Christmas specials are a long-standing tradition in the UK, offering series highlights, humorous stories and emotional themes. They create community and are an integral part of British Christmas culture. What show are you looking forward to this year?
Christmas specials are a firm tradition in the UK and play a central role in the festive television landscape. They offer new episodes of favorite series, exclusive specials and Christmas films that delight viewers every year. The specials are often highlights of popular series and offer emotionally or humorously charged stories. Famous personalities and guest stars from film and television give them additional weight.
A look back
The tradition of Christmas specials dates back to the 1960s, inspired by shows such as Morecambe & Wise and A Christmas Carol based on Charles Dickens. They quickly became a staple of British Christmas celebrations and received recognition through awards such as the BAFTA and Emmy. Today they can be found not only on the BBC, but also on ITV and Channel 4.
In addition to the pure entertainment value, the specials also have a social function. Viewers often sit together in front of the television to watch the latest episode of their favorite series, and then discuss the content on social networks or at work. The annual broadcast of the royal Christmas speech is also a very old ritual that has merged with TV culture. I'm on December 25th. The King's Speech will be shown on BBC, ITV and Sky at 3pm.
In addition, the Christmas specials often highlight themes such as family unity, forgiveness and charity. Series like Call the Midwife use emotional stories in their festive episodes that underline the spirit of Christmas, while comedy formats like Outnumbered focus more on the chaos and humorous sides of the holiday season.
The popular series Death in Paradise is doing something new this year: a new investigator is being introduced into the series. The fact that there is a new detective on site is a tradition in Saint Marie. That's the man. introduced at Christmas, but is new. (We reported about it)
Unfortunately, the Christmas specials, with the exception of Doctor Who on Disney+, will not be shown in a German version in this country until late.
Here is an overview of the festive specials and special episodes of the British series and soaps. Some of them have already been broadcast.
Before Christmas
| Date | series | Sender |
| 12/16 | Strike: The Inky Heart | BBC One |
| 12/16 | The Young Offenders Christmas Special | BBC Three |
| 12/16 | The Chelsea Detective Christmas Special | Acorn TV |
| 18.12. | The Good Shipwreck Christmas | Channel 5 |
| 12/20 | Sister Boniface Mysteries Christmas Special | UKTV |
| 12/22 | “Death in Paradise” Christmas special. | BBC One |
| 12/22 | Inside No. 9: The party is over | BBC Two |
December 25th
| Series/Show | Sender | |
| 12/25 | Strictly Come Dancing Christmas offer | BBC One |
| 12/25 | Doctor Who: Joy to the World | BBC One |
| 12/25 | Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl | BBC One |
| 12/25 | Emmerdale | ITV1 |
| 12/25 | Coronation Street | ITV1 |
| 12/25 | EastEnders | BBC One |
| 12/25 | Call the Midwife (Part 1) | BBC One |
| 12/25 | Gavin & Stacey: The Finale | BBC One |
After Christmas
| Date | Series/Show | Sender |
| 12/26 | Overpaid Christmas offer | BBC One |
| 12/27 | Beyond Paradise Christmas Special | BBC One |
| 12/28 | Accident Christmas Special | BBC One |
| 12/29 | The Split: Barcelona (Part 1) | BBC One |
| 30.12. | The Split: Barcelona (Part 2) | BBC One |
| 31.12. | New Year's Eve treat from the teacher | Channel 4 |
