Sitcom · 1990s
The Royle Family
Christmas with the Royle Family
The most honest Christmas on telly, mostly spent on the sofa.
- Tearjerker
Content note: Strong language throughout
BBC One
1999
First shown 25 Dec 1999
- First shown
- 25 December 1999
- Channel
- BBC One
- Runtime
- 39 mins
- Genre
- Sitcom
Where to watch
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It is Christmas Day at the Royles', which means the telly is on, the sofa is full and nobody is moving for anything short of a crisis. And this year there is one: Denise's big day has finally arrived. As ever, the biggest moments happen between the smallest ones, in the pauses, the sideways glances and the cups of tea. Funny, honest and quietly moving, it is the sitcom that made doing nothing the most watchable thing on television. Mind the language, mind the gravy, and keep a spare cushion nearby.
Stay on the sofa
Watch next
The Royle Family
The New Sofa
Denise plays Nigella; Jim plays reluctant host with strangers at the table.
The Royle Family
The Golden Egg Cup
Barbara wants Bermuda; Jim wants a satellite box. Guess who's winning.
The Royle Family
Joe's Crackers
Cracker jokes, a family under one roof and not a lot of moving.

Checked 6 Nov 2026