The festive season has arrived, bringing with it a spectacular line-up of television treats to enjoy alongside the mince pies and mulled wine. After a stellar 2023 schedule featuring hits like Wallace & Gromit and the Gavin & Stacey finale, this year's offerings are set to be just as memorable. From long-awaited finales to returning favourites with a festive twist, here is your essential guide to the must-see shows this Christmas.
Streaming Sensations and Drama Finales
One of the most anticipated events of the season is the conclusion of a global phenomenon. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 arrives on Netflix this Boxing Day, promising to deliver the epic finale fans have waited three years for. The first four episodes of this final series, created by The Duffer Brothers, landed on November 26th, leaving viewers on a breathtaking cliffhanger. The next three instalments will be released on December 26th, perfect for post-Christmas dinner viewing, followed by the grand finale episode on New Year's Eve.
Over on the BBC, a beloved comedy character gets her own festive spotlight. Amandaland, the spin-off from the hit series Motherland, returns for a Christmas special. The show, focusing on the chaotic life of Amanda Hughes played by Lucy Punch, premiered to strong audiences earlier this year, averaging 5.7 million viewers. Joanna Lumley reprises her role as Amanda's mother, Felicity, for the special, which Lucy Punch has teasingly described as "an absolute cracker."
Festive Fun and Gameshow Glitter
For those craving some light-hearted competition, the schedules are packed with special editions of popular formats. The Masked Singer returns to ITV with a brand new Christmas episode. Host Joel Dommett and the judging panel will be back to decipher the celebrity identities hidden behind elaborate costumes, following in the footsteps of past festive winners Ainsley Harriott and Holly Johnson.
Furthermore, Strictly Come Dancing fans can enjoy an extra dose of sparkle after the main series concludes on December 20th. The Christmas Special airs on BBC One at 5:30pm, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning alongside the full judging panel. This year's celebrity contestants battling for the Glitterball Trophy include Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt, Westlife's Brian McFadden, and Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley.
Celebrity Challenges and Returning Favourites
In a welcome comeback, The Celebrity Apprentice returns for a Christmas special after six years off-screen. Lord Sugar teams up with Pudsey Bear for two hour-long episodes set in a snowy Lapland. Twelve famous faces, including AJ Odudu, Rob Rinder, and Angela Scanlon, will be tasked with creating a magical festive biscuit, all in aid of charity.
Finally, the rebooted Gladiators hosts a celebrity special on BBC One. Following last year's win for Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor, this year's contenders are Joe Wicks MBE, Sam Thompson, Nicola Adams OBE, and Vogue Williams. They will face iconic challenges like Duel and The Wall in a bid to be crowned champion.
With this diverse mix of drama, comedy, and competition, the 2024 festive television schedule offers something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday break.
