All Seasons

Season 1965

  • S1965E01 So You Think You Can Drive?

    • August 24, 1965

    Every motorist believes that he is one of the safest drivers on the road - 'accidents happen, but of course it's always the other fellow's fault'. This programme gives you a chance to find out how good you really are - in a series of tests, involving judgment, perception, and road knowledge. Introduced by Cliff Michelmore with Magnus Magnusson. Made in collaboration with the R.A.C.

Season 1969

Season 1970

  • S1970E01 A Royal Television Gala Performance (1)

    • May 24, 1970

    In the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in aid of the British Isles Countries participating in the British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh Artists taking part include: Dave Allen, Arrival, Tony Bennett, Cilla Black Basil Brush with Derek Fowlds Dad's Army Up Pompeii Morecambe & Wise The Young Generation

  • S1970E02 A Royal Television Gala Performance (2)

    • May 24, 1970

Season 1972

  • S1972E01 Christmas Night with the Stars

    • December 25, 1972
    • BBC

    The seasonal variety special with a host of stars from BBC Television.

  • S1972E02 Fifty Years of Music: or They Don't Write 'Em Like That Any More!

    • November 6, 1972
    • BBC

    A programme to celebrate 50 years of broadcasting Starring in a spectacular show which looks at the development of popular music during the last five decades are Henry Hall, Lulu, Vera Lynn, The New Seekers, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Cliff Richard and The Young Generation who introduce, link and represent songs from each period, ranging from big hits in the era of the Charleston to today's Top Ten.

Season 1973

  • S1973E01 Smike!

    • December 26, 1973

    A pop musical freely based upon Nicholas Nickleby Music and lyrics by Roger Holman and Simon May adapted for television by John Morley and Paul Ciani Starring Beryl Reid as Mrs Squeers/Mrs Steele, Andrew Keir as Mr Squeers/Mr Steele and Leonard Whiting as Nickleby

Season 1982

  • S1982E01 The Funny Side of Christmas

    • December 27, 1982
    • BBC

    Presented by Frank Muir, it comprised one comedy sketch each from 10 contemporaneous English comedy series: Butterflies, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Last of the Summer Wine, The Les Dawson Show, Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours, Smith and Jones, Sorry!, Three of a Kind, and Yes Minister

Season 1986

  • S1986E01 Christmas Eve with Val Doonican

    • December 24, 1986
    • BBC

    Val at home and in the studio, prepares for a relaxing Christmas with music and fun to start the holiday in a relaxing mood.

  • S1986E02 That's Television Entertainment

    • November 1, 1986
    • BBC

    On the eve of BBC TV's Golden Anniversary, this programme looks back at the entertainment output of BBC TV over the past 50 years.

Season 1987

  • S1987E01 The Grand Knockout Tournament

    • June 19, 1987

    The Grand Knockout Tournament (also known as It's a Royal Knockout) was a one-off charity event which took place on 15 June 1987, and was shown on British television on 19 June 1987.

Season 1988

  • S1988E01 Bruce and Ronnie Christmas Special

    • December 26, 1988

    Bruce Forsyth and Ronnie Corbett come together for the first time in their own special show, combining their talents for comedy and music. With Fiona Fullerton as their special guest star and the Jeff Richer dancers

Season 2003

  • S2003E01 I'm Dreaming of a TV Christmas

    • December 24, 2003
    • BBC

    TV stars including Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, Noel Edmonds, Jimmy Savile and Tony Blackburn join host Phill Jupitus on a journey through the best moments from festive programmes over the last 30 years.

Season 2011

  • S2011E01 Jim'll Fix It with Shane Richie

    • December 26, 2011
    • BBC

    Shane Richie hosts a special Christmas edition of this much-loved family show. Celebrity guests and experts join Shane to help make dreams come true for a whole new generation.

Season 2012

  • S2012E01 The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert

    • June 4, 2012

    The Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert 2012. The Diamond Jubilee Concert was a British music concert and celebration held outside Buckingham Palace on The Mall in London on 4 June 2012. The concert was organised by Take That singer-songwriter Gary Barlow and was part of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Diamond Jubilee Concert followed two concerts held at the palace for the Queen's Golden Jubilee a decade earlier – the classical themed Prom at the Palace and the pop/rock themed Party at the Palace. The concert was partially attended by the Queen, who arrived at 9 pm, but not by Prince Philip who had been taken to hospital with a bladder infection earlier in the day. Prince Charles and other members of the royal family attended the whole concert.

Season 2013

  • S2013E01 When Miranda Met Bruce

    • September 21, 2013
    • BBC

    Miranda Hart interviews the legend that is Sir Bruce Forsyth about his 70-year career in showbusiness, finding out the key to his success and longevity in the challenging world of entertainment.

  • S2013E02 Len Goodman's Perfect Christmas

    • December 27, 2013
    • BBC

    From presents to party games, from the tree to the turkey, Len Goodman invites us to share his perfect Christmas Day - as seen on TV.

Season 2014

  • S2014E01 Bruce's Hall of Fame

    • December 27, 2014
    • BBC

    Some of the biggest names in entertainment celebrate the artists who inspired their careers. Hosted by Sir Bruce Forsyth and featuring special performances from Jamie Cullum, Jessie Wallace, Alfie Boe, Ben Miller, Jon Culshaw and Jason Manford.

Season 2015

  • S2015E01 Eurovision's Greatest Hits

    • April 3, 2015
    • BBC

    Graham Norton and Eurovision 2013 presenter Petra Mede host a special concert to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest. London's Eventim Apollo Hammersmith is the venue for this official anniversary event, which features some of the contest's most iconic songs performed by their original artists, including Brotherhood of Man, Johnny Logan, Dana International, Lordi and reigning winner Conchita. Arguably the contest's most iconic interval act, Riverdance make an appearance too. Other winners amongst the 15 performers from 13 countries include Nicole, Loreen, Herreys, Dima Bilan, the Olsen Brothers, Anne-Marie David, Bobbysocks and Emmelie de Forest. Rosa Lopez performs a medley of some of Spain's best Eurovision entries, while Natasha St-Pier represents France with one of the country's biggest Eurovision hits, Je N'ai Que Mon Ame. The programme is a co-production between the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union and will be broadcast in over 20 countries.

  • S2015E02 Gypsy: Live from the Savoy Theatre

    • December 27, 2015
    • BBC

    Stage musical based on the book by Arthur Laurents and with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, loosely based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. The story starts in Seattle in the 1920s at the height of vaudeville and follows the dreams and efforts of Gypsy's mother Rose, the fierce show business mother whose entire life and focus is on raising her daughters to be stage stars. It follows their ups and downs in the changing world of the theatre until her daughter Louise steps into the world of burlesque, as it is all that is left, only to become a huge star - Gypsy Rose Lee. Gypsy contains many popular stage songs including Everything's Coming Up Roses, Let Me Entertain You and Together (Wherever We Go).

  • S2015E03 More Adele at the BBC

    • November 20, 2015
    • BBC

    A group of Adele tribute acts audition for Graham Norton's fictional pilot show. However, one of the tribute acts is Adele in disguise. Will she be able to keep her true identity a secret from them?

  • S2015E04 Comedy Bloopers

    • December 25, 2015
    • BBC

    A selection of comedy bloopers, including never-before seen material from Fawlty Towers, House of Fools, The Two Ronnies and The Office.

Season 2016

  • S2016E01 CBeebies The Nutcracker

    • December 16, 2016
    • BBC

    Two children have a magical Christmas Eve adventure as they travel to the Land of Sweets and witness their toys coming to life! Filmed at The Crucible in Sheffield, this year’s delightful performance is a modern twist of the story of The Nutcracker, using music and dance to tell the story of Clara and Fred’s adventure in the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker stars a whole host of your favourite CBeebies presenters including Justin Fletcher, Cerrie Burrell, Cat Sandion, Ben Faulks and Andy Day. Junior members of The Sheffield People’s Theatre also have a starring role in the production. Pictured: Sugar Plum Fairy (Katrina Bryan) Drosselmeyer (Andy Day) Clara (Cat Sandion) Fred (Ben Faulks) Christmas Cracker (Steve Kynman)

  • S2016E02 Cunk on Christmas

    • December 29, 2016
    • BBC

    Mockumentary starring Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk, who explores the traditions and trappings of Christmas. Philomena looks at pagan winter festivals, the Nativity story, 'Sir Charles Dickings' and Santa Claus, and also grills a variety of experts to try and expose hard truths about Christmas.

  • S2016E03 Strictly Len Goodman

    • December 23, 2016
    • BBC

    As he prepares to grace the Strictly ballroom for the final time, Len Goodman looks back over a dozen years beneath the glitter ball. The programme features behind-the-scenes footage, archive moments and interviews with judges and contestants past and present.

  • S2016E04 David Walliams Celebrates Dame Shirley Bassey

    • December 24, 2016
    • BBC

    Viewers are invited to join Dame Shirley Bassey for a special night of entertainment, ahead of her 80th birthday. The event is hosted by her great friend, and one of her biggest fans, comedian David Walliams. The one-off special features a lavish mix of entertainment, comedy, surprises and live music. Dame Shirley performs a selection of her best-loved classics, including Goldfinger and I'm Still Here, backed by a live studio orchestra. She is joined for a special duet by Classical Brit award-winning vocal group Blake. David interviews Dame Shirley in a walk through her life, from little-known stories to highlights from her music career to date. Dame Shirley also talks about some of her most famous dresses and joins David in some comedy sketches. With archive footage from her early appearances on TV, her headline set at Glastonbury and highlights from The Shirley Bassey Show.

  • S2016E05 The Entire Universe

    • December 26, 2016
    • BBC

    Eric Idle persuades Professor Brian Cox to present a lecture on the birth of the entire universe. Brian soon realises Eric is actually hosting a comedy and musical extravaganza with the help of Warwick Davis, Noel Fielding, Hannah Waddingham and Robin Ince, alongside a chorus of singers and dancers.

  • S2016E06 Peter Pan Goes Wrong

    • December 31, 2016
    • BBC

    This Christmas, the Olivier Award-winning Mischief Theatre brings Peter Pan Goes Wrong to BBC One. As part of its commitment to community theatre, the BBC has commissioned The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, an amateur dramatics group, to recreate the J. M. Barrie classic as part of their festive programming. But can they pull it off? Narrated by David Suchet and filmed in front of a live audience, watching as Peter Pan flies through the air, Captain Hook and his pirates set adrift in the lagoon, and Tinkerbell is due to light up the stage in a stunning electrical costume… what can possibly go wrong?! With their trademark comic mayhem expect brilliant stunts, chaos, technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes on the way to Neverland with hilarious and disastrous results.

Season 2017

  • S2017E01 New Years Eve Fireworks

    • January 1, 2017
    • BBC

    Live coverage of London's New Year's Eve fireworks from the Thames Embankment as Big Ben strikes midnight.

  • S2017E02 Sir Bruce Forsyth: Mr Entertainment

    • August 18, 2017
    • BBC

    A look back at the life and career of Sir Bruce Forsyth, who entertained the British public for over 75 years. With contributions from Michael Grade, Anton Du Beke, Tess Daly, Ian Hislop, Natasha Kaplinsky, Arlene Phillips and Len Goodman.

  • S2017E03 A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

    • December 30, 2017
    • BBC

    The Olivier Award-winning Mischief Theatre Company return to the small screen with their take on Dickens's famous festive fable. Blacklisted by the BBC after ruining Peter Pan, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society do not take their ban lying down and force themselves back on the BBC by hijacking the jewel of the Christmas schedule, a live production of A Christmas Carol, staged by a professional cast. As the Cornley gang try to make the show work on television, they soon realise they are completely out of their depth, with no idea how to direct a live studio or handle the special effects. Worse still, their internal rivalries are revealed on television, while an angry professional cast tries to get back into the studio.

Season 2018

  • S2018E01 New Year's Eve Fireworks 2017/2018

    • January 1, 2018
    • BBC

    As Big Ben strikes midnight, live coverage from the Thames Embankment of one of the most spectacular fireworks displays to be seen anywhere in the world.

  • S2018E02 Sir Bruce: A Celebration

    • March 11, 2018
    • BBC One

    A very special event honouring one of this country's biggest and best-loved entertainers, Sir Bruce Forsyth. Join host Tess Daly, Sir Bruce's Strictly Come Dancing co-star of more than a decade, at the London Palladium, the theatre which helped propel him to stardom, for this tribute to the renowned broadcaster. The evening features some of Sir Bruce's favourite songs performed by a wealth of artists, including Dame Shirley Bassey, Alexandra Burke and Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, as well as dance performances from the Strictly professionals and Adam Garcia. There are also many personal tributes from stars including Sir Elton John, Sir Lenny Henry, Sir Michael Parkinson, Dame Joan Collins, Ant and Dec, Alesha Dixon, Anton Du Beke, Claudia Winkleman, Paul Merton, Jon Culshaw, Lord Sugar, Bradley Walsh, Rosemarie Ford, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and many more. Dave Arch and his Strictly Come Dancing band and vocalists and the BBC Concert Orchestra accompany the performances.

  • S2018E03 The Queen's Birthday Party

    • April 21, 2018
    • BBC One

    A celebration concert for Her Majesty the Queen's 92nd birthday, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall in London and attended by HM the Queen and members of the Royal Family. Alongside contemporary hits, there are songs from classic musicals, swing favourites and much more. Performers include Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Sting and Shaggy. Also on the show are Shawn Mendes, South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Anne-Marie, Craig David, Jamie Cullum, Donel Mangena, Laura Mvula and the Dhol Foundation, led by Johnny Kalsi. Performing songs from the likes of Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Top Hat are Luke Evans, Tom Chambers and Helen George. Alfie Boe celebrates the sound of Benny Goodman and the swing era, and there is a celebration of the music of the legendary ukulele maestro George Formby, featuring 40 players from the George Formby Society. Many of the performers are accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by musical director Steve Sidwell.

  • S2018E04 The Lenny Henry Birthday Show

    • August 22, 2018
    • BBC

    In 1975, a 16-year-old Lenny Henry bunked off school to appear on New Faces. In 2018, after a long and glittering career, Lenny is 60 - the perfect excuse to celebrate a man who has made a unique impact on British comedy. Hosted by Trevor McDonald in front of a studio audience, this programme takes a lighthearted look back at his career and presents new iconic sketches including music legends Stevie Wonder and Stormzy

  • S2018E05 Gareth Malone's All Star Music Quiz

    • September 27, 2018
    • BBC

    Gareth Malone is bringing his piano, guitar and conductor's baton to his very own music quiz. Two teams battle it out testing their skill and music knowledge to play the answer.

  • S2018E06 Daredevils and Divas: A Night at the Circus

    • December 9, 2018
    • BBC Four

    A film celebrating the 250th anniversary of the modern circus through a series of spectacular live performances, hosted by charismatic compere Doug Francisco.

Season 2019

  • S2019E01 New Year's Eve Fireworks 201/2019

    • January 1, 2019
    • BBC

    As Big Ben strikes midnight, we bring in the New Year live from Embankment with London's famous fireworks, one of the most spectacular firework displays to be seen anywhere in the world. The celebrations continue along the Thames with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne - the perfect start to 2019.

  • S2019E02 Dame Edna Rules the Waves

    • December 31, 2019
    • BBC One

    Direct from her superyacht, Dame Edna hosts an exclusive evening with guests Sharon Osbourne, Rob Rinder, Emily Atack, Joe Sugg and music from the legendary Nile Rodgers and CHIC!

  • S2019E03 Christmas Cat on a Robot Vacuum Cleaner #XmasLife

    • December 6, 2019
    • BBC

    Feel the festive cheer with our furry friend, and live your best Christmas life. #XmasLife

  • S2019E04 Take Off with Bradley & Holly

    • December 24, 2019
    • BBC

    Bradley Walsh and Holly Willoughby spread festive joy in a new entertainment show. Some lucky audience members have the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to Lapland, and the show is packed with games, surprises and much more leading up to a spectacular finale.

  • S2019E05 Susan Calman's Not Quite End of Year Show

    • December 31, 2019
    • BBC

    The countdown to the bells begins as Susan Calman looks back over 2019. With music and chat from Scottish movie legend James Cosmo, Guilt star Mark Bonnar, boxing world champion Josh Taylor, World Para Athletics gold medallist Maria Lyle and the captain of the Scottish Women's national football team, Rachel Corsie. And there are classic tunes from Travis and Twin Atlantic.

Season 2020

  • S2020E01 New Year's Eve Fireworks

    • December 31, 2019
    • BBC

  • S2020E02 The Big Night In

    • April 23, 2020
    • BBC

    Comic Relief and Children in Need join forces for the first time to deliver a very special night of television during these unprecedented times. The Big Night In brings the nation an evening of unforgettable entertainment in a way we've never seen before. More importantly, it will also raise money for and pay tribute to those on the front line fighting Covid-19 and all the unsung heroes going that extra mile to support their communities. Together (but safely distanced), Comic Relief legend Lenny Henry and Children in Need's Matt Baker will join forces with Zoe Ball and Paddy McGuinness to host a night of comedy, music and live entertainment from the studio, linking up with a multitude of stars from their houses for an unmissable night. Expect huge treats from comedy legends Peter Kay and Catherine Tate and music from the one and only Gary Barlow. If you have not yet had a dance around your house, then now is the time to do so with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing leading the way. And we'll be showing some of the greatest comedy sketches of all time, voted by you, the great British public. And if that wasn’t enough, viewers will be have the chance to win some incredible money-can't-buy prizes across the course of the evening. The show will give viewers the opportunity to donate, for those who feel able to do so, to help support vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the crisis.

  • S2020E03 VE Day 75 : The People's Celebration

    • May 8, 2020
    • BBC

    To mark the 75th anniversary of VE day, in these unprecedented times, the BBC and the Royal British Legion honour and celebrate the Second World War generation with an evening of memories and music. Featuring some of those who remember this historic day, and some of Britain’s favourite performers, including Katherine Jenkins, Adrian Lester, Anton Du Beke, Beverley Knight, Helen George, Sharon D Clarke, Shane Richie and Emma Barton, entertaining us with popular songs of the era. In a fitting finale at 9pm, the nation is asked to unite for a very special rendition of We’ll Meet Again as a gesture of thanks to our veterans and in memory of our loved ones.

  • S2020E04 VE Day 75 : Remembering Victory

    • May 8, 2020
    • BBC

    On the 8th May 1945, Churchill broadcast the long-awaited announcement that the war in Europe was over. Seventy-five years on, some of Britain’s best-loved entertainers and broadcasters recall the jubilation of that unforgettable day. To celebrate, Britain threw the biggest street party the country had ever seen. The extraordinary archive of celebrations all over Britain helps bring back the memories. Britain's celebrities - including Patrick Stewart, Anne Reid, Miriam Margolyes, and Dame Cleo Laine - share their memories of the tea parties, bonfires, joyful tears and dancing in the streets. The programme also includes interviews with Sir Bruce Forsyth, Dame June Whitfield, Honor Blackman, Kenny Lynch and Leslie Phillips who have died since the programme was first shown. After the heady days of celebration, it was back to the realities of food rationing and troops slowly returning home at last, with the nation gradually getting back on its feet. The gloom of austerity was replaced a new era of optimism and prosperity. This is the story of the Victory Generation. Interviewees: Sir David Attenborough, Johnny Ball, Honor Blackman, Jilly Cooper CBE, John Craven OBE, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Dame Cleo Laine, Kenny Lynch OBE, Miriam Margolyes OBE, Sir Michael Parkinson, Leslie Phillips CBE, Anne Reid MBE, Dame Esther Rantzen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Una Stubbs, Dame June Whitfield.

  • S2020E05 Eurovision Song Contest 2020: Come Together

    • May 16, 2020
    • BBC

  • S2020E06 Eurovision Song Contest 2020: The A-Z of Eurovision

    • May 16, 2020
    • BBC

  • S2020E07 Jack Whitehall's Father's Day

    • June 19, 2020
    • BBC One

    Jack spends a socially distanced Father's Day with his dad, Michael.

  • S2020E08 VJ Day 75 - The Nations Tribute

    • August 15, 2020
    • BBC One

    In this final event to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, Joanna Lumley is joined by a host of stars to celebrate and commemorate the conclusion of the Second World War. Hugh Bonneville, Sheridan Smith, Paterson Joseph, Sir Bryn Terfel, Sir Willard White and Nicola Roberts pay tribute to those who served in the campaigns in the Far East. Descendants and members of the military give thanks to the veterans of the Second World War in a spectacular event on Horse Guards Parade, London.

  • S2020E09 Mary Berry Saves Christmas

    • December 23, 2020
    • BBC One

    Mary teaches three novices to make festive feasts with help from Jay Blades, Tom Allen and Angela Scanlon.

  • S2020E10 The Big New Year's In

    • December 31, 2020
    • BBC One

    Paddy McGuinness hosts a star-studded party as he starts the countdown to 2021 in his own hilarious style. A galaxy of stars join Paddy to wave goodbye to an extraordinary year. It's a live extravaganza of fun, music, games and surprises, and the whole nation is invited to play along in a hilarious quiz of 2020 from the comfort of their sofas.

Season 2021

  • S2021E01 Happy New Year Live!

    • January 1, 2021

    As Big Ben strikes midnight, the nation comes together to welcome in the new year and light up the start of 2021.

  • S2021E02 Musicals: The Greatest Show

    • February 7, 2021

    Recorded at the London Palladium and hosted by Sheridan Smith, this joyous celebration of musical theatre is packed with showstoppers from the West End’s biggest productions, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and guests including Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Amanda Holden, Nicole Scherzinger, Josh Groban and Lea Salonga. Idina Menzel and Elaine Paige reveal the Top 10 songs from musicals, as voted for by BBC Radio 2 listeners, and there’s even a special performance from Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s next big show, Cinderella.

  • S2021E03 Gary Barlow: I'm With The Band

    • June 4, 2021

  • S2021E04 The Big New Years & Years Eve Party with Kylie and Pet Shop Boys

    • December 31, 2021

    Years & Years singer Olly Alexander throws a spectacular New Year's Eve Party as we build up to the midnight moment.

Season 2022

Season 2023

Season 2024

  • S2024E01 Show Tunes at the BBC

    • January 27, 2024

    This collection of hits features several of Elaine Paige’s personal favourites from the BBC's song and dance archives. Amongst them are some of the world’s best-loved musicals, from Cats and The Lion King to Funny Girl and My Fair Lady, and from Sunset Boulevard and West Side Story to A Little Night Music and The Sound of Music. Together, they promise an irresistible mix for lovers of show tunes, highlighting some of the amazing performances that have lit up stage and screen over the past few decades.

  • S2024E02 Big Night of Musicals by The National Lottery

    • January 27, 2024

    Jason Manford hosts a glittering musical celebration, with spectacular performances and special guests, including Beverley Knight, Nicole Scherzinger and Alfie Boe. Filmed in front of an audience of 12,000 fans of musicals at Manchester’s AO Arena, 12 of the UK’s West End and touring productions perform much-loved songs and exciting exclusives. Daniel Mays takes to the stage with Guys & Dolls, Alfie Boe returns to Les Misérables for a special one-off performance, Beverley Knight performs with some of the next generation of musical theatre stars, and the cast of Broadway sensation Hadestown present a UK television exclusive ahead of its West End debut. Also featured are show-stopping numbers from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Disney’s Aladdin, A Chorus Line, Grease The Musical, and Mrs Doubtfire. And incredible performances from The Wizard of Oz, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton complete the line-up.

Additional Specials