Christmas TV comedy guide 2022

Detectorists, Motherland and Doc Martin are amongst the new comedy on TV this festive period. Here's a rundown of all the key specials to look out for.

A League Of Their Own

Sky Max, Monday 12th, 9pm

The boys come together to take part in a special celebrity golf tournament that Romesh has organised as a Christmas present for Jamie. Guide

Joe Lycett Vs David Beckham: A Got Your Back Christmas Special

Channel 4, Thursday 15th, 9pm

The presenter locks horns with David Beckham - one of the world's most famous footballers - to highlight the true cost of the Qatar World Cup. Cameras observe him on the nerve-shredding days leading up to his biggest headline hijacking stunt to date - the apparent destruction of £10,000. Joe also brings the good fight to one of the UK's biggest sellers of Christmas cards and reunites the cast of a TV classic. Guide

Bad Education

BBC Three, Thursday 15th, 9pm

Class K are back for a careers day and reunion party that descends into mayhem, while Alfie has a decision to make about whether he will finally leave the school forever to be with Gulliver. One-off special of the Jack Whitehall comedy, which finished in 2014 after three series. Guide

Never Mind The Buzzcocks

Sky Max, Thursday 15th, 9pm

Greg Davies hosts a festive edition of the comedy music quiz, with Claire Richards, Tom Allen and Pete Doherty joining captains Noel Fielding and Daisy May Cooper and regular panellist Jamali Maddix. Guide

The postponed edition with guest Lady Leshurr - charged with ABH just days before its scheduled broadcast - premieres at 2:15am on 29th December.

The Russell Howard Hour

Sky Max, Thursday 15th, 10pm

A festive edition of the topical comedy and entertainment show, featuring stand-up, special guests and some Christmas Playground Politics. Guide

A Best Of Christmas compilation special follows on the 22nd at 11pm.

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators

BBC One, Friday 16th, 2:15pm

Starring Mark Benton and Jo Joyner, the hit daytime comedy drama is back for a Christmas special. Frank and Lu are hired to unmask a mysterious figure who threatens to destroy the Christmas fair, while Sebastian is faced with his first solo case - but it doesn't go as planned. Guide

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again

CBBC, Friday 16th, 5:30pm

Schoolboy Ben is getting to life without his beloved Gran, and although it's a year since she died, the memories of their Crown Jewel heist are fresh in his mind. But then he hears about another spate of burglaries, with all clues pointing to the Black Cat - better known as Granny. How could the shady senior citizen be back to her old tricks from beyond the grave? Guide

Comedy Classics: Porridge

Channel 5, Friday 16th, 9pm

Another of Channel 5's feature-length documentaries, this time paying tribute to Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais's prison-based sitcom Porridge. This documentary examines how the characters in Slade Prison revolved around Fletch, Ronnie Barker's inimitable creation. As well as those laugh-out-loud moments from the three series, there's a look at 1979 spin-off Going Straight, Porridge: The Movie, US remake On The Rocks, and the 2017 reboot starring Kevin Bishop and Ricky Grover. Guide

The Big Narstie Show

Channel 4, Friday 16th, 11:05pm

It's Christmas on The Big Narstie Show! Big Narstie and Mo Gilligan host a special festive episode of the BAFTA-winning, anarchic, late-night chat show, with guests including comedian Thanyia Moore, rapper Headie One, singer Jada Kingdom, and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett. Guide

The Jonathan Ross Show

ITV1, Saturday 17th, 10:05pm

In a festive edition of the chat show, Jonathan is joined by comedian Michael McIntyre, actress Minnie Driver, chef Gordon Ramsay, and rapper Big Zuu. Plus, current Queen frontman and Grammy-nominated singer Adam Lambert performs in the studio. Guide

The Play What I Wrote

BBC Four, Sunday 18th, 8pm

A comic double act are divided when one writes an epic play set during the French Revolution, while his partner just wants to stick to comedy. He plots to tempt his friend away from the lure of respectability by turning the play into a tribute to Morecambe & Wise's classic sketches. Guide

QI XL

BBC Two, Monday 19th, 9pm

Sandi Toksvig hosts an extended festive edition of the quiz, with guests Aisling Bea, Chris McCausland and Gyles Brandreth joining regular panellist Alan Davies to cover a selection of seasonal subjects including turkey, tinsel and toys. Guide

The Unofficial Science Of Home Alone

Sky Max, Monday 19th, 9pm

Comedians James Acaster, Guz Khan and Alex Brooker have all been obsessed with the classic 1990 comedy Home Alone ever since they were kids. But there's one big burning question that all Home Alone fans need answering; would Harry & Marv have survived those traps in real life? Well, it's time to find out! Guide

Noel At The Apollo

BBC Two, Monday 19th, 9:45pm

In this special festive edition, host Rosie Jones warms up the audience at London's Hammersmith Apollo and then introduces routines by Eshaan Akbar and Cally Beaton, who share their light-hearted views on modern life. Guide

The latest new series of the stand-up format then continues from Friday 6th January.

The Royal Variety Performance

ITV, Tuesday 20th, 8pm

Lee Mack hosts the annual entertainment extravaganza with a wealth of performances from across the entertainment industry. Axel Blake, Omid Djalili, Al Murray and Maisie Adam are amongst those appearing.

Rob And Romesh Vs Christmas On Ice

Sky Max, Wednesday 21st, 9pm

Throughout the year, fans of this show have been voting for things they would love to see Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan take on. Here's the result as the duo strap on their ice skates to join Disney On Ice. But first, their skating abilities are put to the test in front of Mickey, Moana, Goofy and all the other favourite characters. Do they have what it takes to join the animated favourites in a sold out show on their Dream Big tour? Guide

Inside No. 9

BBC Two, Thursday 22nd, 9pm

Dr Jasper Parkway has booked an overnight stay in a reputedly haunted church on Christmas Eve. However, he is joined by unwanted guests. Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton are joined by Shobna Gulati and Simon Callow this time. Guide

Little Red Riding Hood: After Ever After

Sky Max, Friday 23rd, 8pm

Fifty years after the events of the classic fairy-tale, a grown-up Red Riding Hood has established a fearsome reputation within the village of Wolferton as a deadly Wolf Buster, and her eager granddaughter Red Riding Boots wants desperately to become a Wolf Buster herself. Guide

The Cleaner

BBC One, Friday 23rd, 9pm

Christmas Day finds Wicky looking forward to winning Weasel's Christmas raffle as the first prize is an actual horse. All that stands in his way is a blood-soaked crime scene in an ice-cream parlour, and a persistent customer who isn't going to let a little thing like a murder stop him from getting the perfect peach melba ice-cream. Robbie Curran, Sian Gibson and sitcom legend James Bolam guest star. Guide

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown

Channel 4, Friday 23rd December, 9pm

Jimmy Carr, Susie Dent and Rachel Riley invite Jon Richardson and Jack Dee to take on Lee Mack and Rose Matafeo in a festive-themed special, with guests Stevie Martin and Joe Wilkinson. Guide

The next series of the words and numbers comedy mash-up then starts on Friday 6th January.

Motherland

BBC One, Friday 23rd, 9:30pm

Julia has a full house on Christmas Day with an influx of grandparents, not to mention Kevin and Liz. Across the road Meg questions whether her husband really knows her at all and gets stuck into the booze - but soon regrets it. Amanda grits her teeth as she spends the day with ex-husband Johnny and his new wife Tamara, while Anne is beside herself with excitement as she welcomes her mammy and cousins - all 32 of them. Guide

The Last Leg

Channel 4, Friday 23rd, 10pm

James Acaster, TV presenter AJ Odudu and stars from The Great British Bake Off join Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker for a seasonal edition filled with yuletide treats and festive songs. Guide

Two Doors Down

BBC One, Friday 23rd, 10:05pm

It's a welcome break at the coffee shop after a spot of Christmas shopping, where thanks to having more loyalty points on her card than she expected Christine surprises the neighbours with some uncharacteristic festive generosity. Meanwhile, Michelle is frustrated with Alan who's lost his wallet somewhere in town. Dismayed at the prospect of having to cancel her cards so close to Christmas, she sends him out to look again for it. Guide

Blankety Blank

BBC One, Christmas Eve, 8pm

Bradley Walsh hosts a fun-filled festive edition of the comedy game show. TV presenters Jonathan Ross and Alison Hammond, actors Joanna Lumley and Joanna Page, and comedians Alex Horne and Guz Khan fill in the blanks to help the contestants win a selection of prizes - or at the very least go home with the famous Blankety Blank chequebook and pen. Guide

Christmas Carole

Sky Max, Christmas Eve, 8pm

Carole Mackay is an unashamedly outspoken and wealthy entrepreneur, with her online business selling all things festive earning her a fortune. However, she is a monumentally mean person and doesn't love Christmas at all. But this Christmas Eve, her past, present and future are about to collide and some rather familiar Christmas spirits try to help her discover the true spirit of Christmas? A modern take on the Dickens tale, starring Suranne Jones. Guide

Comedy Classic: The Vicar Of Dibley

Channel 5, Christmas Eve, 8:35pm

Documentary celebrating Richard Curtis's much-loved sitcom, featuring clips along with insight and analysis from cast, crew and celebrity fans. The programme examines how the fictional village of Dibley was never the same once Dawn French's inimitable comedy creation Geraldine Granger arrived as the new vicar, and there is a look at the Comic Relief specials. Guide

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing

BBC Two, Christmas Eve, 8:40pm

Bob and Paul head off for a festive fishing trip to Norway, travelling to Vesteralen and the Lofoten Islands in the Arctic Circle and face a mighty maelstrom. Along the way Bob surprises Paul with some unique accommodation in the most remote locations they have ever experienced, and the pair enjoy an array of culinary festive delights, including Christmas porridge and traditional Christmas cookies. Guide

Guessable?

Comedy Central, Christmas Eve, 9pm

Sara Pascoe, Alan Davies, Darren Harriott and sidekick John Kearns invite James Acaster, Roisin Conaty, Kemah Bob and Gyles Brandreth to play some festive guessing games. Guide

Celebrity I Literally Just Told You

Channel 4, Christmas Eve, 9:40pm

Dermot O'Leary, Judi Love, Kerry Katona and David Walliams take part in the game show where questions are written as the game progresses, based on things that have just been seen or heard. The aim is to get into the final, where the two remaining opponents will choose questions for each other - with the winner taking away up to £25,000 for their chosen charity. As usual, resident factologist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock brings some sense to the proceedings. Guide

Christmas Comedy Club With Lost Voice Guy

ITV1, Christmas Eve, 10:40pm

The 2018 Britain's Got Talent winner returns with his second Christmas special, treating the audience to his unique brand of comedy and introducing further festive cheer from fellow stand-ups Josie Long, Dara O Briain, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and rapper and comedian Abandoman. Guide

Ghosts

BBC One, Christmas Day, 7:25pm

As Mike and Alison head off to celebrate Christmas with Mike's parents, the ghosts are touched to discover that Alison has left a gift for each of them in the library, with strict instructions not to open them until the couple return. Touched by her generosity, the spectres are inspired to give her a special Christmas present in return - but with Alison due back in a matter of hours, can they pull off their ambitious plan in time? Guide

Doc Martin

ITV1, Christmas Day, 9:05pm

The final ever episode. The village is alive with festive cheer until Martin has the grotto shut down. At James's disappointment, Louisa takes matters into her own hands, and with the help of the village arranges a Christmas parade, but not without its challenges. Guide

Mrs. Brown's Boys

BBC One, Christmas Day, 10:25pm

Christmas rolls around once more in Finglas, and this year Cathy has a new boyfriend, widower Boris. But while the newcomer is initiated into the family, Agnes is more concerned about his spooky twin children. Perhaps Buster's magical Christmas tree could shed some light on the matter? Meanwhile, Bono has become an eco-warrior - and naturally, his granny has something to say about it. Guide

Detectorists

BBC Two, Boxing Day, 9pm

A much-anticipated return for the sitcom. The Danebury Metal Detecting Club is in trouble after losing out on a big finder's fee, and with developers sniffing round, the members are going to need a miracle to help save their beloved scout hall. So when Lance manages to secure permission to search 10 acres of prime, undetected land, it looks like things could be on the up. However, when a mysterious relic is unearthed, Lance breaks protocol, threatening his friendship with Andy and the future of the DMDC. Guide

The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year

Channel 4, Boxing Day, 9pm

The annual year-end quiz, hosted by Jimmy Carr. Stephen Merchant, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade, Maisie Adam, Jonathan Ross and Rose Matafeo are quizzed on the strange events of 2022. As ever, Charles Dance, Jon Snow and the children of Mitchell Brook Primary School are on hand to help Jimmy pose his questions. Guide

Robbie Coltrane At The BBC

BBC Four, Boxing Day, 9pm

Celia Imrie narrates a look back at the life and career of one of Britain's best-loved stars, telling his story through a selection of interviews and special moments from his appearances on BBC shows over the decades. The programme recalls how he first grabbed audiences' attention as an exciting new comedy star in the 1980s, and the transition he made in the 1990s into international stardom. It's followed by Richard Wilson Remembers... Tutti Frutti, a documentary looking at the celebrated musical comedy drama in which Coltrane starred. Guide

Rob Beckett: Wallop

Sky Comedy, Boxing Day, 9pm

An all-new stand-up show by the comedian and 8 Out Of 10 Cats team captain. Guide

Frankie Boyle's New World Order

BBC Two, Tuesday 27th, 10pm

The comedian returns with his New World Order end of year special where, with the help of his guests, he'll dissect the bewildering year that was 2022. Frankie reviews and discusses all the big stories from the last 12 months along with a selection of unbelievable clips. Guide

The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan

Channel 4, Tuesday 27th, 10pm

Jason Manford, Danny and Dani Dyer, Marvin Humes, Sophie Willan and Samson Kayo join Mo for festive fun and games, including sketches, Christmas Nursery Grimes and a chance for members of the public to ask the guests risque and never-before-asked questions. Guide

Jon And Lucy's Party Of The Year

Channel 4, Wednesday 28th, 9pm

Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont eat, drink and get merry on a getaway from the post-Christmas, pre-New Year lull with some of their closest friends Romesh Ranganathan, Judi Love and Tom Allen. The gang reflect on the highs and lows of 2022 and get up to some festive mischief in this comedy special. Guide

Farewell Doc Martin

ITV1, Thursday 29th, 8:30pm

After Martin Clunes's last turn as grumpy Portwenn medic Martin Ellingham, cameras follow the Doc Martin cast and crew filming its 10th and final series. Inspired by the 2000 film Saving Grace, the saga has been so successful it led to fan Sigourney Weaver making an appearance, as well as assorted adaptations around the world. Guide

Prince Andrew: The Musical

Channel 4, Thursday 29th, 9pm

All-singing, all-dancing satirical biopic charting the rise and fall of the Duke of York. With seven hilarious original musical numbers and revealing archive footage, the Duke of York's downfall gets a West End-style treatment, as Andrew goes from '80s war hero to present-day royal outcast amid damaging allegations and an ill-advised Newsnight interview. Written by and starring Kieran Hodgson, with Emma Sidi, Munya Chawawa and Harry Enfield. Guide

Katherine Ryan: Missus

Sky Comedy, Thursday 29th, 9pm

A stand-up show by the comedian in which she reveals how marriage has given her new perspectives on life, love and what it means. Guide

John Bishop's End Of Year Show

ITV1, Thursday 29th, 9:35pm

The comedian takes an irreverent look back at the past 12 months, with the help of guests including veteran actor Ian McKellen - currently co-starring with John in the pantomime Mother Goose - and Lionesses heroine Beth Mead. Guide

Breaking The News

BBC Scotland, Thursday 29th, 10pm

Des Clarke is joined by Karen Dunbar, Chris Forbes, Susie McCabe and Neil Delamere to take a wry look back at the biggest stories and events of the past 12 months. They reflect on matters including the revolving door of 10 Downing Street and a brand new chapter for the monarchy under King Charles III in a review that hits harder than Will Smith on Oscars night. Guide

Would I Lie To You?

BBC One, Friday 30th, 8:30pm

Christopher Eccleston, Sophie Willan, Guz Khan and Gloria Hunniford join team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack for the game show, trying to hoodwink their opponents with festive fibs or facts about themselves. Whose family hold a festive sweepstake to decide what time they will fall asleep on Christmas Day? Did one of the ex-teacher panellists really play walk-on music to impress the pupils when they entered the classroom? Guide

Series 16 of Would I Lie To You? then continues from Friday 6th January.

Jason Manford: Recent Nostalgia

BBC One, Friday 30th, 10:30pm

A stand-up performance from the comedian's Like Me tour, recorded at Sheffield's City Hall at the end of September 2022. The content finds Jason reflecting on absurd moments from lockdown, his early days on the comedy circuit and why men aren't as clever as women think they are. Later, he showcases a dance track medley of religious songs sung in school assemblies down the decades. Guide

Paul Black's First Footing

BBC Scotland, New Year's Eve, 9:30pm

New comedy from social media star Paul Black in which he wakes from a wild New Year's Eve with little memory of the night before, spent at his Mum's social club. When it's revealed that the prize money from the Annual New Year's Eve Karaoke Competition has gone missing Paul fears his good name and reputation are at stake. Guide

Ooh The Banter

BBC One Scotland, New Year's Eve, 10pm

As BBC Scotland prepares to celebrate its centenary year, Jack Docherty presents Ooh The Banter, a riotous one-hour celebration of Scotland's most valuable export - its sense of humour. The programme delves deep into the BBC Scotland archives where we find a century's worth of classic characters, catchphrases and comedy clips. Guide

The Graham Norton Show

BBC One, New Year's Eve, 10:25pm

Together on Graham's Hogmanay sofa: Oscar-winning Olivia Colman and BAFTA rising star Micheal Ward, co-starring in Sam Mendes' powerful romantic drama Empire Of Light; musician, writer and comedy great Hugh Laurie; actor and award-winning stand-up Romesh Ranganathan; one of the stars of 2022, footballer Leah Williamson; and the stars of Cabaret, Callum Scott Howells and Madeline Brewer who chat and perform Willkommen and Don't Tell Mama from the hit West End revival. Guide

Jonathan Ross' New Year Comedy Special

ITV1, New Year's Eve, 10:35pm

Jonathan Ross sends off 2022 with a star-studded evening of stand-up comedy. Bill Bailey and Katherine Ryan lead the line-up, with Tom Allen, Judi Love and Babatundé Aléshé also booked.

Queen Of The New Year

BBC One Scotland, New Year's Eve, 11pm

Hogmanay sketch show featuring Greg Hemphill and Robert Florence alongside the best up-and-coming and established Scottish talent, including John Gordon Sinclair, Juliet Cadzow, Barbara Rafferty, Clive Russell, Gayle Telfer Stevens, Louise McCarthy and many others. Guide

Adam Hills: Clown Heart

Channel 4, New Year's Eve, 11pm

Live recording of The Last Leg presenter's stand-up show at London's Hammersmith Apollo, in which he and an audience of willing participants find humour in life, love, death and his own struggle with cancer. This was out on DVD in 2017, but if you haven't seen it before, here's your chance. Guide

Taskmaster

Channel 4, New Year's Day, 9pm

Festive one-off special in which five celebrities from various spheres of the entertainment world - presenter Carol Vorderman, DJ and presenter Greg James, Olympic champion Mo Farah, comedian and journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg and chart star Self Esteem - apply their skills to a series of bizarre challenges in the hope of walking away with a unique trophy - Greg's Golden Eyebrows. Guide

Mrs. Brown's Boys

BBC One, New Year's Day, 10pm

The second of this year's two specials. Buster and Dermot are convinced Cathy's boyfriend Boris is a vampire - and there's only one way to deal with vampires. Agnes awaits the valuation of an 'antique" vase that's been in the family for generations. Guide

You can also expect the usual smattering of classic and recent comedy repeats amongst the schedules, from the Carry On and Morecambe & Wise films to festive-themed editions of Not Going Out, Dad's Army, Keeping Up Appearances, The Two Ronnies, and a very rare TV outing for Les Dawson sketch show The Dawson Watch.

For everything, including all repeats and radio comedy as well, see our full schedule