Just finished work for Christmas and wondering what you’re going to do with all that free time? (Apart from drinking and eating, of course) Don’t worry; there are plenty of British festive comedy specials to keep you occupied and humoured. In no particular order, here’s 10 that never fail to get me laughing, and most importantly, get me into the Christmas spirit.
Father Ted- A Christmassy Ted (1996)
An hour-long special of the much-loved sitcom by Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews is always a hoot to watch every year with the usual surreal wackiness that this show is known for. After successfully leading his fellow priests out of the lingerie section of a department store (think of the scandal), Ted (Dermot Morgan) is set to receive the golden cleric award in recognition of his brave actions. Ardal O’Hanlon, Frank Kelly, and Pauline McLynn are all on top form as usual in their supporting roles as Dougal, Father Jack, and Mrs Doyle.
Where to watch: All 4
Bottom- Series 2 Episode 5- Holy (1992)
A festive edition of Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson’s wacky sitcom is sure to leave you in stitches. It’s Christmas Day, and flatmates Eddie (Edmondson) and Ritchie (Mayall) are having Dave Hedgehog (Christopher Ryan) and Spud Gun (Steven O’Donnell) over for the festivities. But the day takes an unusual turn when a baby arrives on the doorstep. From Ritchie cutting off his finger to the Christmas Pudding going up in flames, you may find yourself struggling for breath come the closing credits.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Only Fools and Horses- Christmas Crackers (1981)
The first of many Christmas specials for the incredibly popular British sitcom, but this one for me is the best. It’s Christmas Day at Nelson Mandela House, and after sitting down for Grandad’s (Lennard Pearce) half-cooked Christmas dinner Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) decide it’s time to go out on the pull. With the usual brilliant writing from John Sullivan and superb comedic acting from the regular cast, this one is always a hit this time of year. I usually put it on while the turkey is in the oven.
Where to watch: Britbox (With Subscription)
Christmas with the Royle Family (1999)
This is the first of 6 Christmas specials that the show has done, but this one is my favourite by a long way. The simplicity is what I like about it, like the series as a whole, it’s just the family sat watching TV; it’s the perfect representation of a British family Christmas with added foulness. Just take one of the opening lines as an example: “Well, nana’s asleep, dads being miserable and Antony and Dave are watching Noel Edmonds.” With clever writing from Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash and Carmel Morgan, as well as the usual fantastic comedic performances from the cast of Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Ralf Little, Liz Smith, and Aherne and Cash themselves, this one is well worth a watch.
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Blackadder’s Christmas Carol (1988)
This festive edition of Richard Curtis and Ben Elton’s popular comedy is my Christmas Eve tradition. In a parody of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we see Ebenezer Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson), the nicest man in England, is visited by the Spirit of Christmas (Robbie Coltrane) and shown his Christmas past and future. It’s the traditional story with added comedy and a twist. The supporting cast of Tony Robinson as Mr Baldrick as well as Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson and Hugh Laurie in their respective roles only add to the hilarity.
Where to watch: Britbox or Amazon Prime (With Subscription)
The Office (UK) Christmas Special (2003)
If you’d prefer to not be constantly reminded what time of year it is, then this Christmas special is probably the one for you. Barring the Christmas party at the climax of part 2, there’s very little reference to the festive season. We see how David Brent (Ricky Gervais) is getting on after being made redundant, Gareth (Mackenzie Crook) as the new boss at Wernham Hogg, and possibly a happy ending to the Tim (Martin Freeman) and Dawn (Lucy Davis) “will they won’t they” storyline. This is perfect boxing day viewing.
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Outnumbered Christmas Special (2009)
The first of a few Christmas specials this show has produced, but this one is my favourite. It’s Boxing Day in the Brockman household, and still reeling from a recent burglary Pete (Hugh Dennis) and Sue (Claire Skinner) are planning to add a few items to the insurance claim while berating Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey) for downloading music illegally. Meanwhile, Karen (Ramona Marquez) is making New Year’s resolutions for herself… and others, while Ben (Daniel Roche) has broken a record amount of presents already. This one is always great to watch every year, the cast is brilliant as usual, and there’s a nice message to the special that I’ll leave to find out for yourself.
Where to watch: Britbox (With Subscription)
Knowing Me Knowing Yule with Alan Partridge (1995)
AHA! Steve Coogan brings back his popular character for a festive edition of the parody chat show Knowing Me Knowing You. Set on a replica of Alan’s house with special made-up celebrity guests, including Kevin Eldon as the outrageous Fanny Thomas. Will Alan be able to impress Tony Hayers (David Schneider) and secure a second series? With an outstanding performance from Coogan paired with clever writing from Patrick Marber, this one will leave you in stitches.
Where to watch: Britbox (With Subscription)
Peep Show- Series 7, Episode 5: Seasonal Beatings (2010)
In this festive edition of Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain’s cringe comedy, Mark (David Mitchell) has his parents over for dinner, and Jeremy (Robert Webb) isn’t feeling very festive because his mom has gone on a cruise. To Mark’s horror, Super Hans (Matt King) and Dobby (Isy Suttie) both arrive as surprise guests. I enjoy this one all year round, but it’s best when I’m watching it at Christmas. Mark’s family are the best part of this, especially his dad, played by Clive Merrison, who is clearly one of the reasons Mark is the way he is. Who can forget the famous “No Turkey?!” scene as well?
Where to watch: All 4
Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special (2008)
Last but certainly not least! While this list is in no particular order of favouritism, I just had to leave this one for the conclusion. The first Gavin and Stacey Christmas special really gets me in the mood. You get memorable scenes such as Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Smithy (James Corden) singing “Do they know it’s Christmas” and heart-warming moments when the two families come together for Christmas Day. With brilliant comedic and emotional writing from Corden and Ruth Jones as well as superb performances from the regular cast of Horne, Joanna Page, Rob Brydon, Larry Lamb, Alison Steadman and Melanie Walters, it’s a festive classic that many can enjoy for years to come. Along with Blackadder’s Christmas Carol, it’s tradition to watch this one on Christmas Eve for me.
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
I hope this list helps you in your search for entertainment and laughs over the next two weeks. Have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Ben is a Social Media Executive, with a passion for watching and writing about TV shows and films. When away from the laptop, he enjoys meeting up with friends at the pub, going to football matches and watching comedy shows.
