The particular constraints of 2020 have produced some interesting, or at least ingenious, television – as well as a lot of repeats, some revisits and some deep dives through the archives. Social distancing has been a challenge – Channel 4’s One Night in… Hamleys shuts three adult comedians in the toy shop where they run amok: if you can face it, it’s on Christmas Eve at 9 p.m.
It’s particularly difficult when a programme by definition needs a crowd or a choir, such as Carols from King’s (BBC2, 24 December, 5.30 p.m.), but Songs of Praise (BBC1, 20 December 1.15 p.m.) will be maximising the vast space of St Paul’s Cathedral for Aled Jones to reveal the country’s favourite carol. As always, there will be Midnight Mass from Clifton Cathedral (BBC1, 24 December, 11.45 p.m.), led by Bishop Declan Lang, and Morning Service on Christmas Day (BBC1, 25 December, 10 a.m.) is from the Church of God of Prophecy, Birmingham. BBC1’s diverting A Very Country Christmas (20 December, 10 a.m.) is Country?le topped with heritage tinsel.
17 December 2020, The Tablet
Boxing clever: seasonal TV treats
Christmas Television
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