Blast from the TV past. Here are the best retro Christmas comedies

Virgin Radio

23 Dec 2022, 17:24

Craving some vintage small-screen action? Here are some of our favourite Christmas shows on the box that will take you on a trip down TV memory lane. 

Forget the presents, it’s all about quality rest and relaxation with your nearest, dearest and, of course, the remote control.

Happy vegging.

Knowing Me, Knowing You With Alan Partridge, 1995

A-ha. Or should that be A-ho. Over two decades later, Partridge’s serving of festive chat is still one of the tastiest things on the Christmas table. Things couldn’t go worse for Alan who’s guests include commissioning editor of the BBC Tony Hayers, and Alan’s obsessed with his show being renewed for a second series. Elsewhere, they’re joined by BBC-hating Mary; a paralyzed ex-golfer and his wife, a giant Christmas cracker with a kidney dialysis machine inside and Alan Partridge in a Pear Tree. 

The Office (UK) – Christmas Special, 2003

A heartstring-pulling, tearjerking festive classic courtesy of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. David Brent finally pulls a Christmas cracker and gets a date for the Office Christmas Party, and stands up to motormouth Chris Finch, while Dawn and Tim make hearts melt by finally getting together. Get the hankies out. 

Friends – The One With The Holiday Armadillo, 2000

A festive favourite from the seventh season of the smash-hit show, Ross is consumed that son Ben will grow up obsessed with Christmas and knowing nada about Hanukkah and his Jewish heritage, but when Ross attempts to get a fancy dress Santa suit, all that’s left is an armadillo costume. Phoebe is paranoid that Rachel wants to stay living at Joey’s so gifts him an interesting collection of Christmas presents.

The Royle Family – Christmas Special 1999

Nothing says Christmas like sitting in front of the box watching people sitting in front of the box. The Royles are busy moaning about Barbara's turkey, Antony has shocked everyone by going to Emma's for a vegetarian nut roast and party games instead of watching their wide-screen TV. After Dave takes Nana home, it turns into a tear-jerker as heavily pregnant Denise goes into labour three weeks early on Christmas Day with the unlikely midwifery help of Jim.

Blackadder – Blackadder’s Christmas Carol, 1988

Starring Ebenezer Blackadder, the satirical twist on the classic Christmas novel is set in Victorian England alongside Baldrick, Robbie Coltrane as the Spirit of Christmas with clips from Blackadders past and future, inspiring Ebenezer to change his ways and become the bad guy we know and hate-love, plus there’s rib-tickling roles from Miriam Margolyes and Jim Broadbent.

Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special, 2008

The first festive offering is set on Christmas Eve as the Wests join the Shipmans for one of Mick's mega Billericay-based turkey dinners. Smithy’s first Christmas with baby Neil is ruined by Dave Coaches tagging along with Nessa, while Jason and Bryn have a heart-to-heart about the infamous fishing trip. Elsewhere, Gavin and Stacey's big news goes down like a sack of (roast) potatoes with Pam and Smithy.

Bottom – Holy, 2001

Nothing screams Christmas louder than Bottom’s ’Gold, Frankenstein and Grrrr’. Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson’s comedy gold goes off with a Christmas blow-off in the half-hour special as Richie obsesses over Christmas traditions and ends up with a Mary complex. 

There’s finger amputation, vodka margarine and a baby Jesus type offering left on their soiled doorstep, all which ends up deliciously disastrous. 

Mr. Bean – Merry Christmas Mr. Bean, 1992

Comedy genius Rowan Atkinson could crack a smile from the most Scrooge-esque viewer. This Christmas sees Been busy with his Christmas hit list of shopping, cards, food and presents, including bodging up a model Nativity scene, attempting to conduct a brass band; terrible present purchasing and a whole heap of trouble with a turkey. 

Fancy more laughs? Here's when the Motherland Christmas special is on.