It's New Year's Eve, which means the telly goes into overdrive trying to keep you entertained until midnight. The good news? There's actually some decent stuff on. Jools Holland's Hootenanny is the traditionalist's choice, Graham Norton brings the star power, and The Last Leg provides the irreverent alternative. Before all that, there's family viewing and some cracking films scattered throughout the day.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks: Tonight's Best

Daytime: Films for the Sofa

If you're not frantically preparing canapes or recovering from last night's celebrations, there's some quality viewing to ease you into the evening.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On - BBC One, 9:35am

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Here's a genuine gem that might have passed you by. Marcel is a tiny shell who lives with his grandmother in an Airbnb, having been separated from his community. What sounds like the most niche premise imaginable is actually one of the most charming, emotionally devastating films of recent years. Jenny Slate voices the little chap with such warmth that you'll be in bits by the end. Perfect gentle viewing for a slow morning.

The Goonies - ITV1, 12:35pm

The Goonies

"Goonies never say die!" If you're of a certain age, this 1985 adventure classic is permanently lodged in your brain. A gang of kids from the "Goon Docks" neighbourhood hunt for pirate treasure to save their homes from developers. It's chaotic, quotable, and still an absolute blast. The Truffle Shuffle remains cinema's greatest dance move.

Afternoon Treat: Kiss Me, Kate

Kiss Me, Kate - BBC Two, 3:35pm

Kiss Me, Kate

The 2024 West End revival of Cole Porter's sparkling musical gets its BBC debut. Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J Block play a divorced couple who must work together on a production of The Taming of the Shrew, with predictably combustible results. Filmed live at the Barbican, this acclaimed stage production features all the classic songs - "Too Darn Hot" and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" are genuine standards. A treat for musical theatre fans.

Prime Time: The Main Events (8pm - 10pm)

Here We Go - BBC One, 8pm

Here We Go

Katherine Parkinson and Jim Howick lead this New Year's Eve special of the family comedy, with Alison Steadman scene-stealing as grandmother Sue. If you've not caught Here We Go before, it follows the magnificently chaotic Jessop family through various life crises with a warm, observational humour that feels genuinely British. Tonight's episode sees the family's NYE celebrations go predictably sideways. A nice way to ease into the evening's festivities.

The Last Leg of the Year - Channel 4, 9pm

The Last Leg of the Year

Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker do their annual New Year's Eve special, looking back at 2025's highlights (and lowlights) before midnight. If you prefer your countdown with a side of irreverent comedy rather than celebrity chat, this is your alternative to the BBC's offerings. They've built up a loyal following for these specials - expect daft games, celebrity guests, and Josh looking increasingly nervous as midnight approaches.

Pretty Woman - ITV1, 9pm

Pretty Woman

The 1990 rom-com that made Julia Roberts a megastar. Richard Gere is the wealthy businessman, Roberts is the Hollywood Boulevard sex worker with a heart of gold, and somehow it became one of the most beloved romantic comedies ever made. Yes, the premise is deeply problematic if you think about it for more than thirty seconds, but "Big mistake. Big. Huge!" remains an all-time great line delivery. Comfort viewing of the highest order.

The Countdown Shows (10:30pm - Midnight)

The Graham Norton New Year's Eve Show - BBC One, 10:30pm

The Graham Norton New Year's Eve Show

Graham does his NYE thing, gathering together a glittering array of guests for chat, laughs and the occasional musical number before handing over to the fireworks coverage. The red chair gets a festive workout, there'll be at least one anecdote involving champagne, and Norton steers the whole thing with his usual impeccable timing. If you want mainstream celebrity sparkle to accompany your countdown, this is the one.

Ronan Keating and Friends - BBC One, 11:30pm

Following Graham Norton, Ronan Keating hosts a New Year's Eve party with musical performances and celebrity guests to see in 2026. Think singalong territory - perfect if you want something upbeat while you're topping up glasses and watching the clock.

Jools' Annual Hootenanny - BBC Two, 11:30pm

Jools' Annual Hootenanny

The one. The only. Jools Holland's New Year's Eve Hootenanny has been a British institution since 1993, and there's a reason it keeps coming back. An eclectic mix of musical guests, from heritage rockers to current chart stars, all gathering in Jools' studio for a knees-up that runs until 2am. The boogie-woogie piano section is mandatory, the dance floor is always packed with suspiciously enthusiastic audience members, and it all feels wonderfully chaotic. If you're staying up, this is the one that never disappoints.

Late Night: Film Noir

Withnail and I - Film4, 11:40pm

Withnail and I

"We've gone on holiday by mistake!" If you're not into the countdown shows, or you're after something to stick on once the fireworks are done, Bruce Robinson's 1987 cult classic is the perfect antidote to forced festive cheer. Richard E. Grant is magnificently dissolute as the theatrical, permanently sozzled Withnail, dragging his flatmate on a disastrous trip to the countryside. Endlessly quotable, genuinely hilarious, and featuring possibly the finest drinking scenes ever committed to film. "I demand to have some booze!" seems appropriate for the occasion.

Tonight's Viewing Schedule

Time Channel Programme
9:35am BBC One Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
12:35pm ITV1 The Goonies
3:35pm BBC Two Kiss Me, Kate
8:00pm BBC One Here We Go
9:00pm Channel 4 The Last Leg of the Year
9:00pm ITV1 Pretty Woman
10:30pm BBC One The Graham Norton New Year's Eve Show
11:30pm BBC One Ronan Keating and Friends
11:30pm BBC Two Jools' Annual Hootenanny
11:40pm Film4 Withnail and I

Final Verdict

New Year's Eve telly is surprisingly strong this year. Start with Marcel the Shell if you're up early enough - it's genuinely one of the most beautiful films of recent years and the BBC morning slot might be its only terrestrial airing. The Goonies and Kiss Me, Kate will see you through the afternoon.

Come evening, Here We Go is gentle family viewing before things ramp up. The big decision is whether you're a Jools person or a Graham Norton person - though you could always record one and watch the other. The Last Leg offers the comedy alternative if celebrity chat isn't your thing.

And if you're still standing after midnight? Withnail and I on Film4 is the perfect nightcap for anyone who's had quite enough enforced jollity and fancies some gloriously British misery to end the year.

Happy New Year, and here's to 2026.

All times shown are UK times. Schedule may vary by region.