Christmas TV: Downton Abbey to go head to head with Mrs Brown's Boys and EastEnders
This year's ratings war will see many of the TV blockbusters fight for viewers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This year’s Christmas TV ratings war will see Downton Abbey and Mrs Brown’s Boys fight it out for the title of most-watched festive special.
The ITV period drama will air at 9pm while Brendan O’Carroll’s comedy goes up against its second half at 10pm on BBC1. Popular soap EastEnders clashes with the first half of Downton.
Fans of Doctor Who will need to tune in to BBC1 at 6.15pm for a much earlier screening than last year.
Elsewhere in the evening, Miranda’s two-part final ever episode rivals Emmerdale while Coronation Street goes up against Call the Midwife from 8pm.
Last year, Mrs Brown’s Boys won the Christmas battle after starting at 9.30pm and pulling in 9.4 million viewers – a million more than Doctor Who and the soaps.
In comparison, EastEnders drew 7.8 million viewers while Downton attracted 7 million in the overnight ratings.
Christmas Day TV schedule
BBC1
5pm – Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
6.15pm – Doctor Who
7.15pm – Miranda
7.50pm – Call the Midwife
9pm – EastEnders
10pm – Mrs Brown’s Boys
ITV
5.20pm – You’ve Been Framed Christmas Special
5.50pm – Paul O’Grady – For The Love of Dogs
6.50pm – News
7pm – Emmerdale
8pm – Coronation Street
9pm – Downton Abbey
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments