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Sleigh Ride: The BBC are repeating its hypnotic two-hour 'slow TV' Christmas classic

The two-hour episode stunned viewers upon its premiere in 2015

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 20 December 2016 08:53 EST
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On Christmas Eve 2015, BBC Four aired a two-hour long Sleigh Ride through the eyes of a reindeer herder in the frozen wilderness of the Arctic.

Its striking presence in the TV schedules, so crammed with miserable episodes of EastEnders and Shrek sequels, hypnotised viewers who praised the channel for showing something that shunned the usual norm - there is no talking or presenter guiding the action; just the calming sounds of reindeer bells and crunching snow.

The episode was a further experiment in the channel's 'BBC Four goes slow' movement - it paid off.


If you missed Sleigh Ride last year, now's your time to experience what could well be the essential Christmas experience and the perfect accompaniment to your last minute wrapping.

All Aboard! The Sleigh Ride is available to own on DVD now and will air on BBC Four, Christmas Eve at 7pm.

These are the television highlights from this year's Christmas period.

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