Since its revival in 2005, Doctor Who has earned a solid reputation for providing some of the most charming Christmas specials on television. However, with the BBC recently confirming the show won’t return until November 2023 (via RadioTimes), fans are lamenting the loss of the show’s celebratory episode. Viewers of the British TV favorite might want to check out these past and future programmes, which feature past and present Doctor Who cast members celebrating the Christmas period.
These wholesome offerings are some of the best Christmas releases, as some of TV’s most beloved shows grace the holiday season. The Christmas specials feature actors from the classic and new Doctor Who series, allowing fans of the sci-fi program to experience its best-known stars in some of their biggest roles outside of the TV classic British.
I hate Suzie anti-Christmas special
Stream on HBO Max
Launched in 2020, I Hate Suzie is a particularly dark depiction of the celebrity lifestyle, with former teenage pop sensation Suzie Pickles’ life turned upside down after rather uncompromising photos leaked online. The series is set to air its three-part Christmas event this year, which has been humorously dubbed the “Anti-Christmas Special.”
The show promises to deliver a dark and comedic storyline for the Christmas festivities, as Suzie takes part in the reality show Danze Crazee. With Billie Piper’s portrayal of the former singer having captivated audiences with her brilliantly characterful performance, I Hate Suzie’s Specials might provide some of this year’s biggest festive treats.
Dodger Christmas Special
Acting as a prequel to Oliver Twist – which is considered one of the best screen adaptations of a classic novel, Dodger is a supremely enjoyable Victorian tale. Following the cheeky pickpocket known as the ‘Artful Dodger’, the series also features Christopher Eccleston as the wily thief Fagin and will air three Christmas specials in December.
The special episodes of Dodger aim to provide a sweet and sentimental story, as Fagin and Artful Dodger embark on an adventure through Victorian London. The show’s relationship between Artful Dodger and Fagin is particularly endearing, with Fagin viewing the child pickpocket as an adopted son, making them one of the most adorable couples on television.
The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas
Stream on Tubi
From 2015, The Yorkshire Vet offers a fascinating insight into the life of vet Peter Wright as he tries to cure the ailments of various pets in the Yorkshire region. The show presented a truly entertaining festive edition of the factual series in 2021, which sees Peter visited by a guardian angel during the Christmas festivities.
Inspired by It’s A Wonderful Life, this unique offering from the documentary series features Peter Davison as Peter’s guardian angel, which aims to showcase Peter’s hard work in the veterinary industry. It’s a beautiful celebration of the famous Yorkshire vet’s career, with Peter Davison in a charismatic portrayal as the visiting angel.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Stream on Disney+
Kicking off Nov. 25, the Guardians of the Galaxy holiday special is one of Disney’s biggest seasonal releases. This rare off-screen outing for the Guardians team features Peter Quill’s team trying to cheer up their leader, following the death of Gamora in Avengers: Infinity War.
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special is sure to provide a hilarious watch for viewers, as Drax and Mantis enlist Kevin Bacon in their attempts to make Star Lord happy. This celebratory release also features Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan as the fearless space assassin Nebula, who produced the best memes, making this an essential watch for Doctor Who fans.
Would I lie to you on Christmas
Stream on Britbox
Originally launched in 2007, Would I lie to you has become one of Britain’s most successful talk shows, with celebrities tasked with deducing who is telling the truth. The show returns for a Christmas special later this year, with Peter Davison joining regular panelists David Mitchell and Lee Mack.
This year’s seasonal version of Will I Lie To You promises to be a particularly fun episode, with Peter Davison known for his lively humor. The special could also reveal some interesting tidbits about Peter Davison’s life, with the actor expected to deliver true statements alongside fabricated lies.
Legends of Tomorrow: Renegade
Stream on Netflix
With its crazy time-travel antics, Legends Of Tomorrow conveys a tone very similar to Doctor Who, as the legends find themselves in a variety of wonderfully bizarre scenarios. Her Christmas episode, “Turncoat,” is a particular highlight, with Sara Lance and her crew working to protect George Washington from the devious Rip Hunter.
“Turncoat” features the talents of Arthur Darvill, who clearly enjoys playing a meaner role. The Doctor Who actor is incredibly creepy as the more sinister Rip Hunter, who is considered by many to be one of the Arrowverse’s best time travelers. Plus, the episode ends in a particularly beautiful way, as the legends toast the Christmas season.
The Larkins at Christmas
Stream on Acorn TV
Since its first episode in 2021, The Larkins has proven to be a thoroughly entertaining watch, with its crowd-pleasing humor and colorful characters creating several unforgettable moments. The family period drama has offered its seasonal episode in 2021, titled “The Larkins At Christmas,” which involves Pop’s daughter, Mariette, and her boyfriend Charley returning home for Christmas.
This humorous storyline features some of the show’s funniest scenes, as the Larkins invite Charley’s family to their chaotic home for Christmas dinner. Bradley Walsh’s portrayal of Pop Larkin brings a great sense of mischief to the proceedings, while Peter Davison generates plenty of laughs as the grumpy vicar of the village.
Arrow: the rise
Stream on Netflix
The Arrowverse has produced some of the best TV offerings, and one of the shared universe’s strongest shows is Arrow. This action-packed spectacle sees wealthy billionaire Oliver Queen take on the role of Green Arrow, where he demands justice on Starling City’s most notorious criminals. The third season’s Christmas episode, “The Climb”, is a particular highlight in the program’s history, as it depicts Oliver challenging Ra’s Al Ghul to a duel.
The resulting fight between Oliver and Ra’s Al Ghul is a truly epic sequence, as they engage in a particularly thrilling sword fight. Additionally, the episode features a touching reunion between Alex Kingston’s Dinah Lance and her daughter Laurel – who many consider to be one of Arrow’s bravest characters, as Quentin arranges for Laurel’s mother to visit as Christmas surprise.
Hansel & Gretel: After Always After
Stream on NowTV
Hansel & Gretel is among the most iconic children’s fairy tales, with the dark children’s fable proving to be a favorite with young bedtime readers over the years. Sky aired its comedic take on Grimm’s grim tale in 2021, with its quirky offering Hansel & Gretel: After Ever After.
Set after the events of Hansel and Gretel, this comedy TV movie depicts the couple’s life after they meet the witch at the gingerbread house. Its witty script ensures there’s never a dull moment throughout the Special’s 44-minute runtime, while Doctor Who’s David Walliams delivers a wonderfully quirky performance as the mean-spirited troll.
The Incredible Mauritius
Stream on Viva Kids
Recently billed as the Fourteenth Doctor, David Tennant’s return as the Time Lord is set to become one of the biggest TV events of 2023. However, before he takes on the mantle of Time Lord again, the Scottish actor can be seen in The Amazing Maurice, which follows cunning feline Maurice as he attempts to pull off the world’s biggest money-making scam.
This original animation from Studio Rakete features David Tennant voicing the highly intelligent rat Dangerous Beans, as he leads his brave team of rodents to aid Maurice in his evil plan. The Amazing Maurice promises to be a delightfully silly family adventure, with Maurice and the rats exacting one of television’s biggest drawbacks.
Doctor Who: 10 TV shows to watch this Christmas with the cast | Pretty Reel