Christmas television can be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, TV executives are scrambling to make sure everyone from toddlers to centenarians are entertained. But in trying to please all ages, they often end up pleasing no one, leaving viewers feeling like it’s better to just curl up with a blanket and skip the holiday programming altogether. Yet, every so often, a real gem shines through in the festive lineup, something that makes all the endless reruns of old Christmas specials and cheesy movies worth it.
This year, our top pick has to be Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, a Sky Atlantic drama featuring the incredible Colin Firth. Playing Jim Swire, a father whose daughter was one of the 270 victims of the tragic 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, Firth delivers an unforgettable performance. While it doesn’t bring the usual Christmas cheer, it offers something much more profound—a powerful exploration of grief, truth, and justice. The series may not air until January 2nd, but it’s definitely one to look forward to as we roll into the new year. The makers are hoping it will have the same impact as last year's Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, which made headlines for its bold storytelling.
Before we get to that, though, there’s plenty to watch in the run-up to the New Year. From the final farewell to Gavin & Stacey to the latest season of The Traitors, your TV screens are filled with a variety of offerings. Here's a sneak peek at what's coming your way, along with our verdict on which shows are worth your time and which ones are best left for background noise.
The Hairy Bikers: You’ll Never Ride Alone – BBC Two, December 23
If you’ve been following the Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers and Si King, since their debut in 2004, then you’ll want to catch this special. This heartfelt program feels especially poignant after the devastating loss of Dave earlier this year at the age of 66. The Hairy Bikers: You’ll Never Ride Alone is a celebration of their legacy—a mix of private grief and public love. It’s a final chance for fans and family to express their gratitude, allowing Dave and Si to ride off into the sunset, metaphorically speaking, with a tear-jerking send-off that honors their extraordinary friendship and shared journey.
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale – BBC One, Christmas Day
After the explosive conclusion of the 2019 Christmas special, where Nessa proposed to Smithy, fans have been eagerly waiting to see what happens next. The Christmas Day finale, while a bit longer than it needed to be (90 minutes), delivers a satisfying end to the beloved series. Though it doesn't quite reach the iconic status of The Royle Family’s "The Queen of Sheba," there’s still magic in the air. Co-creators Ruth Jones and James Corden shine in their roles as Nessa and Smithy, and there’s a particular scene that’s bound to tug at your heartstrings. Even if you’re not a diehard fan, the finale brings a bittersweet closure to this long-running comedy.
Outnumbered Christmas Special – BBC One, Boxing Day
What’s Christmas without a little chaos? The Brockman family returns for a special one-off episode, where the kids are back home to celebrate Christmas. Think bickering, beef Wellington, and plenty of awkward family moments that will feel all too familiar. While Outnumbered’s gentle humor might not hit everyone’s funny bone, it’s a comforting look at the everyday madness of family life. The performances are a little rough around the edges, but there’s undeniable charm in this sitcom that’s perfect for a Boxing Day wind-down.
The Split: Barcelona – BBC One, December 29
Get ready for a drama-packed trip to sunny Spain with The Split: Barcelona. Picking up two years after the final season of the hit divorce drama, this two-part special brings a gorgeous, sun-soaked setting and emotional complications galore. Nicola Walker’s Hannah, a seasoned divorce lawyer, is back—this time juggling her legal expertise and her role as a mother, all while her daughter Liv is about to marry in a beautiful Barcelona wedding. Of course, there’s a hefty prenup on the table, and plenty of relationship drama to keep things spicy. The characters are like old friends, and Nicola Walker’s performance is as magnificent as ever.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s New Year’s Eve Disco – BBC One
New Year’s Eve can be tough to get right. After the whirlwind of Christmas, it’s easy to feel like the fun is all over. But Sophie Ellis-Bextor has the perfect remedy—a glittery, disco-themed extravaganza on BBC One. I had the pleasure of attending the pre-recording, and let me tell you, it was pure joy from start to finish. With hits like “Murder on the Dancefloor” and “Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love),” Sophie leads the way in a sparkling celebration. And with special guests joining in, there’s no better way to shake off 2024 and ring in 2025. If you’re looking for an upbeat, feel-good way to end the year, this is it.
Squid Game Season 2 – Netflix, New Year’s Day
The global phenomenon that was Squid Game took the world by storm in 2021, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series in over 90 countries. Its brutal depiction of a deadly competition, combined with a sharp critique of capitalism, struck a chord with viewers around the globe. The long-awaited season 2 has arrived, and while it may not have the same shocking impact as the first season, it still delivers in spades. This new season takes a deep dive into the origins of the deadly games and introduces a whole new cast of characters, all while maintaining the blood-soaked tension we loved from the first installment. There’s plenty of violence, of course, but also answers to many of the questions that have been lingering since the finale. If you’re a fan of high-stakes drama, this one’s for you.
The Traitors Season 3 – BBC One, New Year’s Day
What better way to kick off the new year than with a little intrigue and deceit? The Traitors is back with season 3, and it’s bringing plenty of twists and surprises. Set in the misty Scottish Highlands, this reality competition show has become an absolute must-watch, with players trying to uncover the “traitors” within their midst. Claudia Winkleman is back to host, and the tension is higher than ever. Think you’ve got the game figured out? Think again. The surprises just keep coming, making this one of the most addictive reality shows on TV.
Missing You – Netflix, New Year’s Day
Harlan Coben’s books have been a staple for Netflix crime thrillers, and his latest offering, Missing You, is no exception. This new series follows detective Rosalind Eleazar as she unravels the mystery surrounding her father’s death, but in classic Coben style, there are multiple plots happening simultaneously, making the whole thing a bit of a convoluted mess. It might not be Coben’s best work, but it’s still a gripping watch, especially for fans of crime dramas.
Lockerbie: A Search for Truth – Sky Atlantic, January 2
If you're looking for something a little more serious and emotionally charged, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is a must-watch. This deeply moving drama chronicles the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing, with Colin Firth giving a heartbreaking portrayal of Jim Swire, the father who devoted years of his life to seeking justice for his daughter and the other victims. This gripping series isn’t just about a tragedy—it’s a quest for the truth, and it’s bound to leave you both devastated and inspired by the resilience of those who refuse to let their loved ones be forgotten.
Wrapping Up the Holiday TV Season
While holiday TV can sometimes feel like a forced effort to satisfy all tastes, this year’s lineup offers a solid mix of heartfelt fare, thrilling dramas, and lighthearted fun. Whether you're in the mood for tears, laughter, or suspense, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this festive season. From tearjerkers like Lockerbie: A Search for Truth to the joy of a Sophie Ellis-Bextor disco, this holiday season has a little something for everyone. So, grab the remote, settle in, and get ready for a TV feast that will carry you into the new year in style.
Login