The Christmas TV Strategy Guide 2020
It’s nearly the Big Day! It’s Christmas Eve so time to get any last minute presents before you setup for Christmas Eve table with all the snacks and treats you have in the house. Thats not just my house that does that, is it?
0900 - BBC1
Yes, you probably saw this one going around social media and, yes, it does make no sense that they aren't showing Kung Fu Panda 2 as thats probably the best of the series but you can't argue with the run of films. Moana is probably the highlight but Cars 3 is a great film, a huge step up from the frankly poor Cars 2
1100 - Horror Channel
I take it that it wasn't just me that, after he saw this film, wanted a spiked frisbee thing to chuck around the place? No?
1100 - ITV
Being that it's Christmas Eve you're legally obliged to watch this. Yes, a Santa Claus origin film is a bit weird and it never quite works when it's in New York but that doesn't matter, you have to watch it, it's the law.
1255 - Channel 5
So this one was going to originally be split into 2 with a great musical with some proper dodgy sexual politics in one and a cracking 60s Harryhausen monster filled in the other. Originally I thought it was the Charlton Heston Ben Hur but then saw the date so it clearly wasn't. But then I saw the directer; Timur Bekmambetov? Of Wanted fame? So I thought, well that deserves a mention at the very least
1615 - BBC1
Seriously, it's a modern classic and one of the best films of 2017. Honestly, it really properly is
1615 - BBC2
Even though I grew up very much in the tail end of these two double acts (probably more so with regard to The Two Ronnies as Morecambe and Wise peaks in the mid-70s), it still doesn't feel like Christmas unless I've watched one of their Christmas specials. That feeling may not last forever so if you think that as well then enjoy it whilst you can
1725 - ITV4
Robert Shaw made 3 amazing films in the 70s and whilst this isn't one of them it's still a fun watch especially in the context of a lazy Bank Holiday
1940 - Channel 4
More Bake Off! I know, I know but it's always a fun watch and getting returning faces in the tent is always fun
2100 - Horror Channel
Now I've always heard good things about this but never got around to actually watching this so maybe I will this year? I mean, probably won't but you never know right?
2215 - BBC2
In case you wanted some spooky fun to see you off to bed on Christmas Eve night there's a load of options here
2250 - Film4
This is one of those films where it's teed up to be really good and then the casting completely undercuts the film and ruins it. After a fantastic opening credits sequence we get introduced to our two leads and...nothing. No chemistry, no spark, no nothing. Such a shame as it's such a visually impressive film in places.
2330 - Sony Movies
Cracking crime film this, full of all the things you'd expect from a Mamet film; swearing, great characters and at least three massively quotable lines. And this film has a bonus of a great late period Gene Hackman performance
2355 - BBC4
Something great to put on in the background as you hide behind the sofa waiting to catch a glimpse of Santa dropping off your presents under the tree