Boxing Day is traditionally known as the day for family gatherings and relaxation, and this year’s television schedule promises to offer plenty of entertainment to enjoy after the Christmas festivities. On December 26, 2024, viewers across the United Kingdom can look forward to a delightful mix of returning shows, festive specials, and classic films broadcast on major networks like BBC One, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.
For those settling down with snacks on Boxing Day, the BBC One line-up is particularly enticing. The channel kicks off its schedule at 6:00 AM with Breakfast, before transitioning to kids' programming with The Snail and the Whale at 9:00 AM. Family-friendly films like Paddyington (2014) and Beauty and the Beast (2017) will take center stage, with Paddington airing at 1:50 PM and Beauty and the Beast following at 3:15 PM. Highlighting the day, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical will make its TV premiere at 5:45 PM, promising cheerful entertainment for all ages.
Following the family films, fans of Call the Midwife will be eagerly anticipating the conclusion of its two-part Christmas special, airing at 7:30 PM. Executive producer Heidi Thomas noted, “This year's two-part special felt like a lovely opportunity to give people more of something they love.” The narrative will pick up where the cliffhanger left off, focusing on Shelagh’s struggles with local poverty and the complex friendships formed under pressure.
Meanwhile, on ITV1, viewers can enjoy the nostalgic charm of Outnumbered, returning for its first Christmas special since 2016. The Brockman family, including parent characters played by Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner, will find themselves grappling with familial chaos as they attempt to host Christmas gatherings. The special will air at 9:40 PM and celebrates the everyday humor and heartwarming moments of family life.
ITV1 also rolls out the festive red carpet for The Masked Singer Christmas special at 7:30 PM. Host Joel Dommett returns with celebrity panellists Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan, along with guest appearances by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. The masked contestants will perform Christmas-themed songs, sparking intrigue as viewers guess who is behind the festive disguises.
The 9:00 PM slot on ITV1 will feature the 1% Club Christmas special. This unique quiz show hosted by Lee Mack will challenge contestants to answer questions only 1% of the population would know. Given the competitive spirit of this holiday installment, it’s almost certain to draw viewers eager for both brain teasers and festive fun.
Channel 4’s offerings include Gogglebox at 10:15 PM, showcasing audience reactions to various festive specials, as well as the increasingly popular The Great Pottery Throwdown at 9:00 PM where celebrity contestants will compete creatively. The channel also features beloved cartoons and classic films throughout the day, like An American in Paris at 9:50 AM and Crocodile Dundee at 4:40 PM.
For lighter fare, Channel 5 will cater to families with children, showcasing animated favorites like Peppa Pig throughout the morning. The evening will conclude with gripping drama, as The Serial Killer's Wife airs at 9:00 PM, exploring the aftermath of shocking revelations within seemingly perfect lives.
This diverse and enjoyable lineup promises to keep all households entertained on Boxing Day. Whether it's comedy, heartfelt drama, or classic musicals, viewers can find something for every taste as they unwind post-Christmas. And as families gather around the TV, the spirit of connection and laughter will undoubtedly fill homes across the nation.
