As one of the UK’s leading broadcasters, there will always be plenty of eyes on Channel 4 around Christmas.
It is home to some of UK TV’s most popular shows including Bake Off, Gogglebox and Taskmaster. All three of these have party specials on the way, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to party TV on Channel 4.
Without further ado, here’s your guide to the highlights of its Christmas and New Year’s schedule.
December 23
8 out of 10 cats have a special Christmas countdown – 9 p.m.
This comedy talk show meets serious game show format has been a big hit for Channel 4, combining two of its most popular shows. Jon Richardson and Jack Dee will face Lee Mack and Rose Matafeo in this festive edition, which will be hosted by Jimmy Carr as usual.
Christmas Eve
It’s a Wonderful Life – 1:25 p.m.
Frank Capra’s 1946 classic was named the best Christmas movie of all time by Radio Times readers last year, and it’s easy to see why. It stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve until his guardian angel shows him what life would have been like without him.
The Snowman – 4 p.m.
If you’d rather not watch a feature film, The Snowman is just 26 minutes long but has just as much impact. The 1982 animation is based on the book of the same name by Raymond Briggs, retracing the experience of a young boy and a snowman who comes to life.
If that’s not enough, the sequel The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012) airs immediately after at 4:35 p.m.
The Great Christmas Bake Off – 8:25 p.m.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive version of Bake Off, and there are two to enjoy this year. First up is the Christmas celebrity special, which sees Tony Robinson, Gaby Roslin, Terry Christian, Claire Sweeney and Miquita Oliver go head-to-head through three challenges in the iconic tent.
the day of Christmas
The Alternative Christmas Message – 5:25 p.m.
If you don’t want to hear King Charles’ first ever Christmas speech or are just looking for something a little different, Channel 4 has you covered. For the past three decades, the broadcaster has given its take on a short, festive message, with monologues both humorous and more serious over the years.
To give you a taste of what to expect, here’s Tom Daley from 2021:
The day after Christmas
The Biggest Snowman – 7:30 p.m.
Not to be confused with the short film above, The Greatest Snowman pits celebrities against each other in a snow-building contest. Gemma Collins, Gareth Malone, Melvin Odoom, Joe Thomas and Yinka Bokinni will be taken to the top of a mountain to see what they can create with snow.
Sue Perkins hosts, with Laurence Llewellyn Bowen on hand to offer advice on impressing judges Sara Steele, Emilie Steele and Taslim Martin.
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2022 – 9pm
The quintessential British quiz of the past 12 months is back, with Jimmy Carr once again the host. Confirmed contestants this year are Stephen Merchant, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade, Maisie Adam, Jonathan Ross and Rose Matafeo.
We also expect the now usual appearances from actor Charles Dance, former Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow and primary school Mitchell Brook.
December 27
First dates at Christmas – 9 p.m.
First Dates has been on Channel 4 for nearly a decade, and it’s no slouch in the festive schedule. Join Fred and the crew as they have more blind dates, all in a Christmas setting.
December 29
Prince Andrew: The Musical – 9 p.m.
Arguably the highlight of Channel 4’s Christmas programme, Prince Andrew: The Musical is described as a ‘satirical send-off’ chronicling the life of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.
With plenty of recent material to work with and a host of comedians on board, it’s sure to attract plenty of attention.
new year’s eve
The last stage of the year – 9 p.m.
What better way to end the year than a satirical review with The Last Leg team. Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe will be joined by the usual selection of celebrities and high-profile comedians to look back on the past 12 months.
New Year’s Day
Taskmaster’s New Year’s Treat – 9pm
Taskmaster is a huge recent hit for Channel 4, so it’s only fitting that it airs in prime time on New Year’s Day. Amelia Dimoldenberg, Carol Vorderman, Greg James, Sir Mo Farah and Self Esteem will participate in this unique special.
To enjoy even more over the holidays, read our guides to the best Christmas TV overall and the best Christmas movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and NowTV.
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