The holiday season is poised to deliver a spectacular lineup of television, promising a welcome escape from the winter chill and the delightful chaos of family gatherings. Forget endlessly scrolling through streaming services – this year, the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 have curated a truly exceptional selection of shows.
Among the anticipated premieres, a chilling return to the Upside Down awaits with the final volume ofStranger Things. The fate of Eleven, Mike, and their friends hangs in the balance as they confront the terrifying Vecna. New episodes arrive on Netflix on Boxing Day, with a feature-length finale to cap off the series on New Year’s Day – a perfect antidote to any lingering holiday sluggishness.
Strictly Come Dancingwill grace screens with one last dazzling Christmas special, but this performance carries a bittersweet note. It marks the final appearance of beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, promising a night of spectacular dancing interwoven with heartfelt farewells. Expect tears alongside the tangoes and sambas.
Prepare for a thrilling reboot of a classic with theGladiators Celebrity Special. Fitness guru Joe Wicks and boxing champion Nicola Adams will face the ultimate test of strength and skill against the formidable Gladiators, culminating in the dreaded Eliminator. It’s a clash of titans guaranteed to deliver adrenaline-fueled entertainment.
Lord Alan Sugar’s ruthless business acumen gets a festive twist inThe Celebrity Apprentice: Christmas Specials. A two-part adventure sends celebrities to Lapland to craft and sell Christmas biscuits, all in the name of charity. The stakes are high, and the potential for hilarious mishaps is even higher.
Fans of delightfully absurd comedy are in for a treat with theAmandaland Christmas Special. The critically acclaimed series returns with a special episode, and the excitement is amplified by the reunion of the iconicAbsolutely Fabulousduo, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Prepare for a dose of outrageous fun.
For those who prefer a touch of the macabre, Mark Gatiss presentsA Ghost Story For Christmas: The Room in the Tower. Adapted from a classic E.F. Benson tale and starring Tobias Menzies and Joanna Lumley, this promises a chilling and atmospheric experience – far more frightening than any Christmas shopping expedition.
ITV’sThe Masked Singer Christmas Specialbrings back the guessing game, challenging judges Joel Dommett, Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Maya Jama to unmask the celebrity performers. Expect dazzling costumes, surprising reveals, and plenty of festive cheer.
A heartwarming reunion awaits fans of the cult comedyPeep ShowwithThe Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off. David Mitchell, Isy Suttie, Matt King, Sophie Winkleman, and Olivia Colman will trade awkward social interactions for baking challenges, judged by Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. It’s a recipe for comedic gold.
Channel 4’sDear Father Christmaspromises a touching and humorous drama. The story follows a teenager who refuses to relinquish his belief in Santa Claus, leading to a heartwarming exploration of family, belief, and the magic of Christmas. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy night in.
Finally, the ultimate showdown arrives withTaskmaster Champion of Champions. Previous winners will return to compete for the title of ultimate Taskmaster champion, facing Greg Davies’s bizarre challenges under the watchful eye of Alex Horne. Expect chaos, creativity, and potentially, a few spectacular meltdowns.
