British TV Christmas Specials on Acorn TV: 2020 Edition
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Last Updated on December 26, 2020 by Stefanie Hutson
One of the many wonderful things about British TV is the commitment to making great Christmas specials. Rather than just throwing in a Christmas tree in some random episode that's sort of near the holiday, the major channels plan special programming for Christmas Day (and often, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day).
Many long-running comedies and dramas will eventually do at least one or two Christmas specials. In this post, we take a look at the ones available over on Acorn TV. Since Acorn TV also carries a number of shows from the Commonwealth and Europe, we've also included a couple of Australian specials, too.
British TV Christmas Specials on Acorn TV
Midsomer Murders – To date, Midsomer Murders has filmed three Christmas specials: Ghosts of Christmas Past, Days of Misrule, and The Christmas Haunting. They're listed as Series 7, Episode 7; Series 11, Episode 6; and Series 16, Episode 1. Watch them HERE
Foyle's War – You might think a drama about WWII-era Britain would be lacking in holiday spirit, and it's true that Foyle's War didn't have a ton of holiday episodes. They did have one, though. In Bleak Midwinter (Series 5, Episode 1), we visit December 1942, where Foyle busts a restaurateur for offering illegal Christmas foods. Watch it HERE
Fresh Fields – This classic British comedy about a couple of empty nesters had one Christmas special, “A Dickens of a Christmas”. You'll find it at Series 3, Episode 7. Watch it HERE
French Fields – When the family from Fresh Fields moved to France, the series became “French Fields”. Series 2, Episode 7 is a Christmas special titled “Noel, Noel”. Watch it HERE
Doctor Finlay – After serving in World War II, Doctor Finlay returns to Scotland to practice at Arden House. The series was filmed in Auchtermuchty, and early parts of the show focus on the modernization of medicine and the institution of the NHS. The very last episode, aired in December of 1996, was a Christmas special called “Snowblind”. Watch it HERE
Boomers – This sitcom about three couples coming to terms with retirement includes well-known actors like Alison Steadman, Stephanie Beacham, and Philip Jackson. While most of the series was set in coastal Southern England, the Christmas special has them on a disastrous trip home from the Christmas markets in Cologne. Watch it HERE
Birds of a Feather – After their husbands are arrested for robbery, two sisters are left to fend for themselves. While Acorn only has some of the more recent seasons, they do have one of the Christmas specials. You'll find it listed as either Season 1, Episode 9 or simply “Christmas Special” on their website. Watch it HERE
Detectorists – This quirky, quiet comedy about a group of metal detecting enthusiasts had one Christmas special over its three seasons (though we can always hold out hope for more). You'll find it listed as Season 2, Episode 7. Watch it HERE
Doc Martin – While Doc Martin traditionally airs in autumn and winter months, they've had a surprising lack of Christmas episodes over the years. Just one episode is listed as a Christmas special, having aired on Christmas day in 2006. “On the Edge” is not the most Christmas-y special you'll ever see, but you can find it listed under Season 2, Episode 9. Watch it HERE
Lovejoy – This playful mystery series follows Lovejoy, a man who's abnormally talented at assessing the value of antiques. The series ran for 6 series and 71 episodes, one of which was a Christmas special. You'll find it under “The Prague Sun” – Series 3, Episode 13. Watch it HERE.
Wild at Heart – This early 2000s series starred Stephen Tompkinson (Ballykissangel) as a veterinarian who moved his family to Africa. This one's actually more of a New Year's Eve special, but we're calling it close enough.
Warning: This was the final episode of the series, so it's not recommended unless you've watched the rest of the series. It won't make a lot of sense, and there are definitely things that would spoil your experience of earlier seasons. Watch it HERE.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries – Fans of Agatha Christie are sure to enjoy this 1920s period mystery starring Essie Davis as the brilliant and independent Miss Fisher. Set in Melbourne, the series sees her solving mysteries alongside her trusty assistant Dot – and occasionally butting heads with Detective Jack Robinson. In Series 2, Episode 13, you'll find “Murder Under the Mistletoe”. Watch it HERE.
Rumpole of the Bailey – In Series 2, Episode 2, “Rumpole and the Case of Identity”, the Christmas season is in full swing and Rumpole defends Dave Anstey against charges of stabbing a sales assistant in an off-license. It isn't the most festive of Christmas episodes, but there are some definite mentions of the holiday. Watch it HERE.
Worst Week of My Life – Ben Miller (Death in Paradise) stars in this quirky comedy about a man who finds disaster in all situations. The entirety of the third series follows him through a disastrous Christmas with his wife's family (which includes the delightful Alison Steadman of Gavin & Stacey fame). Watch it HERE.
The Moodys – This Australian series is entirely about Christmas, and it follows as family as they attempt to get through the Christmas holiday. Watch it HERE.
Other Christmas Specials on Acorn TV?
What's your favorite of the group? And did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!
If these aren't enough for you, check out some of our other Christmas posts:
- 26 of the Best British Christmas Movies
- The Best British Christmas Adverts of 2019
- The Best British Christmas Adverts of 2017
- The Best British Christmas Adverts of 2016
- British Christmas Special DVD Collections
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