The most popular TV Christmas specials of all time revealed – and Gavin and Stacey ISN’T number one
CHRISTMAS specials are always guaranteed to put us in the holiday spirit.
But with a smashing line-up of epic TV over the festive period, it can be hard to choose which show to sit down and curl up on the sofa and watch.
Fret not, TV addicts! Ahead of this year’s selection, a list of the most popular TV Christmas specials of all time has been revealed – and the choices are surprising.
With fans eagerly awaiting the return of the Gavin and Stacey finale this Christmas, you would be forgiven for assuming the fan-favourite would be number one.
In fact, taking the top spot for the most popular TV special ever is Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol.
Starring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, this top-ranking episode sees The Doctor and Amy Pond having only one hour to save a crashing spaceship before it’s too late.
The episode aired on Christmas Day in 2010 and had over 12 million tuning in.
The US Office’s Christmas special, Christmas Party, follows closely behind in second place.
The episode, which aired back in 2005, shows Office boss Michael Scott on a mission to save the Christmas party from heading to boredom.
The special was hugely successful and had over nine million viewers and almost 160,000 searches, the third highest number of searches overall.
Taking the trophy for third place is both Christmas at Downton Abbey and Gavin and Stacey’s 2019 Christmas special, A Special Christmas.
Meanwhile Gavin and Stacey’s 2008 Christmas special was the most searched for special, with over 308,000 searches followed by Black Mirror’s White Christmas with over 208,500 searches.
Surprisingly, the Christmas special with the lowest number of worldwide searches was Friends: The One with the Girl from Poughkeepsie, despite a whopping 23 million viewers.
The research, carried out by Betway, measured each episode’s popularity by a unique index score, based on ratings on IMDb, Amazon, number of viewers (per million) and number of searches worldwide – with the lower the overall index score the higher the ranking.
If you’re after something new to watch over the upcoming Christmas period, there’s also a raft of Christmas specials being aired, such as The Good Ship Murder, Bargain Hunt and For The Love of Dogs.
Doctor Who fans are also in for another treat as BBC Two are airing a special from the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall on Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile The Weakest Link, Strictly Come Dancing and Wallace and Gromit are all airing specials on Christmas Day.
Most popular Christmas specials
- Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol – 2010
Starring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, The Doctor and Amy Pond have just one hour to save a crashing spaceship on Christmas Day before it’s too late.
- The Office: Christmas Party – 2005
Office boss Michael Scott is determined to liven up the Christmas party and keep it from slipping into boredom.
- Gavin and Stacey: A Special Christmas – 2019
The Shipmans and Smithy head to Barry for Christmas. Uncle Bryn is in charge of the Christmas dinner and Smithy welcomes his new girlfriend to the group.
Downton Abbey: Christmas at Downton Abbey – 2011
Downton Abbey throws a Christmas party, but rising tensions and John Bates’ arrest cast a shadow over the celebrations.
- Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special – 2004
The Wests travel to Billaricay for Christmas, but Gavin and Stacey have some news to tell the family and it doesn’t go down as smoothly as they hoped.
- Modern Family: Undeck the Halls – 2009
Claire and Phil choose to cancel Christmas for their kids, Haley, Alex, and Luke, while Mitchell and Cameron take Lily to visit Santa.
Friends: The One With the Holiday Armadillo – 2000
Ross decides he wants to teach Ben about Hanukkah when the costume shop runs out of Santa costumes.
- This Is Us: Last Christmas – 2016
Jack and Rebecca have an unexpected reunion with an old friend, while Kevin, Randall, and Kate navigate their own holiday challenges.
- The Office (UK) Christmas special part two – 2003
Tim’s world is turned upside down when Dawn stops by the office. Despite Gareth’s stern warning and Keith from Accounts offering some advice, Tim gets his hopes up again.
- Downton Abbey Christmas Special – 2015
Mary attempts to mend her relationship with her sister as Edith’s secret continues to pose a threat. As Henry adjusts to his new roles as a husband, finding his place at Downton proves to be more challenging.
- Black Mirror: White Christmas – 2014
Matt and Potter share an unusual Christmas meal together while confined to a remote cabin on Christmas Day, exchanging stories about their past lives in the outside world.
- Outnumbered Christmas Special – 2012
The Brockmans host a Christmas party, but Pete is far from thrilled. Ben eagerly volunteers to help with preparations, and Pete ends up stuck in the bathroom with Jane after the door handle breaks off.
The Office (UK) Christmas special part one – 2003
David has been struggling in his career but tries to reconnect with his former employees, as he seeks validation. Tim still has feelings for Dawn, as all eyes are on them as they reconnect at the Christmas party.
- Friends: The One With the Girl From Poughkeepsie – 1997
Monica is struggling to stand up to her kitchen staff, so she hires Joey to fire him in front of them to show authority. Chandler tries to set Rachel up with his colleague.
- Outnumbered Christmas Special – 2011
The Brockmans hope to get away for the holiday over Christmas, but their grandad falls ill – and an emergency trip to the hospital puts their festive plans on hold.