British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Television

TV schedule Thursday 21st December 2023

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 7pm (repeat)
Only Fools And Horses. Image shows from L to R: Del (David Jason), Auctioneer (Seymour Matthews), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst)

Only Fools And Horses

1996 Christmas Trilogy, Christmas Special - Time On Our Hands

This third 1996 special was at the time thought to be last that would be made. Rodney's doing a stock take in the garage and has found an artificial leg, some Showaddywaddy LPs and an old watch. They get the watch valued and get just a little shock when it sells at Sotherby's for £6.2 million pounds. After all these years their finally millionaires!

Sky Max. Copyright: Sky 7pm (repeat)
Rob And Romesh Vs. Image shows left to right: Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan

Rob And Romesh Vs

Christmas Special - Lapland

Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan head to Lapland for Christmas, where they try their luck at a range of festive-themed tasks featuring elves, reindeer, magic and Santa Claus to see if there's one activity that they have the Christmas spirit for.

Sky Max. Copyright: Sky 8pm (repeat)
Rob And Romesh Vs. Image shows left to right: Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan

Rob And Romesh Vs

2022 Specials, Christmas Special - Christmas On Ice

Rob and Romesh make an appearance on Disney On Ice.

BBC Four 8pm (repeat)
Sykes. Image shows from L to R: Corky Turnbull (Deryck Guyler), Eric Sykes (Eric Sykes), Hattie Sykes (Hattie Jacques). Copyright: BBC

Sykes

Series 4, Episode 7 - Christmas Party

Sitcom about identical twins Eric and Hattie Sykes, who live together in suburban London.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 8:20pm (repeat)
Ghosts. Image shows from L to R: Robin (Laurence Rickard), Pat (Jim Howick), Julian (Simon Farnaby), Captain (Ben Willbond), Alison (Charlotte Ritchie), Mary (Katy Wix), Kitty (Lolly Adefope), Thomas (Mathew Baynton), Lady Button (Martha Howe-Douglas). Copyright: Monumental Pictures

Ghosts

Series 2, Christmas Special - The Ghost Of Christmas

It's Christmas at Button House, and as Alison and Mike are hosting his family for the first time, Mike is determined to make it perfect.

U&Dave channel logo 8:20pm (repeat)
Would I Lie To You?. Image shows from L to R: David Mitchell, Richard Osman, Tom Courtenay, Rob Brydon, Sara Pascoe, Chris Kamara, Lee Mack. Copyright: Zeppotron

Would I Lie To You?

Series 10, Christmas Special

With Sara Pascoe, Richard Osman, Chris Kamara and Tom Courtenay.

BBC Three 8:30pm (repeat)
Gavin & Stacey. Image shows from L to R: Bryn (Rob Brydon), Gwen (Melanie Walters), Nessa (Ruth Jones), Stacey (Joanna Page), Gavin (Mathew Horne), Mick (Larry Lamb), Pam (Alison Steadman), Smithy (James Corden). Copyright: Baby Cow Productions

Gavin & Stacey

Series 2, Episode 3

Stacey's getting used to being an 'Essex wife' but it's not as exciting as she'd hoped.

BBC Four 8:30pm (repeat)
The Good Life. Image shows from L to R: Margo Leadbetter (Penelope Keith), Tom Good (Richard Briers), Jerry Leadbetter (Paul Eddington), Barbara Good (Felicity Kendal). Copyright: BBC

The Good Life

Christmas Special - Silly, But It's Fun....

When the Leadbetter Christmas is cancelled, Tom and Barbara save the day by inviting them over for a self-sufficient Christmas that cost only 15p.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 9pm (repeat)
Mrs. Brown's Boys. Image shows from L to R: Winnie McGoogan (Eilish O'Carroll), Agnes Brown (Brendan O'Carroll), Grandad Brown (Dermot O'Neill)

Mrs. Brown's Boys

Christmas 2016, Christmas Special - Mammy's Forest

Agnes Brown has had enough hassle with Christmas trees to last a lifetime, so this year she refuses to have one.

Sky Max. Copyright: Sky 9pm (repeat)
A League Of Their Own. Image shows left to right: Rob Beckett, Jill Scott, Mo Gilligan, Romesh Ranganathan, Patrice Evra, Micah Richards, Jamie Redknapp

A League Of Their Own

Series 18, Christmas Special

In this Christmas special, Romesh and the gang are joined in the studio for festive fun and games by Manchester United and French International legend Patrice Evra as well as award-winning comedian Rob Beckett. Together, the gang make a special visit to Brentford FC to cook up a Christmas lunch for the players...

BBC Two 9pm (repeat)
Detectorists. Image shows left to right: Andy Stone (Mackenzie Crook), Lance Stater (Toby Jones)

Detectorists

Special

The Danebury Metal Detecting Club is in trouble; developers are sniffing around, and after losing out on a big finder's fee, the club is going to need a miracle to help save their beloved scout hall. So when Lance manages to secure a permission to search ten acres of prime, undetected land, it looks like things could be on the up. But when a mysterious relic is unearthed, Lance breaks protocol, threatening his friendship with Andy and the future of the DMDC.

U&Dave channel logo 9pm
60 min version (repeat)
QI. Image shows from L to R: Alan Davies, Stephen Fry. Copyright: TalkbackThames

QI

Series L, Christmas Special - No-L

With Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr and Carrie Fisher.

BBC Four 9pm (repeat)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Evelyn Greenslade (Judi Dench)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A group of British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 9pm
60 min
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Image shows left to right: Joe Lycett, Danny Dyer

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown

Christmas Special 2023

Jimmy Carr hosts a special Christmas edition of 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, packed with festive surprises. Joe Lycett and Danny Dyer take on Jon Richardson and Roisin Conaty. Rachel Riley looks after the letters and numbers, and Mr Swallow (Nick Mohammed) joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner. And as a Christmas treat, Cats Does Countdown royalty Joe Wilkinson is back to help/annoy Rachel.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 9:40pm (repeat)
The Royle Family. Image shows from L to R: Denise Royle / Best (Caroline Aherne), Dave Best (Craig Cash), Jim Royle (Ricky Tomlinson), Antony Royle (Ralf Little)

The Royle Family

Christmas Special - The Golden Egg Cup

There's a new buzz in the Royle family household as it is a special time for Jim and Barbara and a celebration (including Twiglets and scotch eggs) is planned.

Sky Max. Copyright: Sky 10pm
90 min
Brassic

Brassic

Series 5, Christmas Special - A Very Brassic Christmas

The plan is to kick back, relax and enjoy life to the max. But then comes the inevitable. A call from Dr Chris saying his aunt is in crisis and needs looking after and a robbery at Tyler's school ruining his nativity. Vinnie, Erin, Tommo, Cardi, Carol, Ashely and JJ must now bring on their A Game and help save Christmas the Brassic way. Bring on a heist at a winter wonderland, a fight with a man called Dick Dolphin, babysitting Chris's Aunt and the best Nativity ever staged. Co-stars Imelda Staunton as Aunt Edie and Greg Davies as Dick Dolphin.

Sky Comedy. Copyright: Sky 10pm
30 min
Smothered

Smothered

Episode 5

It's opening night for Gillian's restaurant and nerves are high, while Raina still doesn't know about Sammy and Tom, and tonight is not the time to find out.

U&Dave channel logo 10pm (repeat)
Meet The Richardsons. Image shows from L to R: Jon (Jon Richardson), Johnny Vegas

Meet The Richardsons

Meet The Richardsons At Christmas, Episode 1

The families attempt to create the perfect Christmas for daughter Elsie. Jon is against the commercialisation of the season and wants to keep the season as pure, but Lucy just wants a big tree.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 10pm
65 min
Late Night Lycett. Image shows left to right: Aisling Bea, Melanie Brown, Joe Lycett, Self Esteem, Guz Khan

Late Night Lycett

Christmas Special - It's Christmas!

Joe Lycett returns to his hometown of Birmingham for a fabulous, fun-filled festive edition of Late Night Lycett. Joe celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with a host of famous faces, including Mel B, Aisling Bea, Self Esteem and Guz Khan, alongside Joe's aunties, Linda Biscuits and Hardev from the local shop. Expect Joe's usual mischievous capers as he and his guests get up to snow good. Who will sleigh and who will end up on the naughty list? There's myrrh where that came from, featuring a surprise visit from a very special celebrity secret Santa. And Joe turns Father Christmas himself when he gives away a mystery gift to one lucky member of the audience. Yule be sorry if you miss it!

Sky Comedy. Copyright: Sky 10:30pm
30 min
Smothered

Smothered

Episode 6

It is nearly Christmas and Sammy and Tom's relationship hangs in the balance. Is a big romantic gesture enough to bring them back together in time for the holidays?

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 10:40pm (repeat)
Motherland. Image shows left to right: Kevin (Paul Ready), Julia (Anna Maxwell Martin), Liz (Diane Morgan), Anne (Philippa Dunne), Amanda (Lucy Punch), Meg (Tanya Moodie)

Motherland

Christmas Special - Last Christmas

School's out for the festive season so the mums, and Kevin, are busy prepping for the ultimate in blended Christmas celebrations.

U&Dave channel logo 10:40pm (repeat)
Meet The Richardsons. Image shows from L to R: Jon (Jon Richardson), Lucy (Lucy Beaumont)

Meet The Richardsons

Meet The Richardsons At Christmas, Episode 2

The Richardsons' plans for a quiet family Christmas are thrown into further chaos when more celebrities turn up unexpectedly, but it's perfect for the panto that Lucy wants to put on for Elsie. Did Lucy really get so drunk at Jools Holland's Hootenanny that she invited Jason Donovan over for Christmas dinner? And are they about to get a new stepfather in law in the shape of Johnny Vegas for Christmas?

BBC Three 10:50pm (repeat)
Fleabag. Image shows from L to R: Hot Misogynist (Ray Fearon), Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Copyright: Two Brothers Pictures

Fleabag

Series 2, Episode 5

Claire has a crisis and turns to Fleabag for help, whilst a familiar face makes a reappearance at the cafe. Hilary makes a friend, Martin demands answers, and Godmother and Dad's wedding hangs in the balance.

BBC Four 10:55pm (repeat)
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Evelyn Greenslade (Judi Dench). Copyright: Blueprint Pictures

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Sequel to the hit 2012 comedy drama in which a group of British pensioners retire to a hotel in India.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 11pm (repeat)
Absolutely Fabulous. Image shows from L to R: Edina (Jennifer Saunders), Patsy (Joanna Lumley). Copyright: Saunders And French Productions / BBC

Absolutely Fabulous

Series 5, Christmas Special - Cold Turkey

It's Jane's first Christmas, and Edina plans to spend the festive period at home rather than on holiday. Trouble is, she's not told Patsy yet. What'll be her reaction to the news?

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 11:05pm (repeat)
Taskmaster. Image shows left to right: Alex Horne, Carol Vorderman. Credit: Avalon Television

Taskmaster

Taskmaster's New Year Treat 2023, New Year Special - That's A Swizz

The third New Year's Treat sees Amelia Dimoldenberg, Carol Vorderman, Greg James, Sir Mo Farah and Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) trying to win Greg's golden eyebrows.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 11:15pm (repeat)
Last Christmas. Kate (Emilia Clarke). Copyright: Calamity Films

Last Christmas

Romantic comedy in which a shop assistant strikes up a friendship with a customer who helps her confront some of the shortcomings in her life.

BBC Three 11:15pm (repeat)
Fleabag. Image shows from L to R: Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Claire (Sian Clifford). Copyright: Two Brothers Pictures

Fleabag

Series 2, Episode 6

The day of the wedding arrives, Jake wants to know where Claire is, and the Priest upstages the bride. As secrets are revealed and decisions are made, will Fleabag find the ending she's looking for?

U&Dave channel logo 11:20pm (repeat)
Mock The Week. Image shows from L to R: Dara O Briain, Hugh Dennis. Copyright: Angst Productions

Mock The Week

Series 20, New Year Special - End Of Year Special

A compilation of highlights from the previous twelve months.

Sky Max. Copyright: Sky 11:30pm (repeat)
Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Image shows from L to R: Noel Fielding, Greg Davies, Daisy May Cooper, Jamali Maddix

Never Mind The Buzzcocks

A selection of Christmas specials from the music-based panel game.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 11:45pm (repeat)
The Office. Image shows from L to R: Dawn Tinsley (Lucy Davis), Tim Canterbury (Martin Freeman). Copyright: BBC

The Office

Christmas Specials, Episode 1 - Part 1

We catch up with David Brent, as he still visits his old place of work regularly, despite successfully suing them for unfair dismissal.

BBC Three 11:45pm (repeat)
Starstruck. Image shows left to right: Amelia (Alice Snedden), Jessie (Rose Matafeo)

Starstruck

Series 3, Episode 5

Tom prepares for his wedding, and while his house is taken over by wedding staff, he comes clean about a secret he's been hiding from fiancée Clem. Meanwhile, Ian tries to make amends with Jessie, who is having a crisis of confidence when her 33rd birthday celebrations don't go as planned.

U&Dave channel logo Midnight (repeat)
Mock The Week. Image shows left to right: Hugh Dennis, Angela Barnes, Alasdair Beckett-King, Josh Pugh, Dara O Briain, Rhys James, Ria Lina

Mock The Week

Series 21, Episode 1

Joining mainstays Dara O'Briain and Hugh Dennis are show stalwarts Angela Barnes and Rhys James. Comedian and 'knight errant' Alasdair Beckett-King and comedian, actress and virologist Ria Lina will both be making their fourth appearance on the series and there will be a debut for Josh Pugh, fresh from his Edinburgh Comedy Awards nomination.

Share this page

Subscribe to our newsletters