It’s that time of year when we see a host of new lavish, big budget TV adaptations of some of our best-loved books for our Christmas viewing.
Here, LiveWire’s Community Librarian team share what they’re looking forward to watching on telly this festive season.
n Superworm
Now as much as a Christmas Day tradition as mince pies, the new Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffer animation is a family treat to look forward to. This time we follow the adventures of Superworm, a super-long, super-strong hero who loves to help his friends but what will happen when Superworm finds himself in need of help? Starring Matt Smith, Olivia Colman and Rob Brydon, Superworm has all the lively rhymes and amazing animation we love plus a host of new quirky characters for us to meet. BBC One, Christmas Day, 2.30pm
n Around the World in 80 Days
This all-new version of the Jules Verne classic is not to be missed. Enjoy a rip-roaring adventure, as Phileas Fogg and company attempt to travel around the world at breakneck speed. This most cosmopolitan of novels follows our very English protagonist as he not only spans the globe, but also widens his own horizons. Popular actor David Tennant takes the title role in what promises to be perfect family viewing. BBC One, Boxing Day, 5.50pm.
n A Boy Called Christmas
Adapted from the novel by bestselling author Matt Haig, A Boy Called Christmas follows an ordinary young boy called Nikolas, who lives with his father in the woods in Finland. When His father departs on a quest to find a fabled village of elves, a determined Nikolas follows not and with help from his pet mouse and Blitzen the reindeer, he continues on a perilous journey to his destiny. Starring Dame Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent and Toby Jones the film looks like a wonderful way to spend a Christmassy afternoon. Sky Cinema, available now.
n Terry Pratchett’s The Abominable Snow-baby
Based on one of the legendary author’s best-selling short stories, The Abominable Snow-Baby tells the story of a typical English town thrown into chaos by a massive fall of snow. When one of the snowdrifts stands up and bursts into tears, revealing himself to be a 14-feet tall Abominable Snow-Baby, Granny steps in to take care of him along with grandson Albert. Told in Terry Pratchett’s unique style, and featuring the voice of screen icon Julie Walters this story will leave you laughing and maybe even hoping for your own snow-Baby visit. Channel 4, Christmas Day, 7.30pm.
n A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Mezzotint
The ghost stories of M.R. James have long been synonymous with Christmas and The Mezzotint, adapted by Mark Gatiss, is a chilling ghost story set in the heart of an old English college in 1922. Edward Williams, a curator at a museum, receives a seemingly harmless old engraving of a country house. But strange goings on soon begin and could it be that the picture is trying to tell Mr Williams something? With a great cast including Rory Kinnear, Frances Barber and Robert Bathurst, this looks set to be a creepy Christmas treat. BBC 2, Christmas Eve, 10.30pm.
n The Girl Before
This four-parter, adapted from the 2018 bestselling book by J.P Delaney, is told from the perspectives of Emma and Jane, the previous and current tenants of One Folgate Street. The viewer will piece together their pasts and draw out the truth of how they each came to live in the high-tech, ultra-minimalist flat. With similarly tragic pasts, both women move in with hopes for a fresh start and find suspiciously similar solace with the building’s charming and enigmatic architect Edward. Starring David Oyelowo and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, this psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. BBC One, started Sunday December 19, 9pm.
n Little Women
“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents” is the opening line of Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved story of the March sisters, making it a wonderful festive treat. Written in 1868 the novel is loosely based around the lives of Alcott and her own sisters’ journey from childhood to adulthood set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Netflix, streaming now.
n All Creatures Great and Small
Based on the real-life experiences of Yorkshire vet and author James Herriot, this series throws us back to the mid-20th century when times were simpler and animals were just as complicated as ever. We follow James as he navigates the tricky social spheres of the veterinary world, earning the trust of pets, cows, sheep and farmers alike. Could there be be a Christmas wedding in this festive episode? Channel 5, Christmas Eve, 9pm.
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