Your December streaming watchlist: the best TV shows and films you should be streaming in December 2025

We’ve pulled together the best of the best across BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Prime Video and Paramount+ and in On Demand. So, keep scrolling to see all our highlights on Virgin TV this month. Or check out what’s new on Netflix this month and what to stream on Disney+ right now for our pick of the best TV and movies on those streamers.

Need some tips on how to access some of these services on Virgin TV? You’ll find them at the end of this article.

Here’s our picks of the best stuff to stream this December.

Stream it from Monday 1 December in Apps > Prime Video

Move over Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese… there’s a new “Five Families” moniker taking over the streets of New York City. The documentary introduces viewers to the Five Families of Christmas, who all spend the festive season turning the city’s sidewalks into magical holiday outposts where they source, sell and safeguard their businesses in the highly competitive world of Christmas tree trade. Surprisingly charming and joyful viewing.

Stream it from Wednesday 3 December in Apps > Prime Video

Screen darling Michelle Pfeiffer (Murder On The Orient Express) takes centre stage in this Christmas comedy caper that’s already been likened to classic holiday flicks Home Alone and The Family Stone. Pfeiffer is Claire Clauster, an underappreciated mother who’s fed up with creating all that Christmas magic alone and decides to set off on an impromptu Yuletide adventure, much to the dismay of her family. Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Chloë Grace Moretz (The Peripheral) and Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) form a stellar supporting cast while pop star Gwen Stefani leads the film’s starry soundtrack.

Stream it from Wednesday 10 December in Apps > Prime Video

Breakups are hard. Splitting up possessions, boxing up your stuff and trying – trying – to leave on good terms. But when there’s a child involved, things get tough. And when it’s a fur baby, buckle up. When Anna (Zooey Deschanel, New Girl) and Russ (Charlie Cox, Daredevil: Born Again) end their relationship, their beloved dog Merv loses his spark, forcing the pair into an awkward co-parent arrangement. So, when Russ takes Merv on a Christmas holiday to cheer him up, Anna decides to gatecrash the party. Will fixing their dog’s broken heart lead to other things being repaired? Don’t overthink it, just dive in.

Stream season 2 from Wednesday 17 December in Apps > Prime Video. Season 1 available now

Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, the first season of Fallout became one of Prime Video’s most-watched titles ever. Picking up in the aftermath of season 1’s epic finale, this new series promises to take us along on another thrilling journey, this time from the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. British actor Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets) again leads a dazzling cast that includes Walton Goggins (Justified), Moisés Arias (The King Of Staten Island) and Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks). Kumail Nanjiani (Eternals) and Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone) join the highly violent universe, but who they are and why they’re there, we don’t yet know.

Relay

Stream it now in Apps > Prime Video

Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington star in this cat-and-mouse thriller about a world-class fixer who brokers lucrative deals between corrupt companies and those who threaten them.

Surely Tomorrow

Stream season 1 now in Apps > Prime Video

A heart-fluttering K-drama about two ex-lovers who reconnect when fate has one last chapter in store for them. Park Seo-joon (The Marvels) and Won Ji-an (Squid Game) star.

Tell Me Softly

Stream it from Friday 12 December in Apps > Prime Video

The long-awaited English adaptation of the first novel in the teen romance series Tell Me, from Culpables Saga author Mercedes Ron (stream My Fault: London now).

Human Specimens

Stream season 1 from Thursday 18 December in Apps > Prime Video

Japanese crime writer Kanae Minato’s dark tale unravels a butterfly researcher’s twisted confession of turning six young boys into “human specimens”.

Hurry Up Tomorrow

Stream it from Sunday 21 December in Apps > Prime Video

A twisty psychological thriller featuring Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan and Canadian musician The Weeknd as a fictionalised version of himself.

Trap House

Stream it from New Year’s Eve in Apps > Prime Video

Dave Bautista (Afterburn) and Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man) are undercover DEA agents tasked with tracking down their kids, who are stealing from a dangerous cartel.

Stream all episodes now in Apps > BBC iPlayer

On 3 April 2016, Iranian-British dual citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was imprisoned by the Iranian state and became a pawn in a decades-old political dispute between two countries. Thousands of miles away in London, her husband Richard Ratcliffe campaigned tirelessly for her release in what became a six-year ordeal and sparked headlines around the world. Now, using first-hand accounts from the couple as well as extensive research, this four-part drama chronicles what really happened on both the world stage and behind closed doors for the first time. Narges Rashidi (Gangs Of London) and Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) star.

Stream series 1-2 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer

Everyone’s favourite PE teacher is back in the long-awaited return of Mike Bubbins’s old-school sitcom. Now that Tony Mammoth (Bubbins, Death Valley) – the man who was frozen in 1979 after being trapped in an avalanche – has firmly settled into his second chance at life, things have never been better with his newfound family Mel (Sian Gibson, Car Share) and Theo (Joel James Davison). Al Roberts (Stath Lets Flats) and Dylan Malyn (Lost Boys And Fairies) join the rabble for the three-episode outing.

Stream episodes 1-2 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer. Episodes 3-4 available Sunday 14 December. All episodes available Sunday 21 December

This new instalment of the Whoniverse, created by series supremo Russell T Davies, follows a low-level UNIT staff member (played by Russell Tovey, Years And Years), whose life is changed when he becomes humanity’s ambassador to a mysterious ancient species known as the Sea Devils. Will he be able to stop a war between man and monster? Who series regular Jemma Redgrave also stars alongside Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Misbehaviour), Madeley (Nightsleeper) and Colin McFarlane (The Dark Knight).

Stream it from Christmas Day in Apps > BBC iPlayer

After The Gruffalo, Zog, Stick Man and more, this is the latest Julia Donaldson children’s book to get the telly treatment. The delightful tale follows two scarecrows, Betty O’Barley (Jessie Buckley, Wicked Little Letters) and Harry O’Hay (Domhnall Gleeson, Peter Rabbit), who are planning a wedding to remember. However, when a last-minute errand leads to Harry going missing, smooth-talking scarecrow Reginald Rake (Rob Brydon, Gavin & Stacey) swoops in with plans of his own. The Wheel Of Time’s Sophie Okonedo narrates.

Stream it from Christmas Eve in Apps > BBC iPlayer

It’s not Christmas Eve without a festive thrill from Mark Gatiss’ A Ghost Story For Christmas, and this year it’s in the form of EF Benson’s The Room In The Tower. Set in the inter-war years, the spine-tingling tale tells the story of Roger Winstanley (Tobias Menzies, The Crown) who for 15 years has been haunted by an unsettling recurring dream. However, his mysterious nightmares are about to become a terrifying reality when he discovers what lurks in the room in the tower… Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Nancy Carroll (Father Brown), Ben Mansfield (Endeavour) and Polly Walker (Bookish) co-star.

Stream series 2 from New Year’s Day in Apps > BBC iPlayer. Series 1 available now

After a near-decade hiatus, we’re ready to be sucked back into this world of high-stakes espionage inspired by John le Carré’s best-selling spy novel. The second series catches up with Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), who’s now living under a new identity and has walked away from his past. However, a chance sighting takes him deep into a dangerous Colombian arms operation. Olivia Colman reprises her role as Angela Burr while new cast members include Diego Calva (Narcos: Mexico) and Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six). And with Hugh Laurie serving as an executive producer, does this mean that we’ll see a surprise return of his seemingly deceased character? Only time will tell…

Daddy Issues

Stream series 1-2 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer

David Morrissey (The Woman In Cabin 10) and Aimee Lou Wood (Film Club) are back as our favourite father-daughter duo in this critically acclaimed comedy.

Robbie Savage: Managing Macclesfield FC

Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer

In the sequel to Robbie Savage: Making Macclesfield FC, the former footballer heads for the dugout to take on his first football management job.

Celebrity Escape To The Country

Stream series 3 from Sunday 21 December in Apps > BBC iPlayer. Series 2 available now

Janet Street Porter, Gareth Malone, Chesney Hawkes, Neil “Razor” Ruddock, Angellica Bell and Neil Jones swap the city life for the countryside.

Stuffed

Stream it from Tuesday 23 December in Apps > BBC iPlayer

When Arslan (Guz Khan) receives unexpected £8,000 Christmas bonus at work, his family’s dream holiday to Lapland turns to chaos when he’s asked to pay back every penny. 

Amandaland Christmas Special

Stream it from Christmas Day in Apps > BBC iPlayer

The Motherland spin-off special sends Amanda (Lucy Punch) and her mother (Joanna Lumley) to spend an absolutely fabulous Christmas with Amanda’s aunt (Jennifer Saunders).

Gladiators: Celebrity Special

Stream it from Christmas Day in Apps > BBC iPlayer

Joe Wicks, Sam Thompson, Vogue Williams and Nicola Adams get ready to rumble as they take on the mighty Gladiators in telly’s toughest arena.

The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas Specials

Stream it from Monday 29 December in Apps > BBC iPlayer

This two-part festive special follows 12 celebrity candidates as they head off to Lapland to create a gingerbread biscuit that’ll impress Lord Alan Sugar back in the boardroom.

Ronan Keating & Friends: New Year’s Eve Party

Stream it from New Year’s Eve in Apps > BBC iPlayer

Get ready to rock out with Ronan Keating and his famous friends into 2026 and beyond, with the biggest party of the year all from the comfort of your sofa.

Wild London

Stream it from New Year’s Day in Apps > BBC iPlayer

Sir David Attenborough returns from his far-flung travels to explore London and uncover the spectacular wildlife that also calls England’s iconic capital home.

Shedites

Stream series 1 from New Year’s Day in Apps > BBC iPlayer

From Paddy Houlihan (Mrs Brown’s Boys) comes a new comedy set in and around a men’s shed in an Irish village. Houlihan’s Mrs Brown co-star Brendan O’Carroll is also in the cast.

Stream it now in Apps > Channel 4

This evocative historical drama is based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s bestselling novel. Set across four decades in Northern Ireland, it captures the stories of prominent IRA members including sisters Dolours and Marian Price, as well as infamous events such as the murder of Jean McConville and the 1973 Old Bailey bombing, to unravel one of the most politically charged times in UK history. Maxine Peak (Shameless), Lola Petticrew (Trespasses), Hazel Doupe (The Miracle Club), Anthony Boyle (House Of Guinness) and Josh Finan (The Responder) star.

Stream series 4 from Monday 22 December in Apps > Channel 4. Series 1-3 available now

If you thought that we’d got tired of Greg Davies and “Little” Alex Horne torturing comedians for their shot at a coveted golden statue after 20 series and various specials, you’d be dead wrong. We still can’t get enough of it, which is why we’re cancelling all our plans to watch the show’s former contestants chase more Taskmaster glory. Of this edition’s fabulous fivesome – Andy Zaltzman, John Robins, Maisie Adam, Mathew Baynton and Sam Campbell – only one will follow in the footsteps of previous champions of champions Dara Ó Briain, Richard Herring and Josh Widdicombe. Let the silliness commence!

Stream it from Christmas Eve in Apps > Channel 4

Ever since Lenny Rush’s breakout performance in Am I Being Unreasonable? we can’t get enough of the BAFTA winner on our screens, and we’re eager to see his latest role in this heartwarming festive tale. Rush plays 16-year-old Chris (Rush), who still believes in Father Christmas, and when his concerned father (James Buckley, The Inbetweeners) finally decides to tell him “the truth”, this inspires Chris to embark on his own Yuletide quest to find scientific proof that Jolly Old Saint Nick is real and restore his father’s faith. Stephen Fry, Greg Davies, Asim Chaudry, Hannah Fry, Jason Fox and Maggie Aderin-Pocock also star.

Stream it from Christmas Day in Apps > Channel 4

To paraphrase Jo in Little Women, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a Bake Off special. Which means that Paul, Prue, Noel and Alison are back in telly’s most famous tent with some celebrity guests who are whipping up delicious festive bakes and cakes. This year they’re joined by the stars of Peep Show who are reuniting for the first time since the legendary sitcom wrapped in 2015, as David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman compete for the coveted title of Festive Star Baker. Quite possibly the most brilliant piece of Christmas telly ever.

Stream it from Saturday 27 December in Apps > Channel 4

Oscar winner Judi Dench isn’t just a force of nature on the silver screen. She’s also played some of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles on stage including the likes of Ophelia, Lady MacBeth, Juliet, Cleopatra and Titania, the Queen of the Fairies. Now, at 90, Dench is revisiting her ancestral past to discover whether her family might have shared a special connection with the playwright in a chance meeting in 1606, while also travelling to the historical sites that inspired some of Shakespeare’s most famous works.

Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip

Stream it now in Apps > Channel 4

Pack your bags and escape these chilly winter evenings with Sandi Toksvig on a spectacular trip across the French Riviera.

The Dog House At Christmas

Stream it now in Apps > Channel 4

The festive special follows the dedicated team as they pull out all the stops to help find these good boys and girls their furr-ever home just in time for the holidays.

The Sycamore Gap Tree Mystery

Stream it now in Apps > Channel 4

A two-part documentary detailing the inside story of the police hunt to catch the criminals behind the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree in September 2023.

Jamie’s Cook-Ahead Christmas

Stream it now in Apps > Channel 4

The erstwhile Naked Chef shares his tried-and-tested tips to get you ready for the big day ahead of schedule, with another cracker of a cooking countdown.

First Dates Beach Club

Stream series 1 from Monday 15 December in Apps > Channel 4

Fred Sirieix and Merlin Griffiths help singletons find true love in paradise, as they jet off to a sun-soaked Mediterranean beachside hideaway.

Bill Bailey: Limboland

Stream it from Friday 19 December in Apps > Channel 4

Another chance to watch comedy legend Bill Bailey strut his stuff as he explores our expectations of happiness in a live stand-up show at Hammersmith Apollo.

Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter

Stream the series 1 final from Sunday 21 December in Apps > Channel 4

Tune in to find out who can wield those needles with devastating effect and become the UK’s first TV knitting champion.

The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year

Stream it from Boxing Day in Apps > Channel 4

Jimmy Carr returns to host this annual laugh-a-thon as Jonathan Ross, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed and more recall 2025’s most memorable moments.

Celebrity Pottery Throw Down

Stream it from Boxing Day in Apps > Channel 4

Amber Gill, Colin Murray, Sarah Hadland and Tim Vine roll up their sleeves and step up to the kiln in the return of this delightful festive special.

The Last Leg Of The Year

Stream it from New Year’s Eve in Apps > Channel 4

You’re cordially invited to Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker’s gloriously irreverent send-off to 2025, featuring a special surprise from a Celebrity Traitors star.

Stream it from Friday 5 December in Apps > U

Comedians are swapping the stand-up stage for the wrestling ring and trading blows instead of barbed quips in this outrageous event. Don’t miss a minute of the action as Joe “The CE-Joe” Lycett oversees clashes between funnymen Ed Gamble and Phil Wang, new Taskmaster star Maisie Adam and champion wrestler Nina Samuels, and James Acaster up against anyone brave enough to take him on. What could possibly go wrong?!

Stream it from Monday 8 December in Sky HISTORY on demand

Everyone’s heard the Greek myth about the Trojan War, in which Odysseus led an army to victory by hiding his troops inside a giant wooden horse. But how much of this tale, if any, is true? This new docuseries examines one of history’s most enduring legends, using the latest archaeology and scientific technology to uncover whether the Trojan War really happened or not.

Stream it from Monday 8 December in Apps > U

Tissues at the ready. Following the success of paw-some series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, the reality TV star is returning to Dogs Trust centres to help spread some festive cheer (even if he’s a self-proclaimed Scrooge). Tune in for emotional stories, heartwarming moments and tear-jerking reunions, as Wicks visits a homeless shelter where its residents share just how much their four-legged friends mean to them. Sob!

Stream it from Monday 8 December in National Geographic on demand

As an A-List actor, Chris Hemsworth knows all too well the pressures of looking good in front of the camera. But what about the importance of our overall health and wellbeing? In his eye-opening series, the Thor star takes on three epic challenges (including one with a helping hand from global superstar Ed Sheeran) to uncover science-backed ways we can all boost our cognitive skills, brain and body health, and more to live longer and better lives.

Blackadder’s Christmas Carol

Stream it now in U&GOLD on demand

The classic festive parody of A Christmas Carol featuring Ebenezer Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) still leaves us in stitches over 30 years later.

Britian’s Lost Battlefields With Rob Bell

Stream it now in Sky HISTORY on demand

Rob Bell brings to life some of the most famous battles in Britain’s past, from Hastings to Bosworth Field, that changed the course of history forever.

Nick Cave’s Veiled World

Stream it now in Sky Arts on demand

This fascinating documentary explores the cultural legacy of one of the world’s most influential artists, featuring commentary from the famous faces who know him best.

Dark Winds

Stream season 3 from Tuesday 9 December in U&Alibi on demand. Seasons 1-2 available now

Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee investigate the disappearance of two boys in the third season of this crime drama from the creator of the series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

Rob & Romesh Vs

Stream series 8 now in Sky Max on demand. Series 1-7 also available

Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan are back in business and take on more chaotic comedy challengers in the return of their BAFTA-nominated series.

Winter On The Farm

Stream it from Wednesday 10 December in Apps > 5

Helen Skelton and Jules Hudson are back at Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire to highlight the challenges that British farmers face during the year’s harshest conditions.

The Yorkshire Vet: A Decade In The Moors And Dales

Stream it from Wednesday 10 December in Apps > 5

The Yorkshire Vet team celebrate a decade of their beloved series by revisiting some of the show’s most heartwarming, and heartbreaking, moments.

Incas: The Rise And Fall

Stream it from Friday 12 December in National Geographic on demand

The story of the all-powerful Inca Empire, a civilisation that conquered millions and reshaped South America before their golden age ended at the hands of the Spanish conquest.

Big Zuu’s Christmas Eats

Stream the Box Set from Christmas Eve in Apps > U

Big Zuu cooks up a festive feast for special guests including AJ Tracey, Jme, Ed Gamble, Rosie Jones and Phil Wang.

All Creatures Great And Small: Behind The Magic

Stream it from December in Apps > 5

All Creatures super-fan Graeme Hall travels to the Yorkshire Dales to reveal the secrets behind one of the nation’s most cherished series.

Stream it now on Paramount+

If you think your house is loud around the holidays, you might feel better when you watch this festive, feature-length spin-off from the hugely popular animated series about a large and noisy family. When Lincoln Loud (voiced by Sawyer Cole) captures one of Santa’s elves, he discovers he’s on the Naughty List – but when he tries to get transferred to the Nice List, he accidentally flips the categories and ends up breaking Christmas. Anarchic fun.

Stream it from Friday 12 December on Paramount+

The kind of drama for which the phrase “darkly comic” was invented. When a diverse bunch of strangers bond at a support group for people going through divorces, they start to wonder if they can offer each other more than friendship, and a scheme to carry out retribution is hatched… The cast of this British series includes Line Of Duty’s Martin Compston, Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Peaky Blinders), Meeras Syal (Mrs Sidhu Investigates) and Amit Shah (Mr Bates Vs The Post Office).

Stream it from Christmas Day on Paramount+

Lady Gaga is known for pushing the boundaries of pop music, fashion and all-round eccentricity – so in a way it’s no surprise that she recorded two studio albums with legendary jazz singer Tony Bennett, and the pair performed together numerous times. Jennifer Lebeau’s documentary chronicles their successful working relationship and personal friendship, showing the intimacy between the singers and demonstrating how, despite the 60-year age gap and Gaga’s huge success, Bennett – who died in 2023 – acted as a mentor for his younger colleague. Revealing and touching.

Stream it in December on Paramount+

Shell teams Elisabeth Moss with her The Handmaid’s Tale co-star Max Minghella, who directs this disturbing leftfield thriller with shades of the Oscar-nominated The Substance, although the two films take different approaches to their subject. Moss plays an actor who’s tempted by a rejuvenating surgical process – but when the doctor who performed it is fired and the friend who recommended it disappears, she fears she’s been duped. Especially when ugly blemishes appear on her skin… Kate Hudson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), Kaia Gerber (Bottoms) and musician Este Haim co-star in this disturbing and febrile movie.

Transformers Earthspark – Hometown Heroes

Stream it now on Paramount+

The first of two feature-length spin-offs from the hit animated series about the Malto family and their dealings with the new breed of Transformers known as the Terrans. When Robby’s powers get him into trouble, Mo and Thrash team up to help him.

Transformers Earthspark – Legacy of Hope

Stream it now on Paramount+

The Maltos and Autobots are searching Cybertron for their missing allies, and Thrash steps up to help his sister – but tension divides the team just when they are most in need of unity.

Trust

Stream it from Boxing Day on Paramount+

Sophie Turner (Joan) is an actress who flees a scandal to hide in a remote cabin, only to find she’s trapped in a deadly game by someone she thought she could trust. Tense survival thriller.

Friendship

Stream it from Tuesday 30 December on Paramount+

Cult comedian Tim Robinson achieves peak awkwardness in this offbeat comedy in which an oddball’s attempt to form a friendship with his cool neighbour (Paul Rudd) takes a bizarre turn.

You can get Paramount+ direct on Virgin TV 360 and our Stream box once you’ve got a subscription to the service. Simply sign up online, then log in on the box. And because Paramount+ is fully integrated into our 360 and Stream boxes, you can search without even going into the app. Just select Search & Discover from the Home menu and type in the name of the show or movie you’re after. You can also voice search Paramount+ shows with your remote, or say “Paramount Plus” to get to the app even faster.

If you’re a Virgin Media customer with our Stream box, Virgin TV 360 or our V6 box (powered by TiVo^®), get Prime Video direct on your telly once you’ve got a subscription to the service. Just sign up to Prime Video via the website, and you can log in on the box.

Prime Video is also fully integrated into our boxes, meaning you can search without even going into the app. Just select Search & Discover from the Home menu and type in the name of the show or movie you’re after. Not only that, but 360 and Stream box customers can also voice search Prime Video shows with their remote.

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