2021's Christmas TV offering is pretty spectacular – here are the best shows, films and festive specials to watch this year
‘Tis the season to get up close and personal with your television, and this year, Christmas TV is looking better than ever, with a whole host of movies and programmes, we are so here for December's small-screen catalogue.
There's the return of some of our favourite programmes, including the second season of Emily In Paris and Queer Eye on Netflix, and the continued release of episodes of …And Just Like That, the long-awaited Sex And The City reboot, on NOW TV and Sky Comedy.
From Amazon Prime's action thriller Wrath of Man, to festive ghost story The Mezzotint and psychological thriller The Girl Before, we'll also be combining genres just to make sure we're thoroughly entertained.
We'll also be pencilling in – OK fine, we mean clearing our schedules for – both in-person and Zoom-based viewing parties to watch a line-up of one-off festive specials, including yet another Call The Midwife festive special and the very first from Death in Paradise.
Last but 100% not least, we'll be working through a list of unmissable movies, both Christmas films and otherwise, from the third of Netflix's festive franchise, The Princess Switch: Romancing The Star and Sky Original film Last Train To Christmas to the ever-intriguing new psychological drama starring Olivia Colman, Lost Daughter.
So, if you're looking for an all-encompassing festive telly guide, you've come to the right place. Have a look at some of the best Christmas TV series, films & Christmas specials coming to the small-screen this festive season…
The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star
Sceptics would say that, after the first two films, we’ve already seen more than enough of the absurdly-premised festive franchise, The Princess Switch, where a duchess switches lives with a so-called normal person – a baker living in Chicago – whom she just so happens to be eerily identical to (they are both played by Vanessa Hudgens, so…). Some would say that the whole thing reached a fresh level of absurdity in the 2020 sequel sequel, The Princess Switch: Switched Again, where evil cousin and third lookalike Lady Fiona, also played by Vanessa Hudgens. But those sceptics would be thoroughly mistaken – because The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star is very much at the top of our Christmas watching priorities, and we can't bleeding wait. Bonus points if you can find a lookalike friend or identical twin to share your popcorn with.
Where to watch: Netflix, out now.
Jay MaidmentThe Witcher
Call it escapism, call it the magnetic pull of Henry Cavill, we’re indisputably here for the second season of this medieval-inspired fantasy drama series. Filmed in London – amid a fair number of COVID-related hiccups – the second season of Witcher begins with a script adapted from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s short story, A Grain Of Truth (the previous season was based on his short story collections The Last Witch and Sword of Destiny). We’ll be letting our imaginations run wild until this one is out…
Where to watch: Netflix, out 17 December 2021.
Ryan Collerd/NetflixQueer Eye
OK, this one needs no introduction, but let us just say how utterly hyped we are to have Queer Eye back for its season 6 after the pandemic halted its production (the last season was a whole 18 months ago in June 2020). We can’t wait to see more from Jonathan, Antoni, Karamo, Tan & Bobby. We’ve missed you, guys! Oh, and we’re sort of obsessed with the new Texas country-inspired opening credits sequence, which features the all-too-appropriate refrain, “Things just keep getting better!”. Quite!
Where to watch: Netflix, out 31 December 2021.
NIKO TAVERNISE/NETFLIXDon’t Look Up
This apocalyptic sci-fi comedy film (we know, covering all bases there genre-wise) is basically a who’s who of Hollywood, starring the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Ariana Grande. Did we mention that Meryl plays the President of the United States? That's a fiction we can get on board with…
Where to watch: Netflix, out 31 December 2021.
CAROLE BETHUEL/NETFLIXEmily In Paris
Emily In Paris returns for season 2! Starring Lily Collins and her neverending beret collection, it proved the ultimate escapism during lockdown and rest assured we’re counting down the days until round two of the juicy plot lines and equally compelling wardrobe choices, as marketing executive Emily navigates life in Paris with her new equally-stylish pals.
Where to watch: Netflix, out 22 December 2021.
AwakeningThe Greatest Snowman
No, that is not a typo. This is Channel 4’s celebrity snow-building contest, presented by Sue Perkins and featuring a not-yet-disclosed line-up of frosty-fingered household names. We’re sort of in two minds about this one, if we’re brutally honest – we’re anticipating very, very good, or very, very bad… watch this space.
Where to watch: Channel 4, date to be announced.
Amazon Prime TV
Philippe Bosse/NetflixSingle All The Way
This one went on our ‘to watch’ list the moment we heard of its existence. The premise: Peter – played by Ugly Betty star, Michael Urie – enlists his palNick, played by rising star Philemon Chambers, to pretend to be his boyfriend to make the holiday season go smoother. But it all blows up in his face when his mum, played by the Jennifer Coolidge who we recently couldn’t get enough of in The White Lotus, introduces him to her hot PT.
Where to watch: Netflix, out 2 December.
Warner Bros...And Just Like That
How could we neglect to mention this one? Yes, we’ve been banging on about this Sex And The City reboot already and, OK, it may have nothing to do with Christmas (apart from the nostalgic comeback of this show being basically an early Christmas gift), but …And Just Like That, which sees the return of Carrie Bradshaw et. al (although sadly no Samantha Jones aka Kim Cattrall!) is high up on our list to binge-watch this December.
Where to watch: NOW TV & Sky Comedy, out 9 December 2021.
Kimberley FrenchThe Unforgivable
This drama film sees Sandra Bullock playing Ruth Slater, a woman trying to get back on track with her life after being jailed for a violent crime. It’s based on Sally Wainwright’s 2009 British miniseries, Unforgiven.
Where to watch: Netflix, out 10 December 2021.
Courtesy Of NetflixThe Power of the Dog
This Western drama has already received rave reviews from the critics for its powerful performances, and we’re not surprised – given reports that Benedict Cumberbatch took his role as a bullish misogynist so seriously that he refused to speak to his fellow lead Kirsten Dunst on set. Dame Jane Campion, the New Zealand filmmaker behind Oscar-winning film The Piano, is at the helm.
Where to watch: Netflix, out 19 December 2021.
Money Heist
Our favourite Spanish crime drama is reaching its finale, as the second half of the fifth and final season reaches Netflix this December. If recent teaser clips aired on Twitter are anything to go by, this show will be going out with a bang: we should be in for a suspense-filled journey through the concluding five episodes.
Where to watch: Netflix, out 3 December 2021.
Apple TVMariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues
All we want for Christmas is, well, this holiday season special with “Queen of Christmas” Mariah Carey. Word has it she’ll be performing her new festival single, “Fall In Love At Christmas”, featuring Khalid and Kirk Franklin. There will also be an exclusive interview with Mariah together with her 10-year-old twins, conducted by presenter Zane Lowe.
Where to watch: Apple TV+, 3 December 2021.
Brian RitchieThe Jonathan Ross Show Christmas Special
As Jonathan Ross’ chat show returns, ITV has confirmed in a statement that a Christmas Special will very much be on the cards for 2021 including “big name guests” and “hilarious holiday-inspired games”. We’re here for it.
Where to watch: ITV, date to be confirmed.
YANNIS DRAKOULIDIS/NETFLIX © 2021.Lost Daughter
We’ve been preparing ourselves for this psychological drama starring Olivia Colman every since the trailer came out last month – and rest assured our expectations are high for Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut! Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson will star alongside Olivia in this adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel of the same title.
Where to watch: Netflix, out 31 December 2021.
Amazon Prime TVHarlem
We’re counting down to the release date of Amazon Originals comedy Harlem, produced by none other than Pharrell Williams and Amy Poehler. The series, initially released as a 10-part first season, will chronicle the lives of four female friends based in Harlem, New York City, tracking their ups and downs throughout their careers and love lives. Oh, and Whoopi Goldberg is involved for a recurring role. Hello!
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, out 3 December 2021.
Sky UKLast Train To Christmas
This Sky Original film stars Michael Sheen alongside Games Of Thrones’ Nathalie Emmanuel, and promises to be filled with 80s nostalgia and thought-provoking time travel scenes, the latter a nod to black & white classics like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol”. In a nutshell, Tony Towers (played by Sheen) a nightclub owner, boards a train to a festive family reunion only to be transported, instead, a decade into the future (we’ve heard of missing your stop, but this is something else…).
Where to watch: Sky and NOW TV, out 18 December 2021.
Apple TVSwan Song
ci-fi fans, you’ll want to have this one on your radar. Starring Oscar-winning actor Mahersala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book) alongside Naomie Harris, Awkwafina & Glenn Close, this is a thought-provoking film about a father and husband who – diagnosed with terminal cancer – sets to make a carbon copy clone of himself. With its fascinating premise and stellar cast, we can see this film being a surefire hit.
Where to watch: Apple TV+, out 18 December 2021.
Amazon Prime TVWrath of Man
If you’re looking for something to get your pulse racing amid the cosy, festive cheer, then Guy Ritchie’s latest action thriller heist film is just the thing.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, date to be revealed.
JONATHAN BRADYThe Royal Variety Performance
While the Royal Variety Performance has already taken place, we’re still waiting to catch the tremendous night of live performance on the small screens. What we do know, so far, is that the 2021 event was hosted by Alan Carr, and attended by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Years & Years, Sir Rod Stewart, Anne-Marie, James Blunt & Elvis Costello. There were Cirque de Soleil and Matilda the Musical performances during the evening. As ever, there was a royal contingent: the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge attended, together with the Duchess’ parents, and brother James Middleton.
Where to watch: ITV1, date to be confirmed.
Terry Pratchett’s The Abominable Snow Baby
One to watch if you’ve got younger relatives to entertain, this animated series is a sweet adaptation of the late Sir Terry Pratchett’s short story of the same name, and it will feature the voice of Julie Walters, Hugh Dancey and David Harewood.
Where to watch: Channel 4, date to be revealed.
Sally MaisCall The Midwife
Given that last year's Call The Midlife festive special was the most watched programme on Christmas Day 2020, we're not surprised (but, equally, delighted) that it's back for another round. First-look pictures show that Miriam Margolyes’s Mother Mildred, who did not feature in tenth season, will be making a comeback, and we’re sure that’s not the only surprise this festive episode has in store for us from Poplar’s nurses and midwives.
Where to watch: BBC One, out Christmas Day.
mark bourdillonThe Great Christmas Bake Off
Bake Off fans, rejoice – there will be a festive special, as celebrities compete to produce seasonal baked goods such as mince pie. And did we mention that several members of It’s A Sin, involving Olly Alexander and Lydia West, will be among those competing for Star Baker, and vying for that famous Hollywood handshake? It’s happening!
Where to watch: BBC One, date to be revealed.
Ray BurmistonStrictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
Now that we’re 19 seasons in to the hit dance show, we’ve come to anticipate the annual Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special as a festive institution in and of itself (particularly after COVID restrictions prevented it from happening, last year – and it had to be replaced by a countdown show format!). Now, the real deal is back – with judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel-Horwood all expected to be involved.
Where to watch: BBC One, date to be confirmed.
Denis GuyenonDeath In Paradise
This is a big moment for Death In Paradise fans, for it's the first time the British-French crime drama series has ever had its very own festive special. We're expected to see Officer Dwayne Myers (played by Danny John-Jules) make a return to the Caribbean neighbourhood of Saint-Marie during this extended 90-minute-long episode.
Where to watch: BBC One, date to be confirmed.
Amazon Prime TVA Very British Scandal
The Crown’s Claire Foy is back in yet another regal role! Although she’s not the Queen this time – Claire will play Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, whose divorce from the Duke of Argyll spurned one of the most notorious legal cases of the 20th century. We can’t wait to see Claire nail this part, which takes place within a post-war backdrop exploring the treatment of women and misogyny of the time. Not to be confused with A Very English Scandal, which starred Hugh Grant (although it is from the same makers).
Where to watch: BBC One, date to be revealed.
Photo Credit: VishaL SharmaStay Close
Another dark one for those who are done with festive-themed viewing. Based on Harlan Coben’s 2012 novel, this is a crime drama starring The Good Wife’s Cush Jumbo alongside James Nesbitt and Eddie Izzard.
Where to watch: Netflix, out 31 December.
NetflixDeath to 2021
Black Mirror/Charlie Brooker fans will be drawn in by this one: a successor to last year’s Death to 2020, this is a satirical retrospective on 2021 featured a mixture of real archive footage and commentary from fictional characters. It’s a star-studded line-up, featuring Stockard Channing (yes, Rizzo from Grease), Hugh Grant and Lucy Liu.
Where to watch: Netflix, 27 December.
DisneyEncanto
One to line up if you’re watching with your kids/younger siblings or family members. Encanto is a musical/comedy animated film set in Colombia. The action centres around Mirabel, a girl born into a family where everyone else is gifted with magical abilities apart from her. With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating, we’d say this is worth watching. And did we mention that Lin-Manuel Miranda – yes, of Hamilton fame – was one of the story writers?
Where to watch: Disney+, out 24 December.
Jason BellThe Girl Before
Based on JP Delaney’s novel of the same title, this psychological thriller drama will surely make for a gripping watch early on in the Christmas period. Starring Jessica Plummer (who remembers her from her Neon Jungle days?) alongside Selma’s David Oyelowo, the action is centred around a mysterious house built by a obsessively minimalist architect, and its tenants. You’re going to want to binge this four-parter all at once.
Where to watch: BBC, out 19 December.
Michael CarloThe Mezzotint
This is a spooky (and festive) one based on a short ghost story from Victorian writer MR James. Set in an old English college in 1922, it’s about a disturbing engraving which changes every time Mr Williams – the curator of the university’s art museum – and his colleagues look at it. Best avoided before bedtime!
Where to watch: BBC, out Christmas Eve.
