Channel 4 Bets On Comedy For Christmas Schedule

Channel 4 has revealed its Christmas schedule with a heavy focus on comedy shows, which the broadcaster clearly hopes will prove attractive over the festive period.

An alternative Christmas message from the newly acquired Simpsons will prove one of the highlights of Channel 4’s schedule, as will a festive edition of Shameless and The Unseen Eric Morecambe, which includes previously unseen footage of the comic.

Channel 4’s Eric Morecambe documentary in particular is sure to attract attention, featuring previously unseen home movie footage of Britain’s best-loved comic, notably the ‘Father of the Bride’ speech at his daughter’s wedding.

Elsewhere, Channel 4 plans to screen Not Only But Always, a drama charting the careers of irrepressible Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. The feature-length drama, written and directed by acclaimed playwright Terry Johnson, spans three continents and 20 years to bring to life the moving tale of their fraught relationship and hilarious on-stage chemistry.

In addition the broadcaster plans to bring a touch of nostalgia to the festive season with What Friends Did for Us, an opportunity for younger viewers to wallow in the history of one of the world’s favourite comedies, and examining the cultural impact of the show since it was brought to a close earlier this year (see Channel 4 Hits Ratings High With Friends And Big Brother).

The Christmas line up builds on Channel 4’s winter schedule, which was announced earlier this month with a clear intention by Channel 4 to repair the damage suffered by the loss of Friends, Sex and The City and Frasier in a short space of time earlier this year (see Channel 4 To Screen Decomposing Human Body).

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com
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