The fact ITVs big Christmas day movie is Raiders of the lost ark speaks volumes
Its a great film but an odd choice when everyones seen it a dozen times already. Should absolutely be a Christmas Day Premier in that spot.
ITV won't schedule a massive premiere movie on Christmas Day as the advertisers won't be there for it. The advertisers in December are interested in spots during the run up to Christmas.
Although I must admit, I was surprised when The Lion King appeared on ITV one Christmas Day a few years ago.
The fact ITVs big Christmas day movie is Raiders of the lost ark speaks volumes
Its a great film but an odd choice when everyones seen it a dozen times already. Should absolutely be a Christmas Day Premier in that spot.
ITV won't schedule a massive premiere movie on Christmas Day as the advertisers won't be there for it. The advertisers in December are interested in spots during the run up to Christmas.
Although I must admit, I was surprised when The Lion King appeared on ITV one Christmas Day a few years ago.
IIRC it beat a big BBC One premiere (Frozen?) in the ratings. Funny what happens when you actually try.
Christmas Day is the main day of the year these days where TV tends to be always on in the background and BBC1 is the default channel. But even so I think viewers expecting nothing but new quality content for the whole day is unrealistic.
From https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl6p/2025/12/25
Christmas Morning Service from Bradford Cathedral
11:00
Bluey
Bluey’s Christmas Bundle
11:40
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Afternoon
13:00
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (normally a Disney film but a recent film)
14:45
BBC News at One
25/12/2025
14:55
BBC Weather
25/12/2025
15:00
The King
2025
15:10
The Scarecrows' Wedding (new)
15:35
Gladiators
Celebrity Special 2025 (new)
16:35
Shaun the Sheep
Series 7, Fleece Navidad
16:45
The Weakest Link
Series 5, Christmas Special (new)
17:30
Strictly Come Dancing
Series 23, Christmas Special (new)
Evening
18:45
Michael McIntyre's The Wheel
Series 6, Michael McIntyre's Christmas Wheel (new)
19:45
EastEnders
25/12/2025 (Part 1) (new)
20:15
Call the Midwife
Christmas Specials 2025, Episode 1 (new)
21:15
Also posted in The Official Christmas Radio Times & and Christmas TV 2025 Thread
People expect BBC and ITV to behave as they did in the old days. Those days have gone. Christmas means nothing now. Anything and everything is available at any time of the year, as you want with streaming services and subscription services. If anything certain channels such as ITV3 remove programmes that may have a following such as Classic Corrie or Classic Emmerdale with yet more repeats of Midsomer Murders or low rent Carry On films. Sadly there are no Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise's or Mike Yarwoods around anymore and you have reached the end of the road with Gavin and Stacey and Only Fools and Horses.
The fact ITVs big Christmas day movie is Raiders of the lost ark speaks volumes
The difference is, people don't directly pay for ITV it is funded by adverts, maybe if the BBC was, then people would not comp;lain so much.
I have not watched live TV for over 9 years, could be 10, and I do look to see what is on at Christmas every year and I say the same thing, I am glad I don't pay for a licence
People expect BBC and ITV to behave as they did in the old days. Those days have gone. Christmas means nothing now. Anything and everything is available at any time of the year, as you want with streaming services and subscription services. If anything certain channels such as ITV3 remove programmes that may have a following such as Classic Corrie or Classic Emmerdale with yet more repeats of Midsomer Murders or low rent Carry On films. Sadly there are no Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise's or Mike Yarwoods around anymore and you have reached the end of the road with Gavin and Stacey and Only Fools and Horses.
You are so right, Christmas is not like it was, and for a lot of people it is just too commercialised and getting worse, I work in retail for a fair few years, too many to be honest and have noticed the changes.
My mum, used to love Christmas, the day itself, when we as a family all got together and had Christmas dinner, well my interest in Christmas is zero, I used to go through the motions for her, but now, I prefer to stay at home and have sausage and mash
Sad, I know, but it is a religious thing, and I am not religious. I have noticed a fair few people these days just not interested, certainly those that don't have kids.
i love the older stuff, but it would be nice to have newer stuff on TV, not repeats.
itv may as well have given staff the day off for all the effort they have made again
Dont think people have an issue with repeats but its down the quality for the day
This Morning Loraine & the other daily crap on xmas day -its a disgrace
The have access to millions of quality films yet feel the above is a better choice
We dont expect them to show drama premiers & the like
Will there be any improvement next year if Comcast buy them out?
itv may as well have given staff the day off for all the effort they have made again
Dont think people have an issue with repeats but its down the quality for the day
This Morning Loraine & the other daily crap on xmas day -its a disgrace
The have access to millions of quality films yet feel the above is a better choice
We dont expect them to show drama premiers & the like
Will there be any improvement next year if Comcast buy them out?
Comcast, i don't think low rent repeats such as Road Wars and Sky Sports trailers would improve ITV at all
People expect BBC and ITV to behave as they did in the old days. Those days have gone. Christmas means nothing now. Anything and everything is available at any time of the year, as you want with streaming services and subscription services. If anything certain channels such as ITV3 remove programmes that may have a following such as Classic Corrie or Classic Emmerdale with yet more repeats of Midsomer Murders or low rent Carry On films. Sadly there are no Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise's or Mike Yarwoods around anymore and you have reached the end of the road with Gavin and Stacey and Only Fools and Horses.
You are so right, Christmas is not like it was, and for a lot of people it is just too commercialised and getting worse, I work in retail for a fair few years, too many to be honest and have noticed the changes.
My mum, used to love Christmas, the day itself, when we as a family all got together and had Christmas dinner, well my interest in Christmas is zero, I used to go through the motions for her, but now, I prefer to stay at home and have sausage and mash
Sad, I know, but it is a religious thing, and I am not religious. I have noticed a fair few people these days just not interested, certainly those that don't have kids.
i love the older stuff, but it would be nice to have newer stuff on TV, not repeats.
Actually I agree with a lot of this. I'm not massively interested in Christmas, and haven't been really for a lot of years. I'm in no way religious or particularly spiritual at all, but it does all feel too commercialised to me, like the "meaning" of Christmas has basically become buy as much as you can, and give the impression you are having a fabulous time. Almost like the way social media is crammed full of people giving a sort of curated highlights of their lives and how fabulous they are. Whilst we are going to see some friends for Christmas dinner we aren't really doing anything else "big". I'll probably spend my 10 days off over Christmas watching whatever TV looks interesting to me (regardless of whether it is a Christmas special or not) and redecorating the bathroom!
I mean, I hope those who enjoy Christmas and everything that comes with it have a nice time, but for me it just doesn't really mean much, and I wish people would accept that more.. I'd actually be perfectly happy on Christmas Day to be by myself infront of the TV, something nice to eat, and not seeing anyone!
I’m sure they’ve tried but Disney are famously stingy about letting their classics out of the vault for broadcast (or cinematic, or physical media) distribution. Especially now they have Disney+.
People expect BBC and ITV to behave as they did in the old days. Those days have gone. Christmas means nothing now. Anything and everything is available at any time of the year, as you want with streaming services and subscription services. If anything certain channels such as ITV3 remove programmes that may have a following such as Classic Corrie or Classic Emmerdale with yet more repeats of Midsomer Murders or low rent Carry On films. Sadly there are no Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise's or Mike Yarwoods around anymore and you have reached the end of the road with Gavin and Stacey and Only Fools and Horses.
You are so right, Christmas is not like it was, and for a lot of people it is just too commercialised and getting worse, I work in retail for a fair few years, too many to be honest and have noticed the changes.
My mum, used to love Christmas, the day itself, when we as a family all got together and had Christmas dinner, well my interest in Christmas is zero, I used to go through the motions for her, but now, I prefer to stay at home and have sausage and mash
Sad, I know, but it is a religious thing, and I am not religious. I have noticed a fair few people these days just not interested, certainly those that don't have kids.
i love the older stuff, but it would be nice to have newer stuff on TV, not repeats.
Actually I agree with a lot of this. I'm not massively interested in Christmas, and haven't been really for a lot of years. I'm in no way religious or particularly spiritual at all, but it does all feel too commercialised to me, like the "meaning" of Christmas has basically become buy as much as you can, and give the impression you are having a fabulous time. Almost like the way social media is crammed full of people giving a sort of curated highlights of their lives and how fabulous they are. Whilst we are going to see some friends for Christmas dinner we aren't really doing anything else "big". I'll probably spend my 10 days off over Christmas watching whatever TV looks interesting to me (regardless of whether it is a Christmas special or not) and redecorating the bathroom!
I mean, I hope those who enjoy Christmas and everything that comes with it have a nice time, but for me it just doesn't really mean much, and I wish people would accept that more.. I'd actually be perfectly happy on Christmas Day to be by myself infront of the TV, something nice to eat, and not seeing anyone!
I used to love Christmas as a kid but now I just endure it for the sake of my family,it’s become so commercialised now what with Christmas ads appearing in October it doesn’t feel special anymore,it’s all about conspicuous consumption nowadays,I know I sound like an old fart but that’s how I feel about Christmas these days,my sister and her husband are spending Christmas on holiday in Portugal I kind of wish I was with them.
Christmas means nothing to me anymore. I feel sorry for a lot of families who no longer understand the tradition of sitting round a table and enjoying either a traditional Sunday roast or Christmas dinner. Such is the dependency on McDonalds and KFC to feed children these days and the inability of a lot of parents to cook, I can only assume a lot of people must be dreading their two favourite fast food outlets not being open Christmas Day otherwise that would be Christmas dinner for many. Really sad what things have deteriorated to.
Whinging about the Christmas TV schedule is almost a Christmas tradition now,the same old moaning every year.
Isn’t moaning part of the Christmas tradition amongst some. I mean you have a whinge challenge.
I think that the main broadcasters now think that a sizeable amount of the population have access to on demand services. Ok I appreciate not everyone does but I think the idea is provide some kind of service. It’s never going to be perfect.
Christmas means nothing to me anymore. I feel sorry for a lot of families who no longer understand the tradition of sitting round a table and enjoying either a traditional Sunday roast or Christmas dinner. Such is the dependency on McDonalds and KFC to feed children these days and the inability of a lot of parents to cook, I can only assume a lot of people must be dreading their two favourite fast food outlets not being open Christmas Day otherwise that would be Christmas dinner for many. Really sad what things have deteriorated to.
Its a good point, but maybe not as simple as that. For many who can't or don't cook it can be about money - the cost of the ingredients, the energy costs, the equipment. Many working parents are doing multiple jobs just to keep their heads above water and just do not have the time or energy to cook. Some live in accommodation without adequate or even any cooking facilities. There are also generations now who have never been taught how to even cook the basics. Plus, if you're on a finite amount of money and you have children to feed you are perhaps going to go for the "safe" option you know they will eat rather than risk it on something that might go wrong, or they might not want to eat.
Anyway, this is probably not the right place for this discussion, but not everyone who relies on takeaways or convenience food is necessarily lazy in that respect.
The fact ITVs big Christmas day movie is Raiders of the lost ark speaks volumes
you mean it's not The Wizard of OZ?
I bought a Christmas TV guide, mainly for my partner as he likes to see it in print form (it's a middle aged man thing ) and it has the usual offering of Christmas editions of this and that and oft repeated films, some classic some not so much! I think Netflix and Amazon prime will be my salvation again this year! I don't watch a lot of mainstream tv anyway
Whilst my wife and I aren't overly impressed with the Christmas & New Year schedules, we're not about to complain about it. It is what it is, we still have some series from 2025 to watch, and there is plenty on streaming that we want to watch, so we'll be fine as we chill out over the next couple of weeks.
I was looking forward to the latest Mandy on BBC 2, but as someone has pointed out it has disappeared from the schedule.
It was going to be shown on Monday 22nd at 22:25.
Diane Morgan's character is usually good fun, but maybe the programme where she "tips the balance of power when she dabbles in global diplomacy" has caused some legal issues.
It was being promoted until very recently.
I was looking forward to the latest Mandy on BBC 2, but as someone has pointed out it has disappeared from the schedule.
It was going to be shown on Monday 22nd at 22:25.
Diane Morgan's character is usually good fun, but maybe the programme where she "tips the balance of power when she dabbles in global diplomacy" has caused some legal issues.
It was being promoted until very recently.
I do hope it's not the BBC backing down because of their current little spat with Trump, and thinking this may be too close for comfort for him and he may add it to his list of things the BBC have said about him.
It is strange. I did a search on Digiguide and it was scheduled as you say, with a repeat on the 29th.
Digiguide did an update while it was open and it was replaced by a Mamoth Xmas Special!
People expect BBC and ITV to behave as they did in the old days. Those days have gone. Christmas means nothing now. Anything and everything is available at any time of the year, as you want with streaming services and subscription services. If anything certain channels such as ITV3 remove programmes that may have a following such as Classic Corrie or Classic Emmerdale with yet more repeats of Midsomer Murders or low rent Carry On films. Sadly there are no Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise's or Mike Yarwoods around anymore and you have reached the end of the road with Gavin and Stacey and Only Fools and Horses.
You are so right, Christmas is not like it was, and for a lot of people it is just too commercialised and getting worse, I work in retail for a fair few years, too many to be honest and have noticed the changes.
My mum, used to love Christmas, the day itself, when we as a family all got together and had Christmas dinner, well my interest in Christmas is zero, I used to go through the motions for her, but now, I prefer to stay at home and have sausage and mash
Sad, I know, but it is a religious thing, and I am not religious. I have noticed a fair few people these days just not interested, certainly those that don't have kids.
i love the older stuff, but it would be nice to have newer stuff on TV, not repeats.
Actually I agree with a lot of this. I'm not massively interested in Christmas, and haven't been really for a lot of years. I'm in no way religious or particularly spiritual at all, but it does all feel too commercialised to me, like the "meaning" of Christmas has basically become buy as much as you can, and give the impression you are having a fabulous time. Almost like the way social media is crammed full of people giving a sort of curated highlights of their lives and how fabulous they are. Whilst we are going to see some friends for Christmas dinner we aren't really doing anything else "big". I'll probably spend my 10 days off over Christmas watching whatever TV looks interesting to me (regardless of whether it is a Christmas special or not) and redecorating the bathroom!
I mean, I hope those who enjoy Christmas and everything that comes with it have a nice time, but for me it just doesn't really mean much, and I wish people would accept that more.. I'd actually be perfectly happy on Christmas Day to be by myself infront of the TV, something nice to eat, and not seeing anyone!
I used to love Christmas as a kid but now I just endure it for the sake of my family,it’s become so commercialised now what with Christmas ads appearing in October it doesn’t feel special anymore,it’s all about conspicuous consumption nowadays,I know I sound like an old fart but that’s how I feel about Christmas these days,my sister and her husband are spending Christmas on holiday in Portugal I kind of wish I was with them.
I feel similar, apart from it "becoming" commercialised. I'm in my 40s and can remember Christmas music being blasted in shops in October when I was a kid so much of it seems like it's always been that way for me.
Going to endure another family Christmas this year and whatever dross is on TV. Have already booked flights to Gran Canaria for next Christmas and fully intend to make going away an annual event going forward.
Comments
Its a great film but an odd choice when everyones seen it a dozen times already. Should absolutely be a Christmas Day Premier in that spot.
ITV won't schedule a massive premiere movie on Christmas Day as the advertisers won't be there for it. The advertisers in December are interested in spots during the run up to Christmas.
Although I must admit, I was surprised when The Lion King appeared on ITV one Christmas Day a few years ago.
IIRC it beat a big BBC One premiere (Frozen?) in the ratings. Funny what happens when you actually try.
People expect BBC and ITV to behave as they did in the old days. Those days have gone. Christmas means nothing now. Anything and everything is available at any time of the year, as you want with streaming services and subscription services. If anything certain channels such as ITV3 remove programmes that may have a following such as Classic Corrie or Classic Emmerdale with yet more repeats of Midsomer Murders or low rent Carry On films. Sadly there are no Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise's or Mike Yarwoods around anymore and you have reached the end of the road with Gavin and Stacey and Only Fools and Horses.
The difference is, people don't directly pay for ITV it is funded by adverts, maybe if the BBC was, then people would not comp;lain so much.
I have not watched live TV for over 9 years, could be 10, and I do look to see what is on at Christmas every year and I say the same thing, I am glad I don't pay for a licence
You are so right, Christmas is not like it was, and for a lot of people it is just too commercialised and getting worse, I work in retail for a fair few years, too many to be honest and have noticed the changes.
My mum, used to love Christmas, the day itself, when we as a family all got together and had Christmas dinner, well my interest in Christmas is zero, I used to go through the motions for her, but now, I prefer to stay at home and have sausage and mash
Sad, I know, but it is a religious thing, and I am not religious. I have noticed a fair few people these days just not interested, certainly those that don't have kids.
i love the older stuff, but it would be nice to have newer stuff on TV, not repeats.
itv may as well have given staff the day off for all the effort they have made again
Dont think people have an issue with repeats but its down the quality for the day
This Morning Loraine & the other daily crap on xmas day -its a disgrace
The have access to millions of quality films yet feel the above is a better choice
We dont expect them to show drama premiers & the like
Will there be any improvement next year if Comcast buy them out?
Comcast, i don't think low rent repeats such as Road Wars and Sky Sports trailers would improve ITV at all
Actually I agree with a lot of this. I'm not massively interested in Christmas, and haven't been really for a lot of years. I'm in no way religious or particularly spiritual at all, but it does all feel too commercialised to me, like the "meaning" of Christmas has basically become buy as much as you can, and give the impression you are having a fabulous time. Almost like the way social media is crammed full of people giving a sort of curated highlights of their lives and how fabulous they are. Whilst we are going to see some friends for Christmas dinner we aren't really doing anything else "big". I'll probably spend my 10 days off over Christmas watching whatever TV looks interesting to me (regardless of whether it is a Christmas special or not) and redecorating the bathroom!
I mean, I hope those who enjoy Christmas and everything that comes with it have a nice time, but for me it just doesn't really mean much, and I wish people would accept that more.. I'd actually be perfectly happy on Christmas Day to be by myself infront of the TV, something nice to eat, and not seeing anyone!
Aren't most of those on Disney Plus now? Although I am sure Mary Poppins will get an outing somewhere, it usually does.
I used to love Christmas as a kid but now I just endure it for the sake of my family,it’s become so commercialised now what with Christmas ads appearing in October it doesn’t feel special anymore,it’s all about conspicuous consumption nowadays,I know I sound like an old fart but that’s how I feel about Christmas these days,my sister and her husband are spending Christmas on holiday in Portugal I kind of wish I was with them.
Isn’t moaning part of the Christmas tradition amongst some. I mean you have a whinge challenge.
I think that the main broadcasters now think that a sizeable amount of the population have access to on demand services. Ok I appreciate not everyone does but I think the idea is provide some kind of service. It’s never going to be perfect.
Its a good point, but maybe not as simple as that. For many who can't or don't cook it can be about money - the cost of the ingredients, the energy costs, the equipment. Many working parents are doing multiple jobs just to keep their heads above water and just do not have the time or energy to cook. Some live in accommodation without adequate or even any cooking facilities. There are also generations now who have never been taught how to even cook the basics. Plus, if you're on a finite amount of money and you have children to feed you are perhaps going to go for the "safe" option you know they will eat rather than risk it on something that might go wrong, or they might not want to eat.
Anyway, this is probably not the right place for this discussion, but not everyone who relies on takeaways or convenience food is necessarily lazy in that respect.
you mean it's not The Wizard of OZ?
I bought a Christmas TV guide, mainly for my partner as he likes to see it in print form (it's a middle aged man thing
It was going to be shown on Monday 22nd at 22:25.
Diane Morgan's character is usually good fun, but maybe the programme where she "tips the balance of power when she dabbles in global diplomacy" has caused some legal issues.
It was being promoted until very recently.
I do hope it's not the BBC backing down because of their current little spat with Trump, and thinking this may be too close for comfort for him and he may add it to his list of things the BBC have said about him.
Digiguide did an update while it was open and it was replaced by a Mamoth Xmas Special!
I feel similar, apart from it "becoming" commercialised. I'm in my 40s and can remember Christmas music being blasted in shops in October when I was a kid so much of it seems like it's always been that way for me.
Going to endure another family Christmas this year and whatever dross is on TV. Have already booked flights to Gran Canaria for next Christmas and fully intend to make going away an annual event going forward.
They take all the (semi) decent stuff off and put a load of crap on. Roll on January 5th. 😎😉