.

No, no. I got this, I got this.

How hard can it be?

Huh? It's not that bad.

Oh.

Whoa! Whoa!

Whoa!

Oh!

Hey. Hey, you okay?

Yeah.

I think I broke my dignity, but I'm- I'm good.

Do I really have to ride that to become a cowboy?

No. We were just messing with you.

It's kind of an initiation thing.

Thanks. Ooh.

All right, let's get back to work.

Uh, actually, while I have you here,

there is one thing that you could help me with.

Opening this shop has been my way

of celebrating my Aunt Franny.

And a reminder that someone may surprise you

if you give them a chance to show you who they really are.

I just need to add some graphics,

and I think it'll be done.

I can't wait to see it all put together.

Good job.

Didn't even make it past day one.

I knew it.

Um... what's going on?

May I have this dance?

♪ Oh, yeah.

♪ There is a wondrous sight and a joyful sound ♪

♪ every Christmas Eve in a Western town ♪

♪ Gather up the kids all the friends and family ♪

♪ 'Cause the holly is hung and the candy is bright ♪

♪ they're tunin' up the fiddles on a moonlit night ♪

Okay, y'all better get out here and dance with us.

♪ There's a jolly man...

You learn this today?

Well, I didn't learn to lasso.

And I'm fairly sure that the horse-playing vixen

had a personal vendetta against me.

But two-stepping is just my speed.

♪ roll back the rug so we can two-step ♪

♪ 'round the Christmas tree

♪ waiting near the mistletoe you'll never get a kiss ♪

♪ I never move that slow there's too much I could miss ♪

♪ 'cause a western gal can't be still ♪

♪ and a silent night is not for me ♪

♪ roll back the rug

♪ so we can two-step 'round the Christmas tree ♪

Come on.

Come on.

If you're going to tell me you rode here on a horse,

I might pass out.

Well, not exactly a horse, but I did trade up

for something with a little more horsepower.

No.

Is Billy Kane becoming a cowboy?

Well ma'am, I'm trying.

See you tomorrow.

You better rest up.

I'm getting you on a real horse in the morning.

Wow, Graham, I love that.

You okay, bud?

I think it's my fault Mr. Marshall got hurt.

I messed up on the knot, on the pen,

and that's how Vixen got out.

You know, I think you might be a little hard on yourself.

I think it's probably that old fence's fault.

So why don't we go visit Mr. Marshall.

Maybe that'll make you feel better.

I think that's a great idea. And you know what, buddy?

I just picked this up today.

Why don't you take it to Mr. Marshall, hm?

What do you say? Let's get going.

Yeah, let's do this.

I'm-I'm sorry, Mr. Marshall.

I don't deserve to guide the sleigh anymore.

Well, I appreciate you coming.

That shows great strength of character.

And that is exactly why you were chosen

to guide this sleigh in the first place, Graham.

But the thing about mistakes is they happen to everyone.

The cowboys,

we know we can't let that define us.

So we learn.

When we fall off a horse,

we get right back up into the saddle.

Isn't that right, Billy?

Yeah.

Even when it seems impossible.

And it happens to everyone, Graham.

Everyone.

So Rudolph will be right there waiting for you

when you're ready to get back up.

Come here.

Good boy.

Bye, Mr. Marshall.

Bye Graham.

Thanks.

Hey, once you throw the rope,

you got to pull the slack

and then you quickly get back to the horn.

You make that look pretty easy.

All right, let's throw some rope.

Pretend this tree is your bucking bronco,

and you're the rodeo star that's going to take him down.

Hey, buddy. Nice horns.

Can't charm a bull, Billy.

All right.

Don't mind the swingy thing above my head.

Ah!

Ugh!

Dang it!

Hey, look, if it's too hard, you can always just ride in

and we can get someone else to throw the lasso.

Oh, you mean ride in...

looking charming.

I-I didn't mean it like that.

But Reindeer Roundup is only five days away.

Yeah. I want to do this.

I want to do something for real.

I'll get it.

I promise.

More arm, less wrist.

Yeah.

That's getting better.

Just remember,

you got to do this on a horse.

Right.

Hey buddy, hey. Hey, buddy.

Hey.

He likes you.

Oh. You think?

See how he's leaning in like that?

He trusts you.

That's nice.

I'm kind of used to letting people down.

Oh, come on. You're Billy Kane.

Every guy wants to be you and every girl wants to--

Oh, what was that?

Okay. Let's get on these.

No, I want to hear the rest of that sentence.

Left foot in the stirrup.

- Okay. - Mm-hmm.

Oh! Swing your right leg over.

There you go.

Nice.

Hand forward to go forward.

Okay, I think I'm getting it.

What do you say we go a little faster?

Come on.

Just remember, you want to be able to walk tomorrow.

You got to post up like this.

Not unlike the pasture ride on the Peloton.

Not every Christmas you find yourself eating queso

with your college crush.

You had a crush on me?

Why else would I have done your homework for you?

Well, why didn't you say yes when I begged you to come

to those parties with me?

What?

You...

You never begged me.

Well... I should have.

It would have been more fun.

Getting shipped back to Texas is not the punishment

that I thought it was going to be.

I can be tougher.

Oh, no. You are tough enough.

In fact, I have got these rope burns from all that lassoing.

Oh.

Let me see.

Hey.

Hey.

I wanted you to be the first to know

I'm giving your fruitcake piece top story to close out the year.

Really?

Yeah. It's heartwarming and-and really well done.

Thanks.

Oh, but if you did get

your Reindeer Roundup piece ready in time,

I'll definitely reconsider.

So for real, you're not coming back

because you want to stay in Texas

to host a Christmas celebration?

That's the plan.

For kids?

Yeah, kids, families, you know, townsfolk.

So you're like cosplaying as a cowboy, riding horses

and lassoing Christmas trees?

Yeah, I guess.

You know, it's like a classic cowboy Christmas thing.

Texas-y.

Bill, you ate with this plan.

Ate?

You nailed it.

I couldn't have scripted it better myself.

- What? - It's fire!

Leave it with me.

This might be the perfect thing to get you back on air.

What do you mean?

All right. Bye.

I can't believe I made a literal fruitcake

more interesting than the ranch.

How-how is that even possible?

You haven't finished yet.

Everything in process is kind of muddy.

So...

Tell me...

about your first memories of Reindeer Roundup.

It's not about me, though.

It's about- It's about the community.

I am the reporter.

All due respect, you are the interviewee, so.

You're five years old.

You're on stage with your mom and your dad.

What do you remember?

The sound.

What exactly do you hear?

The sound of the sleigh bells.

as Mr. and Mrs. Claus rode into the corral.

They knew they were coming

before I could even see them, and...

And then when I finally did see them

with our horses as their reindeer, it was...

so majestic.

And how did you feel?

I felt all this...

love and joy that my parents had done all of this for me

and-and for our town.

Even now, when I hear those sleigh bells,

I feel so much love.

It's like my heart might burst.

It's my heart.

I am the story.

I am the beating heart I've been searching for.

I have to do this.

Thank you.

You're a great reporter, Billy Kane.

- I mean it. - Yeah.

Let's do this.

Hey.

- Hey. - Hey.

Okay, close your eyes and open your hand.

What is this?

It's the Reindeer Roundup piece, and...

I credited you as a producer.

Thank you.

You deserve it.

What's that?

Oh, no.

Billy!

Look at this fit.

Okay. Jeans and cowboy boots,

heartland is going to eat this up.

What are you doing here?

This is exactly the kind of comeback that you needed.

Maybe your best idea ever.

I couldn't have planned a better publicity stunt.

You'll be back in LA so soon.

I know you've been dying to get away from--

Wait... what did you call this place, hicksville?

I didn't- I didn't say that.

No one's going to remember you ever made a single mistake

once they see all you've done to save the children

in this "Saddles" program.

All you've done to save them?

Sorry, who are you again?

I-I'm Meg Marshall. This is my ranch.

Oh, sweet. Okay, you can help set up cameras,

find Billy's best angles.

Okay.

Chelsea is my publicist,

and, um, Chelsea, Meg is the one that is responsible

for the Reindeer Roundup.

Reindeer Roundup, I'm dying!

Is that actually what it's called?

I know you're not supposed to admit this,

but I guess this actually is my first rodeo.

It's not a rodeo. It's a circus.

Meg!

Hey, you have to listen to me.

Oh, do I?

Why should I?

I'm just another hick from Hicksville.

No, you don't understand, Meg. That's not what I was--

Let me guess, you're gonna explain it to me.

I didn't ask for any of this.

Neither did I.

I didn't ask for you to come here and bother me.

I can't believe I gave you another chance.

This is-this is college all over again.

This is what you do.

You- you wait until the cameras are pointed at you,

and then you swoop in and you steal all my hard work.

No Meg, I understand why you would think that,

but that's not what's happening.

That's not who I am.

Reindeer Roundup is sacred.

It's about helping the kids in Rising Saddles,

not helping you get your career back.

I am so sorry.

Well, it's a little late for that.

I've got to go pick up my dad from the hospital.

When I get back,

all of these people better be off of my property.

Meg, please.

And that means you, too.

Please, please. Meg! Meg! Meg, please.

Okay. Camera crew is by the corral.

I'm thinking you, porch, golden hour.

Chelsea. No.

I need all the cameras off the ranch right now.

A news truck pulled into the corral

spooked the horses and scared Graham.

Hurry!

What?

Hey, hey, hey!

Let's get all the cameras off the ranch.

Come on, guys!

Hey, hey, please back off. This is a live animal.

It's okay.

Please, please. Give us some space.

Graham. Hey, buddy.

It's okay.

The horse got a little scared because of all the commotion.

They're scaring everybody.

I was right, I don't want to do Reindeer Roundup.

I just want to go home.

It's okay, buddy.

Give him some space.

Hey, there she is.

Okay. Let's get you out of here.

Oh, no, no, no, sorry.

Uh, Meg, uh, Dr. Lee doesn't think it's a good idea

for Sam to leave quite yet.

His blood pressure is still a little high,

and we can't trust that he's not going to overdo it

at the Roundup.

Unbelievable.

I'm sorry.

This whole thing is unbelievable.

The ranch is a literal media circus.

Billy has ruined everything.

Meg, calm down. What's going on?

The ranch is covered with reporters

from all over the country

who are here to film Billy hosting.

That could raise a lot of money for Rising Saddles.

I told you Billy could help.

I can't believe you're on his side.

This was all just a big publicity stunt to him.

He used us.

He used me.

It was all to save his career so he could get back to LA.

Meg.

Reindeer Roundup is three days away.

You're going to be stuck in the hospital.

I- I can't do this myself.

This is exactly what I was afraid of.

Meg, I'm sorry. I thought that Billy--

We were wrong.

And now I have to figure this whole thing out alone.

Nothing is worth you feeling like this.

I'm calling it.

What?

Reindeer Roundup is canceled.

Dad.

There's magic on my family's ranch,

and it changes lives at Christmas.

♪ Deck the ranch with boughs of holly. ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la. ♪

Getting back in the saddle is a lifelong pursuit.

Sometimes you think you're ready to get back on the horse,

and then you fall back down.

You can't find your place or your purpose.

Like Rudolph...

Maybe you don't see the value

of the shiny red nose on your face.

It takes patience, perseverance

and most of all, love.

Reindeer Roundup is how we celebrate all of those things.

It's where magic is created.

You discover who you are

and you see what can happen when you share your light.

She did it.

Are you okay?

I better go pack my bags.

Please stay.

Come on, at least for Christmas. It's only three more days.

It's better for everyone if I just go.

Go back to my career.

Skating behind other people's work.

Being a fraud.

That's a little harsh, don't you think?

It's true.

No, it's not.

You wouldn't have become America's sweetheart

if there was no there, there.

People love you because you're lovable.

We love you, Billy.

Fight for the life you want.

Hi.

Hey.

I brought you this decoration that Graham made

for Reindeer Roundup, but I see that it's canceled.

Yeah. That's so sweet.

I- I love it.

Thank you.

I'm so sorry, Meg.

No. I-I'm so sorry.

I don't know what this is going to mean for the future

of Rising Saddles.

Well, if there's anything we can do to help,

just say the word.

Graham loves it here.

We all do.

Thanks.

I really think you should watch this.

I don't know all the details of what happened yesterday,

but I do know Billy cares about you.

He always has.

Bye Meg.

Hey, Hazel, what's going on?

Haven't you heard?

The Roundup is canceled.

Sorry, Billy.

You can't cancel Reindeer Roundup.

It's too late, Billy.

Without a host, we don't have a choice.

No, but we do have a host.

Meg.

Meg can do it and I have the proof.

This is a segment that Meg made for Reindeer Roundup on camera.

And she is good.

Mr. Marshall, she is really good.

My Meg on camera?

She can do it. I know she can.

She just needs a little encouragement.

What are you getting at?

What if I can get a bunch of people to see this.

You can pull that off?

I think I know someone who could.

Why are you still standing there?

Well, look who just became a cowboy in time for Christmas.

Oh. Hey, Meg.

I was just coming by to give you the good news

about your Reindeer Roundup piece taking top story.

But now it sounds like I can't air it at all.

Is it true that it's been cancelled?

Yes, in fact, it is.

And you can thank Billy Kane for that.

He almost had me convinced that people could change.

But he's the same guy he's always been.

Okay. And who exactly is that?

Oh.

This is the real Billy Kane,

capitalizing on the worst moments of my life

and stealing other people's work.

Here. Look.

See for yourself.

Oh!

See, I almost kill a woman with a tree.

Billy's loving it, I'm sure.

But Billy doesn't take a beat.

He just swoops in and steals everything I did.

Stay weird, Austin. Words to live by.

I'm Billy Kane, coming at you live from Longhorn News.

Just like he tried to do with Reindeer Roundup.

No, no. I'm sorry.

I can't take the internship. It was Meg's.

Meg Marshall.

She did all the work.

I don't know what happened,

but I promise you, she's incredible.

Meg's the one you want.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe he is the same person he's always been.

Look, sometimes it's impossible for us to fully know

even our own stories.

Sorry. I need your help.

I tried to help you.

You sent my help away.

Now I'm dancing.

I know, and I'm sorry about that.

You should be.

I promised the network I was taking you home.

Now I'm boot scootin' boogie in a honky tonk.

Yeah, and you're awfully good at this.

Shut up, Beyoncé.

My Texas hold 'em line dance post did go viral.

Which is exactly why I need your help.

Because I'm not looking to just rehab my image.

I'm looking for a complete rebrand.

And that's the tea.

Hey.

- Hi. - Hi.

I made a mistake. I've got to talk to Billy.

Meg.

Billy's already gone.

What?

He felt awful.

He didn't mean for any of this to happen.

I-I know.

I'm too late.

You know what Mr. Marshall would say?

Get back in the saddle.

Oh, Graham.

I've gotta go get Billy.

Meg, Meg, Meg! Wait, wait, wait.

It's like over an hour to DFW.

His flights in 30 minutes.

I don't think you're gonna make it.

Holy guacamole.

What? What's happening?

Meg is all over social media.

What?

And you see what can happen when you share your light.

Marshall Ranch taught me that a cowboy doesn't wait

for the storm to pass.

He rides through it.

That's Billy's account.

And Meg...

I'll be here if you want to ride with me.

Wait. He-he's at Loretta's.

Go, go, go, go, go, go. Go, go, go, go!

- On the house. - Thanks.

Reindeer Roundup is trending.

People from all over Texas are coming.

Yeah, well, there's only one person I care about seeing it.

Hey.

Our girl made the national news.

Guys, get in here. Check this out.

Getting back in the saddle is a lifelong pursuit.

Billy!

If you think you're ready to get back on the horse.

I'm so sorry. I was wrong about you.

About all of it.

You're the only thing I know is right.

What y'all staring at?

We've got a Roundup to put on.

Yee-haw!

Yee-haw!

♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell jingle bell rock ♪

♪ Jingle bell swing and jingle bells ring ♪

♪ snowin' and blowin' and bushels of fun ♪

♪ Now the jingle hop has begun ♪

♪ What a bright time it's the right time ♪

Spicy.

♪...to rock the night away

♪ Jingle bell time it's a swell time ♪

♪ to go ridin' in a one-horse sleigh, ♪

♪ so giddy-up jingle horse

♪ pick up your feet

♪ Jingle around the clock

♪ Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin' feet ♪

♪ that's the Jingle Bell Rock

Look at those green, green, green.

Green-- no!

Hey, y'all.

Y'all, y'all.

Y'all, y'all.

Hey, y'all.

Oh!

You nervous?

No.

Do I seem it?

Oh, I am.

Well, you just stick to the script and be charming.

Is the rumor true?

If I knew all I had to do

was break my leg to get you to host,

I'd have done it a long time ago.

Dad! You're here.

Oh, you're darn tootin'.

- Billy. - Hey.

I knew you could do it.

All these years, even the thought of going on stage

made me feel the pain of losing mom all over again.

I finally realized this is where I can find her, too.

I've been waiting a really long time to give you this one.

Mom's belt buckle.

I love it.

Thanks, Dad.

You're welcome, darlin'.

Wait.

How did you get out of the hospital?

Oh, uh, hearing you were going to host

is just what the doctor ordered.

Oh.

You two ready?

Let's do it.

All right.

Yee-haw!

Yee-haw!

Wow.

Look at this crowd.

I'm Meg Marshall, and this is my family's ranch.

I'll be your host tonight for Reindeer Roundup.

And joining me,

please give a big Texas welcome to the best co-host

a gal could ask for.

Billy Kane!

It is great to be back in Texas.

And you all know how to make a guy feel at home.

Most of y'all are used to seeing

my dad up here but...

tonight he gets to enjoy the show.

And now we have a special announcement.

That's right, Meg.

We're thrilled to tell you that because of your generosity.

This year's Reindeer Roundup has raised enough money

to keep Rising Saddles running for many years to come.

Okay.

Who's ready to meet the real stars of the show?

Oh, I...

I thought that I was the star.

Sorry, Billy. Not tonight.

I'm gonna have to talk to my agent.

All right, Meg, let's meet them.

It's our pleasure to introduce this year's participants

of Rising Saddles.

The major leaps that these kids have taken not just on horses.

They've overcome fears and gained real confidence.

But the student that most

encompassed those values this year.

And the young man who guided in Santa's sleigh

is Graham Phillips.

Yeah, Graham!

Graham, would you like to do the honors?

Okay, everyone, let's head out to the corral.

It's time to lasso some Christmas trees.

Let's go!

Billy, you're back.

People are losing their minds for cowboy Billy Kane.

When we get you back to LA--

I'm not going back.

What?

I'm staying in Fern.

For a while, at least.

There's a developing story

and I want to see how it unfolds.

Meg, you have some major main character energy.

How do you feel about oat milk and palm trees?

Somebody's got to run Rising Saddles

and put on the 41st Reindeer Roundup.

I already got the best co-host.

What do you say, partner?

Sounds like breaking news.

I gotta make some calls.

So...

who's gonna throw the first lasso?

Um...

Woo!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.