As the nights draw in and the festive lights begin to twinkle, there is no better comfort than settling down with a great TV show. Whether you are looking for heartwarming holiday specials, binge-worthy dramas, or lighthearted comedies to escape the winter chill, December is the perfect time to explore new narratives. Instead of rewatching the same three movies, it is time to expand your horizons. Here is a curated, extensive list of 50 TV shows to try this Christmas, categorized to suit every festive mood.
Heartwarming and Festive CheerNothing says Christmas like comforting, festive stories that warm the heart. Dive into Ted Lasso for pure optimism, or enjoy the holiday spirit in Dash & Lily, a charming romance set in New York. The Great British Baking Show: Holidays is essential viewing, while Gilmore Girls provides that cozy, small-town winter aesthetic. For classic festive tales, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Snowman remain unparalleled. Don’t miss the festive spirit in Call the Midwife specials, All Creatures Great and Small, or the nostalgic charm of Little House on the Prairie. Finally, Home for Christmas offers a refreshing, modern look at holiday pressures.
Cozy Mysteries and Gentle DramasWhen the weather is frightful, a good mystery or a gentle drama is perfectly delightful. Only Murders in the Building offers cozy mystery vibes with a stellar cast. Revisit the drama of Downton Abbey or dive into the stunning visuals of The Crown. All Creatures Great and Small provides gentle escapism in the Yorkshire Dales. For something slightly more intense but still comforting, try Midsomer Murders, Poirot, or the scenic Death in Paradise. The Queen’s Gambit is a masterful limited series, while This Is Us brings the emotional depth. Anne with an E offers beautiful storytelling, and Bridgerton provides escapist romance.
Laugh-Out-Loud Comedies and SitcomsBrighten up the festive season with comedies that guarantee laughter. Schitt’s Creek is a masterclass in heart and humor. Modern Family offers classic holiday episodes, while Brooklyn Nine-Nine brings the fun. The Good Place is clever and uplifting, and Parks and Recreation feels like a warm hug. Explore the wit of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, or enjoy the quirkiness of Kim’s Convenience. Abbott Elementary is a fresh, modern workplace comedy, and Friends remains a holiday staple. For cult classics, try Community, The Office, or 3 Rock from the Sun. Ted Lasso fits here too for its infectious positivity.
Epic Sci-Fi and Fantasy EscapesImmerse yourself in other worlds to escape the holiday rush. Stranger Things offers nostalgic mystery, while The Mandalorian brings cinematic wonder to the small screen. Doctor Who is practically synonymous with Christmas in many households. Dive into the epic fantasy of The Witcher or the sprawling Game of Thrones. Explore space with The Expanse or enjoy the mind-bending Severance. WandaVision offers a unique, nostalgic take on superhero stories, while Foundation provides high-concept sci-fi. Lastly, Shadow and Bone offers compelling fantasy escapism.
Thrilling Binge-Worthy DramasIf you prefer your festive break with a side of adrenaline, these gripping dramas are perfect for marathon watching. Breaking Bad is often considered the pinnacle of TV drama, along with Better Call Saul. Stranger Things keeps you on the edge of your seat, and The Queen’s Gambit is hard to stop once started. Squid Game is intense, Ozark is darkly compelling, and The Crown is consistently engrossing. Succession offers high-stakes corporate drama, Money Heist is a tense thriller, and Narcos provides intense storytelling. Mindhunter is a must-watch for true-crime fans.
Documentaries and Cozy ComfortsSometimes, the best Christmas viewing is relaxing and informative. Our Planet, narrated by David Attenborough, offers breathtaking visuals of the natural world. The Last Dance is an engaging sports documentary, while Chef’s Table provides culinary artistry. Queer Eye delivers heartwarming makeovers, and Tidying Up with Marie Kondo brings organization and calm. The Toys That Made Us is a nostalgic treat, and Abstract: The Art of Design is visually stimulating. Formula 1: Drive to Survive is thrilling, and The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes offers escapism through architecture. Great British Baking Show is, again, essential viewing.
With 50 diverse choices ranging from laughter-filled sitcoms to epic tales and cozy, fireside narratives, this holiday season is set to be one of the best for entertainment. These selections cover every conceivable mood, offering a perfect blend of new discoveries and beloved classics. Taking the time to dive into a captivating series can elevate the festive atmosphere, making the cold, dark days feel warm and inviting. Enjoying these stories with family or savouring them alone, this list provides endless hours of enjoyment to make this Christmas truly memorable.
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