Here’s 10 TV Christmas specials to watch with your housemates

December is here and it’s nearly time to go home and more importantly go back to a fridge full of food.

But before you do there’s still time for the traditional Christmas dinner with your housemates, if you don’t end up going to the pub after a few drinks, then here’s a little guide to the best Christmas TV specials you can watch together.

The Office (US) – Christmas Party (Series two)

It’s so hard to choose just one of the hysterical Christmas episodes of the masterpiece that is The Office. However, the first has got to be the best. In true Michael Scott (Steve Carell) style, he ruins the office Secret Santa by playing swapping when he’s not happy with his gift, ruining Jim’s (John Krasinski) chances of giving Pam (Jenna Fischer) her gift. The last scene is one of the most memorable in the series, when Meredith takes it too far.

The Office US is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime

Gavin and Stacey – “Christmas special” (2008)

Do you know he’s been to Nepal five times?

This is a modern Christmas classic. Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page) is a British institute for its genius characters and the Christmas special is no different. Smithy’s (James Corden) OG Carpool Karaoke is the GOAT, Edna is iconic and Stacey is once again the worst character in the show.

If you’re looking for an easy watch and so many laughs, this is the one for you. So many good Xmas bangers

It’s on BBC iPlayer now.

Modern Family – “Undeck the Halls” (Series one)

The first Modern Family festive episode is unrivalled compared to the rest. Claire (Julia Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell) threaten to cancel Christmas when they find a burn mark on the sofa until someone owns up whilst Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) accuse Santa of not being jolly enough.

It’s available on Disney+ in the UK.

The Royle Family – “The New Sofa” (2008)

The Royle Family is actually peak British TV. The real royal family in my eyes.

In this 2008 special we move away from Jim (Ricky Tomlinson) and Barbara’s (Sue Johnston) house and its Denise (Caroline Aherne) and Dave’s (Craig Cash) time to make christmas dinner. It’s painful to watch and my idea of hell, but comedy gold.

It’s available on Netflix now.

Friends – “The One With the Holiday Armadillo” (Series seven)

Can’t make a Christmas specials list without including at least one episode of Friends, but its this one from 2000 that takes the top spot.

Ross (David Schwimmer) wants to introduce his half-Jewish son to Hanukkah, but he loves Christmas, so Ross decides to dress up as the “Holiday Armadillo” in order to get Ben excited about the festivities of Hanukkah. Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) is scared Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) prefers living with Joey (Matt LeBlanc), so she showers them with gifts, but it doesn’t go to plan.

All episodes are available on Netflix

Black Mirror – “White Christmas” (2014)

Maybe a darker watch with your housemates but this special episode of Black Mirror is not one to miss.

Three interconnected stories of technology run amok during the Christmas period are told by two men at a remote outpost in a frozen wilderness. Starring legendary actor Joe Hamm, who plays Matt, a very secretive employee who is reluctant to tell his co-worker, Joe, why he took the job at the outpost.

It’s available to watch on Netflix in the UK now.

Doctor Who – “The Voyage of the Damned” (2008)

As a huge Doctor Who fan, I couldn’t miss out one of their brilliant Christmas specials.

This time it’s singing legend Kylie Minogue as the Doctor’s (David Tennant) companion, Astrid. When the Tardis crashes into a replica of the Titanic in space. Max Capricorn, an alien businessman, takes revenge on his company for voting him out, he sets the Titanic on a collision course for Earth.

All episodes are streaming on BBC iPlayer now.

Peep Show – “Seasonal Beatings”

This cult classic will leave you and your housemates in hysterics and cringing at the same time.

Mark (David Mitchell) is having his family round for Christmas dinner and Jez (Robert Webb) of course has to be there too. After some interesting stocking fillers, it all comes to blows over the turkey and Super Hans (Matt King), AKA ‘Father Spliffmas’, turns up to crash the festivities.

The episode is streaming on Netflix.

The Inbetweeners – “Xmas Party” (Series one)

Although this episode doesn’t feel very festive, there’s plenty of laughs and is completely relatable.

If there was one person you wouldn’t want in charge of your Sixth Form Christmas party it most definitely would be Will McKenzie (Simon Bird). The scene with Mr Gilbert (Greg Davies) and Will still makes me piss everytime I watch it. Thanks, Phil.

All episodes are on All 4 now

Outnumbered – “The Robbers” (2009)

Outnumbered was peak TV back when the kids were actually kids. We see the Brockman family on Boxing Day when they’ve had an unwelcome visit from a burglar. Meanwhile Karen (Ramona Marquez) is obsessed over a missing Hamster, Sue’s (Claire Skinner) Dad goes missing and Pete (Hugh Dennis) prepares for some dinner guests.

I still can’t believe Pete and Sue are now together in real life.

Outnumbered is on BritBox now.

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