In the run up to Christmas, we're reliving 24 memorable moments in festive TV. Check back on this page every day for a reminder of how the season can be heart-warming, tear-jerking, laugh-out-loud funny or just plain odd.
#4 – The BoJack Horseman Christmas Special
In animated comedy-drama’s reliably sardonic festival special, Todd (voiced by Aaron Paul) is determined to spread Christmas cheer to a supremely reluctant BoJack (voiced by Will Arnett). The two settle on watching a Christmas special from BoJack’s old sitcom Horsin’ Around. Sort of like the play within a play from Hamlet, but with a gag reel.
#3 – The Doctor sword fighting in his pyjamas in Doctor Who
David Tennant’s first full-length episode of Doctor Who was the 2005 Christmas special. His first outing as the Doctor saw him foil an alien invasion by, naturally, battering their leader in a sword fight. This takes place mere minutes after the Doctor regains consciousness post-regeneration, meaning he’s in his dressing gown. Don’t question it. Just go with it.
#2 – Del Boy and Rodney ruining a wake in Only Fools and Horses
Of the classic sitcom’s 16 Christmas specials, “Heroes and Villains” is by far the most memorable. Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) arrive at what they think is a fancy dress party kitted out as Batman and Robin, only to find everyone looking sombre in black tie. What a couple of plonkers.
#1 – The Snowman
Everything about this 1982 classic works. The music. The animation. Your dad trying to explain at the start who David Bowie is. It still holds up today, making it the perfect film to kick off Advent, when even the biggest Scrooge has to admit, finally, that it’s Christmas.
