Christmas TV 2020

Random question about commissioning with reference to Call the Midwife; do the producers denote the length of the Christmas episode or would the channel commissioners request a set length (for example a 90 minute special rather than a regular 60 minute episode)?

Almost certainly the commissioners I would have thought, to order x episodes at 60 minutes and one at 90 minutes in length. Same as any other programme. Probably advised they want the 90 minute one for Christmas.

I see, thank you for you speedy response Neil.

Provisional Christmas Day schedule for BBC One

So no early evening news again

That doesn't surprise me. I knew Big Show couldn't happen, and Wheel is it's replacement with the same presenter. I assume Doctor Who will be on New Year's Day like it has been for the last couple of years?

The New Year's drama is The Serpent which looks pretty good.

About what I expected and still tired-lookinhg. I can forgive it a bit this year but they do really need some new shows, not just another vehicle for Michael McIntyre.

As much as Xmas Day needs something new shows should have to prove themselves. Very risky to pencil in a show the audience hasn't even seen yet.

I think this year the less news on Christmas Day the better. Indeed maybe the best Christmas present the news channels could give us is to close for the day.

The chances of that happening are zero.

They have been big new stories on Christmas Day, George Michael's death being one recent example.

So NEW Zog at 2.35, and a repeat of Wallace and Gromit which must’ve been on around 30 times by now, at 3.10.

You do know these are provisional schedule which are subject to change......