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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To really miss good Christmas specials on tv

50 replies

MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:06

Maybe it’s an age thing, but I remember really looking forward to Christmas episodes of my favourite shows - so as a kid that was things like Only Fools or similar- but I’ve realised that for a good few years - there just aren’t these type of shows that I really look forward to like that. So aibu to ask - what was the last Christmas special you looked forward to? (And am I missing any)

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ClashCityRocker · 20/12/2017 21:09

I used to love the royle family Christmas special, but the last few were pants. It's not a programme that's aged well.

Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:11

Was the one where nana died a Christmas special? I remember sobbing for a solid ten minutes through that!

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wendz86 · 20/12/2017 21:12

Gavin and Stacey one is my fave and the office .

ShatnersBassoon · 20/12/2017 21:12

Inside Number 9 last year was the only decent Christmas special I can remember in recent years.

Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:14

@wendz - totally agree - I’ve watched both of Netflix already this year... in fact I may just catch up on the Gavin and Stacey one again as I adore it!

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Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:15

@Shatners - oh is there one this year do you know? I really like that show - it’s like a modern tales of the unexpected!

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Alexandrite · 20/12/2017 21:17

I absolutely loved "The New Sofa" Royle Family episode when Denise hosted Christmas Day.

TheFallenMadonna · 20/12/2017 21:18

I love the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special. I may have watched it twice already this year Blush

ShatnersBassoon · 20/12/2017 21:20

I don't think so. It's the League of Gentlemen 3-parter this year (not Christmassy, but brilliant Grin).

Akire · 20/12/2017 21:23

Dr who and call midwife should be on.

PantPlot · 20/12/2017 21:24

I know what you mean.

I quite liked the Not Going Out Xmas special about three years ago though Grin

Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:25

I do like Dr Who - but Call the Midwive just isn’t my cup of tea. I miss those great ones that blend comedy and warmth like Gavin and Stacey and the Royal Family did - real great Christmas fodder

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ginghambox · 20/12/2017 21:34

Xmas night on the BBC looks fucking awful
Dr bloody Who
Strictly
Call the midwife
Deadenders for an hour
And the shite that is Mrs Brown's boys

Brummiegirl15 · 20/12/2017 21:36

Christmas just isn't the same without Only fools and horses. We used to settle down to it with turkey sandwiches, pickled onions etc

Loved it. Fond memories

PinkyBlunder · 20/12/2017 21:36

Oh gosh The Royle Family Queen of Sheba. Some of the most poignant writing and acting I have ever seen. I can’t watch it with other people around.

I really enjoyed Dickensian a few years ago. Think it’s on Netflix now.

Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:40

How does Mrs Browns boys keep running - I’ve never spoke to a person who likes it!

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EastMidsMummy · 20/12/2017 21:40

The Two Ronnies Christmas Special 1982 is on right now on BBC Four. It is fucking rubbish.

Whiterabbitears · 20/12/2017 21:46

I agree, it just seems to be extra long episodes of the soaps usually with silly OTT storylines. I think they should give the soaps a miss on xmas day, they are on every single night during the rest of the year let's have something else.

FellOutOfBed2wice · 20/12/2017 21:49

I agree, watching The Office Christmas Specials right now and it’s been a long time since something that special was in the Christmas schedules. Gavin and Stacey special in 2008 was an instant Christmas classic though.

CaptainChristmas · 20/12/2017 21:50

How does Mrs Browns boys keep running - I’ve never spoke to a person who likes it

I’ve been wondering this for ages!

The problem with shows which “blend comedy and warmth” is that they seem to date horribly and end up really cheesy (G&S) or boring (Royle Family). I think shows like those two only work as comfort viewing. I think that’s what they’re designed for. And what’s comforting to one generation is really dated to the next.

Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:53

@captain - but there doesn’t even seem to a “new” version of any of these types of show

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Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 21:54

Oops posted too soon... so what would be the equivalent now that’s going to seem dated in day 5 years time

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TheWhyteRoseShallRiseAgain · 20/12/2017 22:15

Alexandrite I thought I was going to have to call an ambulance for DH when that episode was first on he laughed so hard. He was an alarming shade of purple and wheezing strangely

BackforGood · 20/12/2017 22:27

I'm with you OP. I can't remember the last time I looked forward to a Christmas Special. The Christmas night TV that Gingham has posted, makes me glad I've got several DVDs I've not found time to watch that are just sitting on the side.

Original poster
MyKingdomForACaramel · 20/12/2017 22:35

I miss good Christmas tv- while board games etc are fun, that part when you’ve stuffed yourself with the second round of leftovers and feeling sleepy is the perfect time for a good Christmas special

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