Make a note of what’s hitting streaming platforms and keep an eye on timings, whether its new releases like Richard Curtis’ Netflix animation That Christmas, nostalgic favourites like Home Alone, or even the King’s address to the Commonwealth. The 2024 bumper Christmas TV lineup includes Love Actually, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, Black Panther, Minions: Rise of Gru, Incredibles 2 and King Richard.
For a very merry Christmas, plan your movie marathon in advance. Here is our rundown of six of the most hotly anticipated TV watching this Christmas. Snuggle down, sink into the sofa and pass the Quality Streets.
Wallace And Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
25 December, BBC One
On Christmas Day, the BBC is pulling out all the stops by airing the long-awaited return of Wallace & Gromit in their first new feature-length film since 2008. In the 70-minute feel-good animation, Gromit is concerned that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions and AI. Will Wallace’s latest invention – an evil pre-programmed ‘smart gnome’ - get the best of him?
Outnumbered Christmas Special
December, BBC One
Think your own family festivities are hectic? Watch the Outnumbered reunion. After an 8-year hiatus, the chaotic Brockman family return to our screens for a 40-minute Christmas special. Pete and Sue have downsized, the children are no longer children and life is as flustered as ever. As they gather together for a family Christmas, ‘fate, neighbours, hyenas and bus replacement services get in the way.’
(Image: BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence)
Squid Game Season 2
26 December, Netflix
Fans of the blockbuster South Korean drama Squid Game have been counting down to Christmas after catching a glimpse of the full trailer for Season 2. It’s been a long time coming but now the cult dystopian thriller returns on Boxing Day, this time with more outlandish and deadly new trials. Lee Jung-jae is back playing Seong Gi-hun, the contestant who beat 455 players. He re-enters the sadistic game alongside favourite characters who show willing to risk their lives for a shot at a better existence.
Call The Midwife Christmas Special
First Part, 25 December, BBC One
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a tear-jerking visit to Poplar with our favourite midwives from Nonnatus House. For the first time ever, this year will deliver not one, but two episodes – complete with an unexpected cliffhanger. Among the usual drama of delivering babies and festive nightmares, there will be a funfair, the threat of the Hong Kong flu and news of an escaped prisoner spreading fear among the residents – all while trying to prepare for the upcoming carol concert.
(Image: BBC/Neal Street Productions/Olly Courtney)
Playing Nice
December, ITV1
If Christmas cheer isn’t your thing, binge-watch this gripping new series with an epic cast and impossible moral dilemma to keep you on your toes. This chilling psychological thriller follows two couples who discover the tragic news that their toddler sons were switched in the hospital at birth. Set against a sweeping Cornish landscape, this four-part series stars James Norton and Niamh Algar in leading roles. Should the parents keep the sons they’ve raised and loved, or swap them back?
(Image: ITV)
Gavin And Stacey: The Finale
25 December, BBC One
For many, the Christmas Day TV highlight will be the final ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. Fans have been waiting five long years to find out how Smithy (James Corden) responded to Nessa’s (Ruth Jones) shock marriage proposal. Did he say ‘yes’? This funny and moving episode is likely to be among the most watched TV of the entire festive season. To mark its final hurrah, there’s also a behind-the-scenes documentary of the sitcom’s 17-year history.
(Image: BBC/Fulwell73 & Tidy Productions/Tom Jackson)
