Television viewers are in for a treat this evening with a schedule packed with festive film nostalgia, true crime intrigue, and dramatic finales. The lineup offers something for everyone, from heartwarming holiday specials to tense thrillers.
Celebrating Cinematic Christmas Classics
At 8pm on Sky Arts, the spotlight shines on two films widely regarded as the greatest Christmas movies of all time. The documentary Classic Christmas Movies, presented by author Ian Nathan, explores the fascinating creation stories behind these beloved works.
The episode delves into The Muppet Christmas Carol, the 1992 musical comedy featuring a remarkably straight-faced performance from Sir Michael Caine alongside Kermit the Frog's Bob Cratchit. It also examines the extraordinary journey of It's a Wonderful Life, the Frank Capra masterpiece which, despite its iconic status today, was a box office disappointment upon its initial release in 1946. This programme marks the beginning of a seasonal series analysing perennial holiday favourites.
Drama, Decoration, and Detection
Elsewhere, Channel 4 gets crafty at 8pm with Kirstie's Handmade Christmas. Presenter Kirstie Allsopp returns with a new batch of festive ideas, focusing on table decorations and seeking inspiration from a favourite antiques shop to help viewers beautify their homes and entertain children.
Over on BBC Two at 9pm, the true crime series The Man in the Mask: An Orkney Murder continues its investigation. Reporter Hazel Martin re-examines the first murder in Orkney for 25 years, questioning whether police correctly assessed 15-year-old Michael Ross, the prime suspect in the killing of waiter Shamsuddin Mahmood. This episode uncovers two alternative suspects linked to the victim.
Finales and Critical Breakthroughs
Sky Atlantic at 9pm hosts the continuing journey of The Death of Bunny Munro, the adaptation of Nick Cave's novel. As the road trip continues, Bunny's son, Junior, begins to emulate his father's problematic traits as a salesman and womaniser. Their chaotic adventure faces a potential reckoning with a brush against social services.
The gripping drama The Ridge reaches its conclusion on BBC Two at 9.45pm. Despite suffering from opioid withdrawal, the determined Mia (Lauren Lyle) is relentless in her quest for the truth about her sister's fatal fall in New Zealand. The finale sees her return to the dizzying location of the original accident for a breath-taking climax.
Finally, at 10pm on Channel 4, the informative series Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures concludes. Narrated by Sir Lenny Henry, this episode, backed by Cancer Research UK, features Professor Caroline Dive discussing groundbreaking advances in early cancer detection via blood tests. The programme highlights the vital role of clinical trials and participants, including Lee, a patient whose condition has puzzled doctors for four years.
For sports fans, live coverage of the second Ashes Test between Australia and England continues from Brisbane on TNT Sports 1, starting at 3.30am.
