What to watch on New Year's Eve (that isn't Jool's Annual Hootenanny)
How to party with the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bryan Adams
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.I know it's an easy temptation. It's 11pm on New Year's Eve, and you grow tired of channel flipping; it's then that Jool's Annual Hootenanny rears its predictable, comfortable head.
'This will maybe stave off your unconsciousness at best', it promises; but, come on, as Peep Show's Jeremy once so wisely imparted, "No, not the Hootenanny. Never the Hootenanny. We're better than that."
So, to save yourself from such errors (unless you genuinely like that kind of thing); here's a guide of the best TV picks to guide you through New Year's Eve fully awake and entertained.
6pm
Why not start things off with an absolute classic of a film? Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial brings all kinds of hope and joy to ITV2.
7pm
The NYE specials kick off with that nostalgic favourite, Channel 4's TFI New Year's Eve. If you grew up with TFI you may find the whole thing quite warmly reassuring, if you've never watched a single episode it might come off vaguely aggravating; as is the nature of 90s television reboots. That said, host Chris Evans will be joined by the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Kurt Russell, The Revenant's Will Poulter, Sia and New Order; a collection of people who do admittedly sound like the kind of party guests you'd love to stay up all night and annoy the neighbours.
8pm
ITV are showing something called Panda Babies. Presumably, there will be panda babies. Done deal.
9pm
Another big special kicks off, Alan Carr's New Year Specstacular on Channel 4. Two things to keep in mind here: that debilitatingly awful pun, and a guest list notably less prestigious than what the others are boasting, with Danny Dyer, David Guetta, Mel B, and Kelly Brook joining in for inevitable antics.
10pm
The Graham Norton Show's landed a pretty big pull by bagging Jennifer Lawrence for the show on BBC One; alongside Eddie Redmayne, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Everyone's waiting with baited breath to see if Wahlberg will get as, er, candid as he did the last time he made an appearance.
11pm
There's only one real alternative to the Hootenanny, but BBC One is locking down with Bryan Adams Rocks Big Ben Live. There are definitely worse ways of bringing in the New Year than grooving to "Summer of '69". And, if you really want to know, Jools has got Hozier, James Bay, Future Islands, Jeff Beck, and KT Tunstall.
12pm
If you're half-dazed but still need to engage that brain, there's a repeat of The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2015 on Channel 4; worth watching just to see David Mitchell and Richard Ayoade in the same room.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments