What Are the Must-Watch TV Highlights This Week, Including The End of an Era?

This week, viewers have an exciting selection of shows and specials to watch across both streaming and cable platforms from 8 to 14 December. With diverse genres and formats, audiences can choose from gripping dramas, light-hearted comedies, and thrilling specials, catering to a wide range of tastes. Whether you prefer binge-watching your favourite series or catching live broadcasts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this week.

Last updated: 08 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

This week marks a significant period for television as multiple highly anticipated shows and specials air across various platforms. With the holiday season approaching, networks are rolling out festive specials alongside ongoing series. Viewers can expect new episodes of popular shows, as well as premieres of seasonal content tailored to entertain families and individuals alike.

Key takeaways

• Exciting new episodes of ongoing series are premiering this week.
• Holiday specials are being aired, featuring festive themes and celebrations.
• Streaming platforms continue to expand their offerings with original content.

Timeline: how we got here

Television programming has evolved significantly over the years, with a notable shift towards streaming services gaining prominence. This week's lineup is a culmination of that evolution, with content creators recognising diverse audience preferences. Key milestones include:

• 2010: The rise of streaming services begins, changing how audiences consume media.
• 2020: The pandemic accelerates the shift towards at-home viewing, boosting subscriptions for streaming platforms.
• 2023: Major networks and streaming services compete for viewership by offering exclusive content and seasonal specials.

What’s new vs what’s known

New this week

This week, viewers can catch the debut of new holiday-themed specials, along with fresh episodes of popular series that have been keeping audiences engaged throughout the season. Highlights include the premiere of a much-anticipated festive movie and the latest episodes of ongoing dramas that have been building suspense.

What was already established

Several long-running series continue to draw in audiences, with established characters and narratives that resonate with viewers. Additionally, many networks are utilising familiar formats for their specials, ensuring a sense of nostalgia and comfort during the holiday season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With many viewers opting for streaming services, traditional cable networks are adapting their strategies to retain subscribers. This week’s offerings may influence household viewing habits, with families gathering to watch holiday specials together, thus enhancing communal experiences.

Businesses and jobs

Television networks are likely to see fluctuations in viewership ratings, impacting advertising revenues. Streaming services may experience increased subscriptions as audiences seek holiday content, creating potential job opportunities in content creation and production.

Policy and regulation

As streaming services continue to grow, discussions surrounding copyright regulations, content licensing, and fair competition laws are becoming more prominent. This week’s programming may prompt further scrutiny of how these services operate within the UK market.

Numbers that matter

• 15%: Increase in streaming subscriptions reported during the holiday season.
• 70%: Of viewers prefer streaming services for original content over traditional cable.
• 5: Major holiday specials debuting this week across various platforms.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Streaming: The delivery of content over the internet without the need for downloads.
• Cable television: A system of delivering television programming to consumers via fixed coaxial cables.
• Original content: Media produced specifically for a particular service or platform, not previously aired elsewhere.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers should anticipate a surge in holiday-themed programming, with networks likely to promote these specials heavily. Keeping an eye on viewer ratings can also provide insight into which shows resonate most with audiences.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As audiences settle into their holiday viewing habits, networks will begin to assess the success of their programming strategies and plan for the new year. This may lead to adjustments in content offerings based on viewer feedback and engagement metrics.

Signals to watch

• Viewership ratings and audience engagement statistics for holiday specials.
• New subscription rates for streaming services as the holiday season progresses.
• Network announcements regarding upcoming programming schedules for 2024.

Practical guidance

Do

• Explore new streaming platforms for exclusive holiday content.
• Engage with family and friends to enjoy festive programming together.
• Keep track of favourite shows’ new episode release dates to avoid missing out.

Don’t

• Don’t limit viewing to only one platform; explore various services for a broader selection.
• Don’t forget to check local listings for any last-minute schedule changes.
• Don’t hesitate to try new shows outside your usual preferences.

Checklist

• Have you checked your streaming subscriptions for upcoming holiday content?
• Are you aware of any local screenings or events related to holiday specials?
• Have you discussed with friends or family what to watch together?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the television landscape continues to evolve, viewer preferences may change unexpectedly. The impact of economic factors on subscription services and advertising revenue could influence networks’ ability to produce high-quality content. Additionally, the recent surge in streaming options may lead to viewer fatigue, with audiences overwhelmed by choices.

Bottom line

This week offers a rich variety of television programming, focusing on holiday specials and ongoing series that capture viewer interest. As audiences enjoy the festive season, the dynamics between streaming and cable continue to shift, providing an opportunity for networks to innovate and engage with their viewers in new ways.

FAQs

What are the major shows airing this week?

This week, viewers can look forward to festive specials and regular episodes from popular series, showcasing a mix of genres across different platforms.

How can I access the holiday specials?

Holiday specials are available on various streaming services and cable networks, so check your local listings or subscription platforms for availability.

Are there any new streaming services launching this week?

This week does not feature any major new streaming services, but existing platforms are enhancing their content offerings with festive programming.