British television viewers have voiced their collective dismay after the major broadcasters unveiled their festive programming for 2025, with many branding the line-up 'truly awful' and a significant step down from previous years.
A Festive Flop: Viewers Vent Their Frustration
The annual tradition of families settling down for Christmas specials appears under threat, as the schedules from the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 have been met with a wave of criticism. Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment, contrasting this year's offerings with the packed 2024 schedule that included a record-breaking Gavin and Stacey reunion, a Doctor Who special, and a new Wallace and Gromit.
This year, the BBC's highlights include Celebrity Gladiators and Strictly Come Dancing, while ITV is offering a revival of Bullseye. Channel 4's schedule remains largely unchanged. The perceived reliance on repeats and uninspiring programming has sparked frustration. 'This is truly awful. There is not one programme on all three channels I want to watch,' one viewer stated on X.
Others lamented the decline of Christmas TV as a major event. 'The days of Christmas TV being an event is long gone isn't it,' wrote one user, while another added, 'The terrestrials have given up on Xmas. Everyone's moved to streaming.' The continued presence of Mrs Brown's Boys on the BBC schedule also drew specific ire, with one fan calling it 'diabolical behaviour'.
One Shining Exception: Amandaland Saves the Day
Amidst the widespread criticism, one programme stands out as the clear exception. The Amandaland Christmas special, a spin-off from the hit show Motherland, is generating significant buzz and is widely seen as the schedule's sole must-watch highlight.
Focusing on Lucy Punch's character Amanda, the special will feature comedy icons Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders. Fans were quick to single it out for praise. 'At least we have Amandaland to look forward to,' wrote one, while another declared, 'Literally one thing there I will bother with...Amandaland.' Many agreed that the show was 'saving an absolute flop of a Christmas' in terms of television.
What Is Still on the Box?
Despite the negativity, broadcasters are still offering some festive staples. Soap operas including EastEnders and Coronation Street will deliver their usual holiday drama, and Call the Midwife will return for its annual Christmas episode.
Other notable programmes include A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower on BBC Two on Christmas Eve, starring Mark Gatiss and Joanna Lumley. Channel 4 will air a Bake Off special featuring the cast of Peep Show, and the comedy Dear Father Christmas with Lenny Rush and James Buckley. For those feeling nostalgic, the beloved Gavin and Stacey special from 2024 will receive a repeat broadcast on December 24th.
The published schedules for December 2025 have clearly failed to capture the public's imagination this festive season, marking a stark contrast to the celebrated line-ups of years past and highlighting the growing competition from streaming services.
