As the festive season approaches, Sky TV and its streaming service NOW are poised to dazzle audiences with an array of festive shows and films.
From the animated thrills of The Super Mario Bros. Movie to the heartwarming magic of Genie, the comedic twists of A Very Brassic Christmas to Rob & Rom Vs. visiting Lapland, there’s a vibrant spectrum of entertainment on offer.
And – the Sky debut of the critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
As a quick reminder, you can get Sky’s content either via NOW, or by joining Sky directly – with the satellite-based Sky Q, or with the newer, broadband-based streaming devices, Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
Sky’s currently running its Black Friday deals – so you can get Sky’s TV and film bundles, along with Sky Glass or Sky Stream, starting from just £19/month.
As for NOW (previously known as NOW TV) – Sky’s standalone streaming service is available with three separate tiers – NOW Entertainment, NOW Cinema and NOW Sports – see here for ongoing deals and offers for NOW.
So – here’s some of what’s coming to Sky and NOW this festive season:
The Heist Before Christmas
Sky Max and NOW are set to premiere a unique Sky Original Christmas Special, The Heist Before Christmas.
This enchanting tale revolves around young Mikey Collins, who encounters two very different Santas in the woods.
One, portrayed by the charismatic James Nesbitt, is a cunning bank robber in disguise, while the other, played by Timothy Spall, claims to have tumbled from his sleigh.
As Mikey attempts to snag the robber’s loot, he embarks on an adventure that captures the essence of the Christmas spirit.
With its blend of comedy, drama, and festive magic, this special, scheduled for a late December release, should be a festive treat for the whole family.
A Very Brassic Christmas
Sky Max and NOW present A Very Brassic Christmas, an extension of the beloved series Brassic (which was back for Series 5 this year).
This holiday special, set to air in mid-December, sees Vinnie, Erin, Tommo, and the rest of the gang embroiled in their usual shenanigans. This time, they’re gearing up for a nativity play like no other.
The episode features star appearances by Imelda Staunton and Greg Davies, guaranteeing a blend of heart, humour, and holiday chaos.
Never Mind the Buzzcocks: A Christmas Special
The iconic comedy panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks returns with a festive twist this December on Sky Max and NOW.
With celebrity guests and a lineup packed with music and mirth, this special promises to be a highlight of the holiday entertainment schedule.
Celeb guests include Harry Hill, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Ricky Wilson plus guest appearances from DJ Luck & MC Neat, Paul Potts and Ritchie Neville of Five fame.
The Unofficial Science of Die Hard & Indiana Jones
Also on Sky Max and NOW, a unique treat for film enthusiasts with The Unofficial Science of Die Hard & Indiana Jones.
This Christmas special, featuring Chris Ramsey, Paul Chowdry, Greg James, and Maisie Adam, explores the science behind the iconic stunts of Die Hard and Indiana Jones.
It’s a fun, educational dive into what makes these movies tick and answers the perennial question – is Die Hard truly a Christmas film?
Rob & Rom Vs. Lapland
December on Sky Max and NOW will see comedians Rob and Romesh embark on a festive adventure in Rob & Rom Vs. Lapland.
This special follows the duo as they explore the wonders of Lapland – the domain of elves, reindeer, festive magic and ‘Santa Clause’, Rob and Romesh
will be trying their hand at all these jobs to see if there’s one Christmas activity that they have the Christmas spirit for
A League of Their Own Christmas Special
In A League of Their Own Christmas Special, airing in December on Sky Max and NOW, Romesh Ranganathan and his merry band are joined by football legend Patrice Evra and comedian Rob Beckett.
Expect a riot of festive fun, games, and a unique visit to Brentford FC, where they cook a Christmas lunch for the players.
This special promises to be a delightful blend of sports, comedy, and holiday cheer, offering a festive twist to this beloved show.
Dynamo is Dead: A Soul-Searching Journey
Premiering on December 14 on Sky Max and NOW, Dynamo is Dead offers a profound exploration of mental health and well-being.
World-renowned magician Dynamo embarks on a soul-searching journey, meeting inspirational figures and performing magic inspired by their stories.
The show culminates in a dramatic and dangerous stunt – Dynamo being buried alive.
Based on a True Story
Starring Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, and Tom Bateman, this dark comedic thriller revolves around a trio – a realtor, a former tennis star, and a plumber – who seize an opportunity to exploit America’s obsession with true crime.
The show is set to be a compelling mix of suspense, humour, and insightful commentary on contemporary culture.
Smothered
On December 7, Sky Comedy and NOW present Smothered. Created by Monica Heisey, this romantic comedy stars Danielle Vitalis and Jon Pointing.
It’s a tale of two different worlds colliding, where romance blossoms against the backdrop of the pressures of modern dating. This rom-com promises to offer a fresh, witty take on relationships and love in the digital age.
Genie
Kicking off the festive film lineup on Sky Cinema and NOW is Genie, a holiday fairytale comedy from the imaginative mind of Richard Curtis.
Melissa McCarthy stars as Flora, a genie freed by Bernard, played by Paapa Essiedu, whose life is in disarray. This magical journey of love, friendship, and holiday miracles is set to enchant viewers from December 1.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
December also sees the premiere of The Super Mario Bros. Movie on Sky Cinema and NOW.
The film, which saw major box-office success in 2023, brings the iconic video game characters Mario and Luigi to life in a thrilling journey through the Mushroom Kingdom.
Fans of the game and newcomers alike will delight in this animated adventure.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales returns in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, premiering in December on Sky Cinema and NOW Cinema.
Joining forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People, this animated second chapter of the Spider-Verse saga promises to be an action-packed, visually stunning experience.
May December
Scheduled for December 8 on Sky Cinema and NOW, May December stars Julianne Moore, Charles Melton and Natalie Portman.
This poignant film delves into the life of a couple with a significant age gap, facing new challenges when a Hollywood actress arrives to study their dynamic.
The Christmas Collection: Holiday Classics
The Christmas Collection on Sky Cinema and NOW Cinema brings together beloved holiday films, including Elf, The Holiday, and Love Actually.
These classics, available throughout the festive season, are perfect for cosy nights in, offering laughter, love, and the quintessential holiday experience.
Whale with Steve Backshall
Coming on December 3 to Sky Nature and NOW, Whale with Steve Backshall offers an awe-inspiring journey into the ocean.
The renowned adventurer and naturalist Steve Backshall free dives with whales and dolphins, uncovering their complex social structures and emphasizing their crucial role in ocean health.
Dickens: Phantoms and Fiction:
Sky Arts, which is available on Sky, NOW and on Freeview Channel 37, bring Dickens: Phantoms and Fiction this Christmas.
In this, documentary David Harewood delves into Charles Dickens’ supernatural tales, exploring his eerie and atmospheric worlds.
Through actor readings and archive footage, viewers will be transported into the haunting narratives of one of Britain’s greatest writers, offering a unique perspective on his lesser-known works.
Mica Paris: A Gospel Christmas
Mica Paris: A Gospel Christmas, airing this Christmas on Sky Arts, promises a heartwarming musical experience.
The concert features the soulful Mica Paris blending timeless gospel classics with contemporary festive favourites. It’s set to be an uplifting celebration of music and the holiday spirit.
Christmas on Sky Kids
December on Sky Kids and NOW is packed with festive joy for younger viewers.
The lineup includes shows like KIDZ BOP: Never Stop Live Concert, Isadora Moon’s Winter Magic, and BooSnoo! Christmas Special.