CHRISTMAS TV FOR 2026, THE SHOWS ANNOUNCED SO FAR FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

We take a look at the which have been announced for the Christmas 2026 schedules so far...

 THE BADDIES

BBC One

The Baddies is about the worst Baddies in the world – a troll and a ghost and a witch, who love nothing more than being bad and boasting about it. When a girl with a blue spotty hanky moves into a cottage nearby, the Baddies quarrel about all the nasty tricks they want to play on her.

Then a mouse sets a challenge for the Baddies to see who can steal the hanky. Soon they learn that they may have met their match in the little girl. Packed with mischief, humour and heart, this fun adventure is a celebration of courage, kindness and the power of standing up to bullies.

 CALL THE MIDWIFE: SISTERS IN ARMS

BBC One

In September 1939, Sister Monica Joan is in her prime, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina are young and zealous, and Nonnatus House is the beating heart of Poplar. Together with Sister Alice, and local GP Dr Kit, the nuns dedicate their lives to mothers, babies and the poor. But there is no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for TB, and no welfare state. Then war is declared - and life gets even harder.

The three young secular midwives who complete the team - Sybil, Olive and Marianne - receive a baptism of fire as the blackout and the Blitz take hold. While bombs rain from the sky, women give birth underground, families are shattered, children run wild, and whole streets are reduced to rubble. But courage, compassion and resilience triumph as the community unites in its efforts to survive.

 THE OTHER BENNET SISTER

BBC One

Based on Janice Hadlow’s acclaimed novel, The Other Bennet Sister followed Mary Bennet, the oft-overlooked middle sister in Pride & Prejudice as she navigated the societal pressures of Regency England, where marriage is both aspiration and necessity. The final episode of the series saw Mary agreeing to wed Tom Hayward, but fans will be keen to know what challenges the future holds for the happy couple…

 CELEBRITY GLADIATORS

BBC One

The competition promises to be hotter than ever with brand new events to look forward to plus four more brave celebrities will be taking on the toughest test on TV as they enter the arena in a bid to prove they have the power to succeed and emerge victorious.

 ALAN CARR'S PICTURE SLAM

BBC One

The fourth series of this addictive quiz show will see host Alan Carr put contestants’ knowledge to the test in a series of fast-paced rounds, as they race to correctly identify as many images as they can for a chance of winning the £10,000 jackpot. Welcoming celebrity guests for the first time promises to deliver extra fun as Alan’s signature humour and the nostalgic gameplay continues to be one of the most entertaining game shows in BBC’s teatime schedule. 

MOG'S BAD THING

Channel 4

In Mog’s Bad Thing, Mog is the Thomas family tabby cat who always finds herself in big trouble. The family are hosting a cat show in their garden which should be Mog’s chance to shine, but in all the excitement she does a “bad thing” which means she hides in the attic feeling sorry for herself and misses the start of the show. Can Mog find a way to leave her hiding place, make her family proud and save the day?

More details will be announced in due course.