If like me you can’t stand the idea of spending New Year’s Eve in a packed pub full of drunken strangers or at a big party packed full of drunken strangers (cause let’s face it, you usually get there and find you only know the host and they’re off their face as well), why not just stay home? A few close friends or family, tasty drinks and nibbles and some good TV is all you need for a special evening. After all, Staying In is the new Going Out.
Charlotte and I have been looking ahead at what televisual treats New Year’s Eve has to offer. Here’s what we’ll be watching tomorrow night:
Emma
4:30pm – 6:30pm Come Dine with Me, Channel 4
I’ll be having a CDWM marathon to watch while I prepare the snacks, to give me extra ideas of what to make and get me into the party mood.
6:30pm – 7pm TV Burp, ITV
This is the festive edition from Christmas Day, a compilation of Christmas clips and best bits. If like me, you missed it this is the perfect opportunity to catch up. Harry Hill never disappoints.
7:10pm – 9pm Porridge (FILM), Channel 4
It only gets two stars so it might be a load of rubbish but for fans of the sitcom starring the hilarious Ronnie Barker it’s something you’ve got to at least watch once. So I am.
9pm – 11:35pm Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular ,Channel 4
I can’t get enough of this man. And this sounds especially fun being a selection of chat, sketches, games, parodies and music all fronted by Specsy Beast, Alan. Guests include Jonathan Ross, Micky Flanagan, Gok Wan, Olly Murs, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon.
9pm – 10pm Brand New It’ll be alright on the night 2, ITV
This will be recorded in my house. If you’re not an Alan fan (I’ve heard some people aren’t- what’s wrong with you?!) then this is the perfect alternative if you fancy a laugh.
After all, presenters falling over, animals misbehaving and actors fluffing their lines never fails to raise a smile.
10pm (– 2:35am) QI, Dave
To bridge the gap between Alan Carr/ It’ll be Alright on the Night and my next choice without having to resort to the tedious Hootenanny, there is a handy QI marathon happening on Dave. They’re all repeats of course but always a treat to watch again. Just don’t get too engrossed and forget to raise a glass at midnight!
12:15am-1:15am Lee Mack Going Out Live, BBC 1
To end the night…morning…on a high switch to BBC1 for some more comedy firstly from Lee Mack giving us a sneaky peak of his stand-up tour when he performed at the Apollo.
1:15am- 2:15am Michael Mcintyre’s Comedy Road Show, BBC1
A repeat of the brilliant Christmas special. If you missed it, or like me just want an excuse to watch it again here is Michael in all his glory, joined by Rhod Gilbert, Sean Lock, Jack Dee, David Mitchell and new double-act Miranda Hart and “Smithy”. Very very funny stuff.
Charlotte
Emma has covered most of the bases but I would like to mention Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny I think it is an enjoyable watch of artists you have never heard of and are unlikely to again. Also the awkward behaviour of a group of celebrities bringing in the New Year when in reality it is an afternoon at the beginning of December.
It is also always nice to bring in the incoming year to the chimes of Big Ben and watch the fireworks along the Thames. This year New Year Live 2011 is hosted by Jake Humphrey and starts on BBC1 at 11.50.
Then if you want a thorough review of the past year I say catch Charlie Brooker’s 2011 Wipe on BBC iPlayer. If nothing it will make you thankful for a new year.
TV Talk 