New TV shows coming soon
Isabelle Grimshaw
BBC
New Elizabethans by Andrew Marr
BBC Two, Thursday 3rd December at 9pm
Join Andrew Marr as he explores the many changes British society has gone through since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne back in 1952. Marr will look back at the ‘New Elizabethans’ who have facilitated these dramatic changes, from the class divide to views on gender sexuality and power. Watch on Thursdays at 9pm on BBC Two. Find out what else to watch on the BBC this week.
Michael McIntyre's The Wheel
BBC One, Saturday 5th December at 8:30pm
Bafta award-winning comedian Michael McIntyre hosts this exciting, brand-new gameshow on Saturday nights. Each week, three contestants will battle their way through to win a fortune by answering tricky questions with the help of a few celebrity experts. Their chances of winning the cash all comes down to these famous faces, and of course, the spin of The Wheel! Tune in on Saturdays at 8:30pm on BBC One.
The Vicar Of Dibley In Lockdown
BBC One, Monday 7th December at 8:50pm
The iconic comedian Dawn French returns with a collection of viral sermons to guide the people of her Parish. With wise and helpful advice and guidance, including the difference between metres and miles when it comes to social distancing, and at-home haircuts, the Vicar is just as hilarious in lockdown. Find out what other shows are getting a Christmas special this year.
Animal Park At Christmas
BBC One, Monday 14th December at 11am
Animal Park is back for Christmas at Longleat Safari Park in a week of special programmes presented by Ben Fogle and Kate Humble. As the keepers get the animals ready for winter, some adorable new arrivals join the park, including fennec foxes and dik diks. They’ll also be trying to spark a love connection between two cheetahs, but one is missing his previous match. Tune in for Christmas on the park.
Call the Midwife Christmas Special
BBC One, Friday 25th December
Set in December 1965, the Call the Midwife Christmas special sees some surprise drama at Nonnatus House as Sister Monica Joan is rushed to hospital and Trixie gets a shocking Christmas gift which rubs her the wrong way...tune in on Christmas day on BBC One.
The Serpent
BBC One, Friday 1st January
Inspired by true events, this eight-part drama follows the unsolved murders of young travellers along the ‘Hippie Trail’ which runs through India, Thailand and Nepal in the mid-1970s. One man, Charles Sobhraj, was responsible for these deaths, and became Interpol’s most wanted man as he repeatedly slipped from authorities’ grasps. Featuring Tahar Rahim and Jenna Coleman, you won’t want to miss this highly anticipated true crime drama on BBC One.
Black Narcissus
Coming soon
This romantic yet unsettling piece of 20th century gothic explores how certain places have the power to creep under your skin and stay there, while presenting the dangers of ignoring the lessons of history. Keep an eye out for this intriguing new BBC drama.
A Perfect Planet
Coming soon
Get ready for David Attenborough’s new five-part natural history programme exploring the delicate and perfect balance of our planet. From the white wolves of Ellesemere Island to bears in Kamchatka, find out how the world’s wildlife has adapted to face whatever nature throws at them. Keep your eyes on this page for a release date on this exciting new documentary.
ITV
Royal Variety Performance
ITV, Tuesday 8th December at 8pm
Hosted by Jason Manford, 2020’s Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV from the historic Blackpool Opera House. His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales will deliver a special message before the night of spectacular entertainment begins. From British theatre to hilarious comedy, there’s plenty to look forward to, including an appearance from Captain Sir Thomas Moore, singer and entertainer Michael Ball, superstar Gary Barlow, and much, much more.
Find out more about what Christmas specials to tune into this year!
Real Full Monty on Ice
ITV, Coming soon
For the first time, the Real Full Monty will be performed on ice by a line-up of brave celebs. Led by Ashley Banjo and Coleen Nolan, this year’s cast includes Women’s Hour’s Dame Jenni Murray, Love Island’s Shaughna Phillips, This Morning’s Dr Zoe and actresses Hayley Tammaddon and Linda Lusardi. For the boys, there’s Love Island’s Chris Hughes, rugby player Gareth Thomas, actor Jamie Lomas, jockey Bob Champion, singer Jake Quickenden, and Diversity’s Perri Kiehly. The crew will be baring all for charity, so make sure you don’t miss out on what is sure to be a spectacular performance!
Gino, Gordon and Fred: Desperately Seeking Santa
ITV, Coming soon
The trio are back, this time searching for some festive delicacies in Morocco! The plan was to go to Jerusalem, but after Gino’s cousin got them cheap flights, they ended up in Morocco, where Christmas isn’t celebrated...nevertheless, the boys will dive in head-first to the culture, food and drink for a festive adventure in faraway lands. Don’t miss this Christmas special on Thursday 17th December at 9pm on ITV.
Britain’s Got Talent Christmas Special
ITV, Coming soon
Tune into the Britain’s Got Talent Christmas Special to see some of the best acts from the last 14 years take to the stage. We don’t know just yet who will be included in the festive line up, so make sure you turn on ITV to see if your favourites will be performing!
The Story of SM: TV Live
ITV, Coming soon
Do you remember SM:TV Live? The original hosts, Ant, Dec and Cat Deeley will return to catch up and reminisce about the iconic Saturday morning kid’s show. From the Pokémon rap to Wonky Donkey, look back at the show which shaped kid’s TV.
The Masked Singer
ITV, Coming soon
The Masked Singer is back to bring you some quality entertainment over Christmas. Watch as celebrity’s don disguises and costumes to hide their real identity and battle it out to see which masked celeb will come out on top.
The Real Housewives of Jersey, S1
ITVBe, Coming soon
Time for some reality TV... check out the brand-new The Real Housewives of Jersey for the very first season on ITVBe. If you loved The Real Housewives of Cheshire, then this is the perfect pick for you. Tune in for plenty of glamour and drama!
Stephen Fry’s 21st Century Firsts
ITV, Coming soon
In this new documentary, Stephen Fry will explore some of the big developments of the 21st century which have shaped our culture and progress. From mobile phones to sat-navs, medication and social media, join Stephen as he examines the developments which have completely transformed our day-to-day lives.
Find out what else is coming up on ITV this week.
CHANNEL 5
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special
Channel 5, Tuesday 22nd December at 9pm
If you loved the new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small as much as we did, then you’ll be glad to hear they’re back for a Christmas special! The special episode takes place on Christmas Eve, the day before Helen and Hugh’s wedding, and James is trying to bury his pain towards Helen by inviting his new girlfriend to the annual Christmas party. Find out what other Christmas specials are coming up, and hear from Nicholas Ralph on his role as James in our exclusive interview.
Escape to the Farm with Kate Humble at Christmas
Channel 5, Coming Soon
As Christmas approaches, it feels like the perfect time to return to the farm. Join Kate as she goes winter foraging, cooks up a delicious winter stew and tells us how she keeps the farm going over Christmas.
The Yorkshire Vet’s Christmas Carol
Channel 5, Coming Soon
Although Christmas is a time of fun and relaxation for many of us, for farmers it’s one of the toughest times of the year as they fight to get their animals through the cold winter months. From cows struggling with pneumonia to an abandoned kitten who needs rehoming, the work never stops for the Yorkshire vets!
World’s Strongest Man 2020
Channel 5, Monday 21st December at 7pm
The World’s Strongest Man returns to Bradenton, Florida, where the reigning champion Martin Licis tries to defend his title against new competitors, including Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, aka The Mountain from Game of Thrones.
Cruising with Jane McDonald at Christmas
Channel 5, Coming soon
Revisit some of Jane's festive cruises with previously unseen footage of her tours from Germany to France and Norway. From stunning Christmas lights to festive entertainment, get in the Christmas spirit with Jane McDonald on Channel 5.
CHANNEL 4
Jungle Mystery: Lost Kingdoms of the Amazon
Channel 4, Starts Saturday 5th December at 6:30pm
Follow archaeologist and explorer Ella al-Shamahi as she sets off to try and solve one of the world’s greatest ancient mysteries – did some of history’s great civilisations and cities once flourish in the Amazon rainforest? And if so, what happened to them? Following clues, leads, making new discoveries in the field and meeting the indigenous people who still live in the Amazon today, Ella will uncover the true history of the Amazon and its ancient lost kingdoms.
Jamie: Keep Cooking for Christmas
Channel 4, Starts Sunday 6th December
The beloved chef is back with two new specials to help you cook up a storm this Christmas. Join Jamie Oliver in his family home in Essex as they get ready for Christmas. From creating delicious edible presents to new ways to make the most of Christmas lunch’s leftovers, tune in for fab recipe ideas on Sundays on Channel 4.
Christmas at Highclere Castle
Channel 4, Wednesday 9th December
In this magical two-part series, Channel 4 has gained unprecedented access behind-the-scenes of Highclere Castle, recognised around the world as the estate where Downton Abbey was set. Find out what it takes to deck the halls of this magnificent stately home and the planning and effort which goes into transforming Highclere for Christmas.
Celebrity Crystal Maze
Channel 4, Thursdays through December
Comedian Richard Ayoade hosts the celebrity edition of the classic game show in this brand-new series. The celebrity teams will have to use all their wits and skills to complete the tricky challenges and collect crystals. The more crystals they get, the more time they have in the Crystal Dome to win money for charity. Expects thrills, spills and plenty of laughs along the way!
George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces: Winter World Tour
Channel 4, Thursday 10th December
Look back at some of Amazing Spaces’ most memorable and extraordinary wintry builds with George Clarke. Join George as he travels from Norway to Canada in search of some of the most awesome designs in the snow.
The Red Shadows
Channel 4, Starts Sunday 13th December
New to Channel 4, The Red Shadows follows Aurore Garnier, a police officer who has become obsessed with the abduction of her 5-year-old sister and her mother, who died while handing over the ransom. Now, 20 years later, Aurore may have found a new lead which could solve the case at last.
The Year that Changed Love
Channel 4, Tuesday 15th December
Covid-19 has changed many things about our everyday lives, and for those who have been single through lockdown, their romantic lives have changed drastically. This new film follows people across the UK as they attempt to either find love, learn to live with their partners in extraordinary circumstances or rekindle a romance which has dwindled over nine months in lockdown.
One Night in Hamley’s
Channel 4, Tuesday 22nd December
Follow comedians Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett and Tom Allen as they’re locked overnight in the world-famous toy shop on Regent Street. Watch as they run amok in the toystore without supervision, inventing new games and reminiscing about their favourite Christmases with only three rules: sleeping is cheating, leave things as you found it, and if you break it, pay for it!
Quentin Blake’s The Clown
Channel 4, Thursday 24th December
Inspired by the book of the same name, this brand-new animated half-hour special brings the adventures of a toy clown to life. After being thrown away by his beloved owner with a bunch of other abandoned toys, Clown uses the last of his magic to set out and find a new home, starting an adventure for him and his friends through the City in search of a new child to love them in time for Christmas. The perfect comfort TV to get you feeling festive for Christmas Day, plus Helena Bonham-Carter will be narrating!
The Great British Bake Off Christmas Special
Channel 4, Friday 25th December
Celebrate Christmas in the tent with Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Matt Lucas and Tom Allen. They’re also joined by contestants Jamie and Rosie from Bake Off 2019, Ruby from 2018 and James from 2017 who will battle it out to become Christmas Star Baker, finishing off with a special performance from popstar Alexandra Burke.
Big Fat Quiz of the Year
Channel 4, Saturday 26th December
Jimmy Carr hosts the annual quiz with a panel of celebrity teams as they answer questions about the last year.
The Last Leg of the Year
Channel 4, Thursday 31st December
Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker will be joined by a few celebrity guests in this two-hour special looking back at the mad and completely unprecedented year that was 2020. Featuring top comedians, The Last Leg is the perfect way to laugh your way into the new year and prepare yourself for whatever 2021 has in store...
Find out what else is coming up on Channel 4 this week.
REALLY
Ghosts of Shepherdstown
Starts Thursday 26th November at 10pm
New to Really is Ghosts of Shepherdstown, a series exploring the oldest town in West Virginia which is also considered to be the most haunted town in the USA. Follow paranormal experts Nick Groff, Bill Hartley and Elizabeth Saint as they investigate the many hauntings and terrifying paranormal activity reported in this historic town from Thursday 26th November on Really.
Ghost Adventures S19a
Really, Friday 4th December at 10pm
Follow paranormal investigators Zak Bagans and Aaron Goodwin as they set off to haunted destinations on a new season of Ghost Adventures. Meeting eyewitnesses and experts, they’ll attempt to rediscover the haunted history of each site in this channel premiere of the new series.
BLAZE
Atlantis Found
BLAZE, Tuesday 2nd December at 9pm
Throughout December BLAZE will be airing a series of mystery specials. First up is Atlantis Found. Everyone knows of the legendary sunken city, but is the legend based on reality? Join adventurer-geologist Dr Martin Pepper as he tries to prove his theory that Atlantis really did exist on the Greek island of Santorini using state-of-the-art sonar and careful scientific analysis of the site. Will he solve one of mankind’s greatest mysteries? Find out in the first of BLAZE’s mystery specials...
The God Code
BLAZE, Wednesday 9th December at 9pm
Based on Timothy P. Smith’s book, this one-off documentary special explores how ancient Hebrew texts may be encrypted with a code which proves God himself authored the Bible. Follow Smith on his quest which will take him across the world in search of lost artifacts followings clues hidden in the God Code.
The Dark Files
BLAZE, Wednesday 16th December at 9pm
Join CIA operative Barry Eisler, filmmaker Chris Garetano and award-winning journalist Steve Volk as they delve into the conspiracies and mysteries which surround an abandoned military base in Mantauk, Long Island called Camp Hero. Discover the seemingly unexplainable happenings on this plot of land in this investigative special.
Alcatraz Escape: The Lost Evidence
BLAZE, Wednesday 23rd December at 9pm
It was meant to be impossible to escape, but in 1962, three inmates broke out, kicking off one of America’s most notorious cold cases. The three men were never found and were presumed to have died making their escapes, but with help from the family of the escaped Anglin brothers, new leads arise which could change everything...
QUEST
Mighty Cruise Ships S4
Quest, Starts Tuesday 24th November at 9pm
Peek inside the some of the world’ most luxurious and massive cruise ships. Like cities on the sea, these behemoth ships ferry thousands across the world every year. Find out what goes into keeping these ocean-bound cities afloat in this new series, premiering Tuesday 24th November at 9pm on Quest.
Legends of the Lost with Megan Fox
Quest, Starts Friday 27th November at 9pm
Hosted by actress Megan Fox, this new series explores the history of some of the world’s earliest civilisations, delving into the mysteries our ancestors left behind. From the supernatural powers of Stonehenge to the Vikings of Scandinavia, discover the truth behind the legends and learn about the wisdom of the ancient world. Legends of the Lost with Megan Fox premieres Friday 27th November at 9pm on Quest.
EFL ON Quest/Carabao Cup
Quest, Starts Wednesday 2nd December at 10:30pm
Tune in for the highlights of every single match in the English Football League and EFL Cup. Colin Murray will host alongside England internationals Stephen Warnock and Dean Ashton to give their take on the games on Wednesdays at 10:30pm and Saturdays at 9pm.
As well as league highlights every Wednesday and Saturday, the Carabao Cup Quarter final highlights will also be covered on Wednesday 23rd December with Arsenal vs. Manchester City and Everton vs. Manchester United. Find out what other top sporting action is on Freesat this week.
Home Nations: Scottish Open Live
Quest, Tuesday 8th December to Sunday 13th December
You can also enjoy live coverage and highlights of the 2020 Scottish Open, hosted by Andy Goldstein alongside World Champion Ronnie ‘The Rocker’ O’Sullivan, defending champion Mark Selby and world number one Judd Trump. Featuring 128 of the world’s leading players, the competition will run from Tuesday 8th December to Sunday 13th when we’ll find out who has won the Stephen Hendry Trophy.
QUEST RED
At Home with the Nolans!
Quest Red, Starts Tuesday 1st December at 10pm
The follow up to The Nolans Go Cruising, At Home with the Nolans lets us get up close and personal again with the Nolan sisters in their own homes. Plus, this time Denise joins her sisters, Coleen, Linda, Maureen and Anne as they undergo lockdown and the personal challenges 2020 has presented us with.
DMAX
Curse of the Frozen Gold
DMAX, Starts Monday 30th November at 9pm
Join six explorers as they hunt for Slumach’s Gold and The Lost Creek Mine, a hoard of gold worth billions hidden somewhere deep in the wilderness of British Columbia. They’ll have to use all of their unique skills and teamwork to face the elements and discover this century-old legend. Will they succeed or succumb to the curse? Curse of the Frozen Gold premieres Monday 30th November at 9pm on DMAX.
DAVE
Eddie Eats Christmas
Dave, Sunday 6th December at 6pm
Watch former World’s Strongest Man, Eddie “The Beast” Hall as he takes on eating challenges with a Christmas twist. The 6ft 3”, 26 stone Eddie will dive into eating the 12 Dishes of Christmas, a South American BBQ feast and a three-kilo naan bread in Bradford – then, to burn off those calories, Eddie will take on some festive-themed physical challenges for good measure. Tune into the new and exclusive show on Sunday 6th December on Dave. Find what other Christmas specials are on for you to enjoy this December.
Meet the Richardsons at Christmas
Dave, Sunday 6th December at 10pm
Get ready for the Christmas special of UKTV’s hit original series, Meet the Richardsons. Check in on married comedians Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to see how they’re getting on through lockdown in this two-part scripted comedy.
Big Zuu’s Big Christmas
Dave, Friday 11th December at 10pm
But wait, there’s more! Big Zuu has two new and exclusive Christmas specials coming to Dave. Each episode will see Big Zuu inviting four guests to enjoy his festive feast made by Zuu, sous chef Hyder and chief taster, Tubsey. Episode one will see a range of comedians sit down at the table, namely Phil Wang, Desiree Burch, Ed Gamble and Rosie Jones, while episode two will see musicians AJ Tracey, MC JME, Julie Adenuga and Loyle Carner stop by. Tune in to see Big Zuu’s Big Christmas dinner, and don’t forget dessert!
FOOD NETWORK
Rachel Khoo: A Chocolate Christmas
Food Network, Thursday 17th December at 7pm
In the mood for dessert? Join Rachel Khoo as she puts an irresistible chocolaty twist on some of her favourite Christmas recipes. From eggnog to gingerbread decorations and mince pies, this ones a must-see for chocolate lovers.
TLC
Doubling Down with the Derricos
TLC, Starts Monday 23rd November at 8pm
Follow Karen and Deon Derrico and their huge family of 11 children (and 3 more on the way) with the UK premiere of Doubling Down with the Derricos! With two sets of twins, a set of quintuplets and a set of triplets on the way, this heart-warming series follows the couple as their hectic life which is both chaotic and full of love.
Love after Lockup, S1
TLC, Starts Tuesday 15th December at 8pm
Tune into Love after Lockup for its UK premiere on TLC. Watch as couples who met as pen-pals meet their fiancés for the first time after they’re released from prison. As they get to know each other there are bound to be plenty of emotions and bumps along the road for these inmates – will they make it to the end of the aisle? Find out in the first episode on Tuesday 15th December at 8pm on TLC.
Still trying to decide what to watch next? Head to the Freesat Showcase to find our team of telly expert’s top picks, or find out what's new to Netflix this month. PLUS, bookmark this article and keep checking back to see what’s fresh and free on TV this month.
