There comes a time of the year where families gather around the TV to watch some of their favourite TV shows and see what they have done to celebrate the festive period in their Christmas specials.
Whether it’s a new TV Christmas special – or an old classic – repeating them at this time of the year never gets old. It brings the joy and excitement towards Christmas day. However, what are some of the best Christmas TV specials that remain a favourite to all. Here are some of the best…
Gavin and Stacey
Whether it’s the 2008 special or the long (very long) awaited 2019 Christmas special, Gavin and Stacey remains a favourite amongst British families. If you haven’t watched the show, or don’t know some of the memorable quotes, then as the great Nessa would say: “Oh, what’s occurin?”.
In the 2008 special, Gavin is getting promoted within his job, and both him and his wife Stacey are over the moon however there’s one catch…. It is located in Wales. This year, the Shipmans are hosting Christmas so the Barry lot make their way down to Billericay. When they arrive, they later discover that Gavin must relocate to Wales, and let’s just say certain people are not happy…
After many (many) arguments, and some Christmas games, all gather around Mick’s new keyboard – a gift he received from Pam (or Pamela as Smithy refers to her) – to rejoice and sing “Have yourself a merry little Christmas”.
Viewed by 11.6 million, Gavin and Stacey – especially in recent years – has become a cult classic here in Britain and is must have on this list.
Only Fools and Horses
The infamous Only Fools and Horses Christmas TV special – “Time on Our Hands” – saw viewers rejoice as they see their favourite brothers – the Trottors – finally get what they have always wished for. If you know Only Fools and Horses, then you will know the saying “This time next year we’ll be millionaires.”
In this episode, Del Boy’s “significant other” Raquel is worried about the impending dinner party with her parents as they will be playing host at her and Del’s Peckham home. Upon arrival, Raquel’s father – an antiques dealer – discovers a potential artefact in the Trotter’s garage, something he believes to be a priceless watch. Or to Del, a Victorian egg timer…
It is later discovered it is the missing Harrison Lesser watch and later sells for £6.2 million at auction. From there, the brother’s lives have changed and as mentioned, fans rejoice in their dream finally coming true.
The episode was watched by over 24 million viewers at its time of release in 1996 and remains a favourite amongst all ages today.
Miranda
Image credit: IMDb
Although it may not be on our TVs anymore, Miranda was one of the most successful comedy shows on BBC. The Christmas special that sticks out to Miranda fans will be the 2014 special titled “I do, but to who?”.
In the episode, it carries on from the cliff-hanger from the last episode of series three. It follows a big decision Miranda must make as she has not one, but two men propose to her – Gary and Mike.
If you haven’t seen in (considering it was released in 2014) I’m sorry to spoil it for you, but of course she was going to pick Gary! Fans rejoiced and the episode made viewers reached for the tissues as 7 million watched to finally see Gary and Miranda get together.
Friends
Even though Friends is the only American TV show on this list, the Christmas episode in particular “The One with the Holiday Armadillo” remains a favourite amongst viewers.
Broadcast in December 2000, Ross has Ben for Christmas and he decides he wants to do something special. Ross is Jewish, and this Christmas he wants to teach Ben about Hanukah. He was going to dress up to surprise Ben, however as all the Santa costumes have run out, he instead dresses up as a holiday armadillo…
Friends remains a cultural classic, making its Christmas special deemed worthy of being on this list.
Doctor Who
Another cultural classic that remains one of the BBC’s most successful TV shows is Doctor Who. The favourite amongst fans is the 2014 special “Last Christmas”.
In the episode, it takes place after “Death in Heaven” – an episode that ended with the Doctor and Clara lying to each other. The episode begins with Clara encountering Father Christmas himself, and the doctor and herself end up at a North Pole facility where some scientists are fighting off some alien crabs.
The episode is in the style of inception with various dream like states. The episode was viewed by 8.28 million viewers and remains a favourite amongst fans because of its complexity and a reflection of some of the shows best work.
So, if you are not keen to watch some of the classic Christmas movies, why not stick on a TV Christmas special instead. You have plenty to choose from…
By Katie Green
Feature image: Digital Spy