Selecting the perfect television programme to watch with your entire family over the Christmas holidays is a notoriously tricky task. Get it wrong, and you risk sparking arguments, enduring awkward silences, or being subjected to the same tired repeats year after year. The challenge lies in finding something that bridges the generational gap, avoiding both dusty old sitcom reruns and potentially cringe-inducing modern cinema.
Navigating the Festive Viewing Minefield
It's a familiar scene: endless channel surfing with no plan inevitably leads to yet another repeat of Dad's Army or Blackadder. While this might delight some older relatives, it often leaves younger viewers cold. Conversely, opting for a recent film release can backfire spectacularly, potentially creating a Saltburn-level of squirm-inducing discomfort for all present. The goal is to discover television that passes the crucial 'suitable-to-watch-with-the-in-laws' test and keeps everyone from grandparents to teenagers happily engaged.
Top Picks for Christmas 2025 Viewing
Here are five brilliantly curated shows that promise to deliver laughter, warmth, and shared enjoyment without the festive friction.
1. Amandaland
For those who haven't yet devoured it, Amandaland is a must-watch. This spin-off from the hit series Motherland comes from the same creative genius, Sharon Horgan, and features the excellent Lucy Punch reprising her role as the titular Amanda. Now divorced and downsizing from Chiswick, the wannabe socialite attempts to rebrand South Harlesden as 'So-Ha'. The cast is bolstered by national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley as Amanda's mother, Felicity, guaranteeing intergenerational humour. A festive special airs on BBC One on December 25 at 9.15pm, perfectly timed if you binge the existing series on BBC iPlayer first.
2. A Man on the Inside
This gentle, quirky comedy stars Ted Danson as Charles, a recently widowed pensioner who goes undercover in a retirement home to solve a mystery. Described as a 'fantastically relatable production for all ages', it shares a charming vibe with stories like The Thursday Murder Club. Its bite-sized 30-minute episodes make it easy viewing, and with two highly-rated seasons available, there's plenty to enjoy. A Man on the Inside is streaming now on Netflix.
3. Film Club
Starring Aimee Lou Wood and Suranne Jones, this series is a love letter to cinema. It follows Evie (Wood), whose life revolves around her weekly film nights. When her friends begin to move on, she must confront change, all while sharing a beautifully portrayed mother-daughter dynamic with Jones's character. Perfect for film buffs, it's a heartwarming show with a compelling romantic thread. All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.
4. Colin from Accounts
This acclaimed Australian rom-com begins with a meet-cute involving an accidental flash and an injured dog. Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall play Ashley and Gordon, who become co-parents to the disabled terrier they name Colin. Navigating their significant age gap and chaotic lives, their real-life chemistry shines through. With a hilarious supporting cast, including Ashley's drama-obsessed mother, it's irresistibly charming. The entire series is on BBC iPlayer, with a third season confirmed.
5. Leonard and Hungry Paul
For a more contemplative, beautifully shot binge, seek out this poignant series. Featuring Jamie-Lee O'Donnell and Alex Lowther, it explores the lives of two kind, gentle men in their early thirties. It's a refreshing, feel-good show that encourages viewers to slow down and appreciate life's quieter moments. The witty script and warm atmosphere make it ideal festive viewing. You can stream Leonard and Hungry Paul on BBC iPlayer.
Your Festive Viewing Schedule Sorted
With this selection spanning laugh-out-loud comedy, gentle mystery, and heartfelt drama, the pressure of choosing Christmas TV is eliminated. Each show offers broad appeal, ensuring that from Christmas Eve through to the New Year, your living room can be a zone of peaceful, shared entertainment. Remember to mark your calendar for the Amandaland Christmas Special on BBC One at 9.15pm on December 25, the perfect centrepiece for your holiday viewing.
