Ellie Plummer

Blogmas day 8!

One of my favourite things to do over Christmas is to watch Christmas TV specials. I used to write a blog where I would review films and TV shows as well as discussing the latest trends so I think it’s fair to say that I am a lover of television. A lot of television programmes like to release a special episode just for Christmas and some programmes make a comeback just for Christmas. Here are some of my favourite Christmas TV Specials as well as a few to look forward to this year. I apologise to anyone who isn’t British as you may not particularly understand these programmes, however, if you are into British comedy then you will probably love these.

Gavin and Stacey (2008) 

If you’re unfamiliar with Gavin and Stacey, the show follows Gavin (who lives in Billericay, Essex) and Stacey (who lives in Barry, Wales) as they form a long-distant relationship and eventually try to live together. Gavin and Stacey is one of my all-time favourite shows, I adore the characters and the general Britishness of the show. As for the Christmas special, the Welsh contingent has been invited to celebrate Christmas with the Shipman’s. This particular episode is very heart-warming and makes appreciate the friends and family that you have around during this festive season.

The League of Gentlemen (2017)

Marking the 20th anniversary of the comedy’s debut, the idiosyncratic residents of Royston Vasey are back for three new episodes. This will either be incredibly brilliant or a huge disappointment, I am really hoping for the former. If you’re not British, this may not be your cup of tea as this humour is very distinct. I love The League of Gentlemen so I cannot wait for this to return at the start of the new year.

Knowing Me, Knowing Yule (1995)

I am a huge fan of Alan Partridge (possibly because the fictional character lives in Norwich) but this kind of comedy is my favourite and I could keep rewatching it without getting bored. If you are a fan of dry humour, then give this festive episode a watch and why not try some more of Steve Coogan’s programmes such as I’m Alan Patridge, Knowing Me, Knowing You, and Mid Morning Matters. 

Friday Night Dinner (2012)

I absolutely love Friday Night Dinner, it is so bad that is it hilarious. Honestly, one time I had to pause it because I was laughing so much. Christmas starts off badly when Martin brings in a huge tree into the house followed by Horrible Grandma turning up to spend the day with them. There is a whole argument about Jackie’s turkey being too dry, which actually makes Adam choke. Jim dressed as Santa Claus manages to bring a bit of seasonal peace to the gathering in the end.

The Great British Bake Off (2017)

The move to Channel 4 had split the nation and however controversial this may be, I actually enjoyed Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig. I have no idea what everyone was expecting but the show was literally exactly the same, just with different people and with ad breaks every 15-minutes. There will be two episodes in which four former bakers from previous series’ will return to the tent to go head to head in three seasonal challenges to find out who will top the tree as Star Baker.

Outnumbered: The Robbers (2009)

Outnumbered is another British favourite. Now that I’m older, I can see that this is actually a true representation of a typical, dysfunctional British family and kind of makes me want to never have kids. There have been a couple of Outnumbered Christmas specials, however, this one is my favourite. After being burgled, Karen decides on making New Year resolutions while Sue and Jake collect Grandad from the retirement home all while Pete is stuck with Sue’s divorced friend Jane.

What are your favourite Christmas TV Specials? Are there any that you’re looking forward to this year?