30 TV shows to watch over Christmas: The best dramas, documentaries, films, and streaming options
The Room In The Tower, starring Tobias Menzies and Joanne Lumley, on BBC Two is among the possibilities for your Christmas viewing plans.
For the musically inclined, join Presenter Marty Whelan for a festive concert held at the historical Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Guests include Imelda May, The High Kings and TikTok sensation Garron Noone, offering a broad mix of traditional, contemporary and popular Irish music.
A man is haunted for years by a sinister country house where terror awaits in this gothic short film starring alumni Tobias Menzies and Joanne Lumley. The film is part of the anthology series and is sure to spook and thrill in equal measure.
Presented by Carrie Crowley, the series continues its exploration of architectural heritage, following the restoration and renewal of historic buildings across Ireland. The final episode visits the Briery Gap in Macroom, and the rebuilding project that followed a devastating fire.
Agnes Brown and family return for their annual festive outing, with Brendan O’Carroll’s broad sitcom delivering exactly what fans expect: A seasonal storyline built around family tensions and misunderstandings with a sprinkle of slapstick chaos. It may split opinion, but this episode is guaranteed to be one of the most-watched shows over Christmas.
Lucy Punch reprises her scene-stealing role as Amanda from in this festive special of the spin-off series. It’s a sharply observed look at middle-class Christmas pressures, with Amanda determined to host the “perfect” holiday at her aunt’s country home.
Former fan-favourite contestants — including David Mitchell of and Oscar winner Olivia Colman — return to the iconic white tent for a festive showdown in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith preside over seasonal challenges packed with inevitable baking disasters.
This documentary takes a look back at George Best’s short and sweet stint with Cork Celtic in the mid-1970s, and examines his cultural impact beyond football. Through archive footage and interviews, it paints a portrait of a sporting icon whose fame, talent and troubles resonated deeply in Ireland.
An in-depth profile of Rory McIlroy in one of the most defining periods of his career. Combining personal reflection with sporting analysis, the documentary charts the mental resilience, setbacks, and triumphs that have shaped Ireland’s most successful golfer.
A historical documentary examining the life and legacy of Daniel O’Connell, the Kerry-born political leader who transformed Irish politics in the 19th century. It revisits his role in Catholic emancipation and assesses how his methods of mass mobilisation still echo today.
Oliver Callan delivers his annual satirical review of the year, skewering Irish politics, media figures and public life through sharp impersonations and sketches. A reliably cathartic end-of-year send-up that reflects the absurdities of the past twelve months.
Frank Capra’s timeless Christmas classic stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man on the brink of despair who is shown the impact his life has had on others. It is simply one of the most sincere and quietly profound movies ever made, and it remains a cornerstone of festive viewing —and a reminder of the value of ordinary kindness.
Chris Columbus’s hugely popular family comedy sees Macaulay Culkin’s resourceful Kevin McCallister accidentally left behind at Christmas, only to defend his home from two inept burglars. Slapstick, sentiment, and John Williams’s iconic score have made it a holiday classic.
Greta Gerwig’s playful and self-aware blockbuster stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, who begins to question her perfectly ordered existence. Brightly coloured and sharply written, the film blends comedy with social satire, examining identity, gender roles, and the limits of manufactured perfection.
Christopher Nolan’s ambitious biopic chronicles the life of J Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the devastating atomic bomb. Anchored by Cillian Murphy’s intense central performance, the film explores scientific responsibility, political paranoia and the moral consequences of world-changing innovation.
Martin McDonagh’s darkly comic drama stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as former friends whose sudden falling-out ripples across a remote island community. A bleakly funny examination of loneliness, pride and civil conflict. It’s one of Farrell’s most acclaimed performances.
Baz Luhrmann’s maximalist biopic chronicles the life of Elvis Presley through his complicated relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker. Austin Butler’s transformative performance anchors a film that blends musical spectacle with a darker look at fame, exploitation, and American mythmaking.
Clint Eastwood’s revisionist western dismantles the myths of the Old West, following an ageing gunslinger drawn back into violence. Winner of four Oscars, including Best Picture, it remains a powerful meditation on morality, regret, and the cost of brutality.
This crowd-pleasing biopic charts the rise of Queen and the life of Freddie Mercury, culminating in the band’s iconic Live Aid performance. While historically selective, Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning turn and the enduring power of the music make it a perennial favourite.
Francis Ford Coppola’s epic sequel runs parallel narratives of Michael Corleone consolidating power and his father Vito’s early rise in New York. Often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, it deepens the original’s themes of family, corruption, and moral decay.
The Farrelly brothers’ late-90s comedy classic stars Cameron Diaz as the woman every man seems hopelessly obsessed with. Packed with outrageous set-pieces and quotable moments, it remains a defining example of the kind of gross-out romantic comedy we rarely see anymore.
A high-concept sci-fi drama from the creator of explores a near-future society shaken by a global tragedy/mystery. It’s stylish and cerebral, and is another notch on the belt of Apple TV — who have steadily been producing the most intriguing sci-fi television in recent memory.
A psychological thriller centred on a grieving author (Claire Danes), whose new obsession sees her investigating her new neighbor (Matthew Rhys) who she suspects has killed his wife. Designed for binge-watching, it promises twists and escalating suspense.
The final chapters of the Duffer Brothers’ hit series roll out over Christmas and New Year. Expect blockbuster-scale action, emotional payoffs and a definitive conclusion to the Hawkins saga.
This second adaptation of Peter Shaffer’s 1979 stage play sees Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany slip into the storied roles of Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The series delves deeper into the obsessive rivalry that defined one of classical music’s most fascinating duels.
The acclaimed workplace thriller returned earlier this year for a second season, deepening the mystery of Lumon Industries. With its eerie tone and philosophical edge, season two possessed bigger revelations and even higher stakes.
A hard-hitting incisive documentary examining the controversies and allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs. Featuring investigative reporting and first-hand accounts, it adds to Netflix’s growing slate of celebrity-focused true crime.
Tony Gilroy’s gritty prequel continues its slow-burn build toward rebellion. Praised for its political nuance and grounded tone, the second season pushes Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) closer to the heroic events of
The pressure-cooker drama returns as Carmy and his team face new professional and personal challenges. Fast-paced, intense, and emotionally raw, it remains one of TV’s most acclaimed series, despite some mixed reviews for this season.
Adapting the controversial second instalment of the video game, the series expands its world while leaning into darker themes of revenge and moral ambiguity, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey returning.
On the topic of post-apocalyptic set video game adaptations. Following a successful debut, returns with more world-building, violence and dark humour — and some fresh faces. Drawing deeper from the game's lore, season two expands the scope of its nuclear wasteland.
