Getty Images / Archi Banal
Getty Images / Archi Banal

Pop CultureDecember 23, 2022

The best shows to watch on free-to-air TV this Christmas

Getty Images / Archi Banal
Getty Images / Archi Banal

Looking for something fabulous to watch on broadcast television this festive season? Tara Ward has you covered. 

Watching free-to air television during the holidays is a cross many of us have to bear. Whether you’re stuck in remote location with unreliable internet or – Santa forbid – in a house with no streaming services, sometimes there are no other options than watching a long episode of Songs of Praise or that classic Christmas movie Rambo: First Blood (Christmas Eve, 8.30pm on Eden, you filthy animals). But there’s no need to panic, as we’ve scoured the schedules to find plenty of TV treasures to help you through the festive season.

Christmas Eve

The Lion King Reo Māori (Whakaata Māori, 7pm)

The much-loved Disney classic has been translated and re-recorded into reo Māori, and the result is a cultural taonga. The reo Māori re-voicing sees the well-known characters speak with mita from different rohe across the motu, and the film ends with Stan Walker doing the first-ever adaptation of Elton John’s ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’. A heartwarming celebration for all the whānau to enjoy.

Last Train to Christmas (Prime, 8.30pm)

Nathalie Emmanuel, Michael Sheen and Michael Sheen’s wig (Photo: Supplied)

This festive flick is a great excuse for Michael Sheen to bust out the best mullet you’ll see this side of New Year’s Eve. Sheen plays a famous nightclub owner who takes the last train home for Christmas, only to discover he can travel through time by changing carriages, which proves to be the gift that just keeps on giving.

Promising Young Woman (Eden, 10.25pm)

Starring Carey Mulligan and written and directed by Emerald Fennell (who also played Camilla Parker-Bowles in seasons three and four of The Crown), this Oscar winning film follows a woman determined to seek vengeance for a traumatic event in her past. Mulligan gives an incredible performance in this powerful story, which will stay with you long after you’ve watched.

Christmas Day

Lego Masters Australia Marathon (Three, 10.10am)

Six back-to-back episodes of Lego Masters and more snot bricks than you can count. What more do you need?

Celebrity Great British Bake Off (Prime, 12.30pm and 6.00pm)

We might not know who all the celebs are, but there’s nothing lovelier than a slice of warmhearted British baking and some moist double entendre during the festive season.

His Majesty the King’s Christmas Message (TVNZ 1, 6.50pm)

King Charles addresses the nation from Buckingham Palace

If you’re used to watching the Queen’s Christmas Message just to stare at the posh knick-knacks in the background, then great news: this year there’s a brand new stash of royal trinkets to judge. It’s King Charles’ first ever Christmas message, and given he’s had 70 years to practise, it better be good. Fingers crossed for a surprise Harry and Meghan cameo.

Topp Class (Prime, 7.00pm)

The Topp Twins have been entertaining us with their music and comedy for 40 years, and this recent tribute concert in Auckland celebrates their cultural legacy. Karen O’Leary hosts, with joyful performances from the likes of Tami Neilson, Anika Moa, Troy Kingi, Chris Parker and Tom Sainsbury. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel the aroha.

Last Christmas (TVNZ 2, 8.30pm)

A happier ending for one Targaryen.

This cheery romantic comedy stars Emilia Clarke and Emma Thompson (who also co-wrote) and features a Wham!-heavy soundtrack, making it the best gift you’ll get these holidays.

Boxing Day

Crown Lynn (Whakaata Māori, 6pm)

This documentary delves into the history of Crown Lynn pottery and tells the stories of the generations of Māori families who worked at its West Auckland factory. At its peak, Crown Lynn was the biggest ceramics producer in the southern hemisphere, and the documentary proves there’s a lot more to the iconic brand than just expensive swans and flowery plates.

Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles (Whakaata Māori, 7pm)

Yotam Ottolenghi and his team of skilled pastry chefs take on the huge challenge of recreating the Palace of Versaille in edible form, in a rare collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Over a tense few days, they pull together food, art and history to create decadent works of cake art that must be seen to be believed. A feast for the eyes, and not a self-saucing pudding in sight.

Litvenenko (TVNZ 1, 10.45pm)

David Tennent does his best Russian accent in this true crime drama series about the poisoning of former Russian security officer Alexander Litvenenko. It follows Scotland Yard’s investigation into the mysterious circumstances that lead to Litvenenko’s murder, and while not the cheeriest of Christmas fare, the unusual story is sure to keep late night murder mystery fans satisfied. (Four episodes, screening consecutively each night).

Also, The Chase:

We wish you a Merry Chasemas (Photo: TVNZ)

Special mention goes to New Zealand’s favourite quiz show, because it’s simply not Christmas without a thousand extra special episodes of The Chase. See: Christmas Eve at 4.55pm, Christmas Day at 5pm, December 27 at 7.45pm and December 28 at 7.45pm, all on TVNZ1.  Have yourselves a very Bradley Christmas, Aotearoa.

 

Keep going!