Rachel Maddow reviews how poorly Donald Trump's policies are being received by the American public as Trump continues to appoint laughably unqualified sycophants to top agency roles, and leadership failures mount. As a result, not only are Trump's poll numbers tanking, but even Republican politicians are recognizing that it's not in their interest to tie their fates to Trump's sinking ship.

As Donald Trump fills the leadership roles of the U.S. public health system with quacks and kooks, sane states are taking it upon themselves to employ actual experts with real public health administration experience to make sure the public has credible guidance even if that guidance is not coming from the federal government. Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC official and new senior medical adviser to the California Department of Health, talks with Rachel Maddow about this new shift in public health authority as Donald Trump and his clown show are simply ignored.

And the FBI is suffering a similar fate, with Trump lackeys in leadership driving out the agency's qualified staff and leaving behind only incompetent Trump loyalists to run the sadly weakened organization.

Watson's biohacker friend Hobie (aka the man with the glowing chest) returns when he rushes his new girlfriend to the Holmes Clinic after they partake in a gene-editing experiment that goes wrong. Meanwhile, Watson becomes suspicious of Sherlock.

New polls paint a bleak picture for the Trump economy. Plus, the weekly jobless claims hit their highest level in over four years. Also, Trump's redistricting push fails in Indiana. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Jared Bernstein, Charlie Sykes, Tom Nichols, State Sen. Shelli Yoder, and Rep. Maxwell Frost join Ali Velshi.

Guests include Simu Liu, Jake Connelly, Alysa Liu and comedian Greg Warren. Show.

1. Michelle Obama ("The Look"). 

2. Mia Goth ("Frankenstein").

Paul Rudd.

Lesley Manville.

Guests include Gwyneth Paltrow (Marty Supreme) and Brad Paisley (Snow Globe Town).

Kat makes an unlikely ally in her quest to help Zoe, Jasmine finds herself in hot water, and Ian attempts to support Lauren.

Mary is suspicious, while Rhona plays a risky game and Lydia is feeling guilty.

George quizzes Todd and Theo about their row, Brody gets in the way of Will and Megan, and Dee-Dee drops a bombshell as the Baileys toast her new job. In the corner shop, Joanie and Shanice try to steal a bottle of wine, but they are caught red handed.

Donny and Misbah's relationship is on the rocks. Frankie receives a threatening letter. And Mercedes wants to turn over a new leaf with her boyfriend Warren.

Trainee Kayla is in the deep end, learning to feed the unpredictable python Rachel. At Dubbo, the vet team carefully sedates cheetah Innes for a critical dental check. Plus, a keeper reveals the fascinating, rare birthing process of the Norfolk Island snail.

Every dollar spent is a vote cast.

Eighty chefs enter the game to earn a chance at facing a group of White Spoon chefs — but a shocking twist immediately raises the stakes for everyone.

The cast of Critical Role drinks a Jack Rose and gives Grant a special gift.

In London, Michael B. Jordan and Dave play darts at a pub, then sit down to talk "Sinners," directing his own films, and taking a punch to the face.

Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price on "The Amazing Generation." Jack Black and Paul Rudd on "Anaconda." Amazon Last Minute Gifts Blowout with Adrianna Brach. Performance by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS: Co-host Nate Burleson sits down with Gloria Gaynor, singer and Kennedy Center honoree.

Co-host Gayle King sits down with Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, actors in "Song Sung Blue."

Matt Rife, comedian and host of"Matt Rife: Unwrapped – A Christmas Crowd Work Special."

Actor Timothée Chalamet discusses "Marty Supreme" with George Stephanopoulos; actors Caleb McLaughlin and Finn Wolfhard ("Stranger Things"); Peloton instructors Robin Arzón and Jess Sims; Deals & Steals: Holiday Gifting with ABC e-commerce editor Tory Johnson.

Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, invites Dave to his hometown to teach him about wildly expensive viral stunts, philanthropy, and how to bury yourself alive.

Jason Bateman and Dave step into the batter's box at Dodger Stadium, then discuss sports, "SmartLess" and how "Arrested Development" revived his career.

From a Seoul-style meal to a rich porridge, the Black Spoons bring out their culinary best to survive the elimination round — but ruthless cuts continue.