People generally don't want the same presents every year though.
They're not the same programmes, though, are they? I ask for slippers every year, I don't get the same pair of slippers. I used to ask for The Beano Book every year, it was always a different book. And my parents didn't refuse to buy The Beano Book one year in the name of freshening it up.
And how does Miranda, Gavin and Stacey, The One Ronnie et al fit into this analogy?
I completely agree with Steve Williams, people look forward to Doctor Who, Strictly and EastEnders every year and it is always a different story which form a backbone to the schedule with new programmes such as Mrs Brown, Michael McIntyre and Call the Midwife have been added in the last few years such as well. I can imagine the thousands of complaints the BBC would have if they didn't show Eastenders or Doctor Who on Christmas Day and at least the BBC have some variety than soaps and Downton on ITV.
What about the people who don't look forward to them - hasn't the BBC got an obligation to them as well? I'm sure more people have been looking forward to a show that hasn't aired for nearly two years than something that has been airing weekly in the run up to Christmas.
I'm not proposing axing anything from the schedules just looking at what they've got and whether they can do anything differently by rejigging it, making other nights stronger in doing so too without overly weakening the Christmas Day line up. I'm not suggesting putting a feature length Citizin Khan episode in the slot!
As for people not being able to sit down and watch Sherlock - yes, that might be true for some but they'll catch up just as they would on other shows. For others it's a night where they might watch something they wouldn't usually watch (and Sherlock falls into that category for me), which could benefit the show in the long run.
My idea is just about making the best of what they've got to try and make this Christmas feel a bit different to the last few - the real issue is the lack of entertainment and comedy shows especially establishing themselves in the schedules across the year to be able to offer new specials in the Christmas line up.
Last edited by Brekkie on 25 November 2015 9:08pm
