All the best Christmas comedy specials and new episodes for 2022: Ghosts, Motherland, Mortimer and Whitehouse and Taskmaster

From Ghosts and Two Doors Down to Mortimer and Whitehouse and Taskmaster, we round up 2022’s best new Christmas comedy specials.

By Alex Fletcher Updated: 29 November 2022 - 4.26pm

Comedy Hot List Christmas

If you’ve already checked out our list of best new dramas for Christmas 2022 and you’re looking for something light-hearted and full of Christmas joy, we’ve got you covered.

Christmas TV in 2022 is stuffed with great new comedy specials and festive sitcom favourites – including Ghosts, Would I Lie To You and the latest Gone Fishing adventure from Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse.

If you’re looking for a classic comedy – maybe some Only Fools and Horses or Gavin and Stacey – check our guide on the best ever Christmas specials and find out where to watch all your old favourites.

Best new Christmas comedy specials for 2022

Motherland

Julia, Liz, Amanda, Anne and Kevin are all back for another stressful Christmas and this year's Motherland special will include an influx of grandparents, the return of Joanna Lumley as Amanda's mum Felicity and Kevin attempting to serve up a Persian feast for everyone. What could possibly go wrong?

Fingers crossed this means series 4 is coming soon.

Watch the Motherland Christmas special on BBC One and iPlayer

The Detectorists Christmas Special

The Detectorists returns

Back for the first time since 2017, Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones reunite as metal detecting enthusiasts Andy and Lance in the small town of Danebury.

The beautifully written BBC Four cult favourite (now upgraded to BBC Two) might finally reveal what happened with the gold that Andy and Lance found – hopefully we’ll get a happy ending filled with Christmas cheer.

Watch The Detectorists Christmas Special on BBC Two and iPlayer

Ghosts

Jim Howick and Mathew Baynton’s sitcom continues to collect new fans – and has now received a US remake – and will be back with another Christmas special in 2022.

According to Comedy Guide, the new episode “will take a festive trip down memory lane that prompts Pat (Howick) to question his very identity, while the Ghosts come up with a surprise Christmas present for Alison (Ritchie) after her family lunch does not go to plan”.

Watch the Ghosts Christmas Special on BBC One and iPlayer

The Cleaner

It was confirmed earlier this year that Greg Davies dark comedy series about the life of a crime scene cleaner would be returning for a Christmas special and a second season.

The show’s creative team promised a “bloody marvellous” festive episode, which we suspect may contain more blood and bodies than most Christmas comedy specials.

Watch The Cleaner Christmas Special on BBC One and iPlayer

Mrs Brown's Boys New Year and Christmas specials

Love it or hate it, it wouldn't be Christmas without Mrs Brown's Boys on BBC One.

This year's festive and New Year special include Agnes getting a festive fright from spooky twins, vampires and a tense wait for the valuation of an 'antique; vase that has been in the family for generations.

Watch the Mrs Brown's Boys specials on BBC One and iPlayer

Would I Lie To You? at Christmas

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Rob, Lee and David back with a series of celebrity guests telling increasingly tall tales.

The guest lineup for 2022 includes Christopher Eccleston, Sophie Willan, Gloria Hunniford and Guz Khan.

Watch the Would I Lie To You? Christmas special on BBC One and iPlayer

Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything

Rosie Molloy is addicted to everything: smoking, alcohol, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Xanax, Adderall, caffeine… the list goes on.

After an embarrassing incident at her brother Joey’s wedding, she wakes up in hospital and decides to change her life by ‘giving up everything’.

BAFTA-winning actress Sheridan Smith stars as Rosie and reunites with writer Susan Nickson (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) for the six-part series.

Watch Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything on Sky Comedy from Wednesday, December 7 with NOW

Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas Special

The British comedy legends will return again for more riverside larks, possibly with some Christmas hats and festive food cooked by Bob.

Watch Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas Special on BBC Two and iPlayer

Two Doors Down Christmas Special

The Scottish sitcom has six seasons to enjoy on BBC iPlayer and a new Christmas special is coming soon.

The enduring Scottish sitcom is set in the fictional Glasgow suburb of Latimer Crescent, and follows long-suffering couple Beth (Arabella Weir) and Eric Baird (Alex Norton) and their exasperating neighbours.

Watch the Two Doors Down Christmas Special on BBC Two and iPlayer

Joe Lycett v David Beckham: A Got Your Back Christmas Special

Lycett managed to grab the headlines before the Qatar World Cup by challenging Beckham over his sponsorship deal to promote the tournament – despite the home nation's poor human rights record and outdated views on the LGBTQ+ community.

Expect things to get even more uncomfortable for Becks as Lycett takes us behind his campaign, which was blanked by the former England football captain.

Watch Joe Lycett v David Beckham: A Got Your Back Christmas Special on Thursday, December 15 at 9pm on Channel 4

Taskmaster’s New Year Treat

Returning for a third New Year’s special, Greg Davies and Alex Horne will be joined by Alex James, Sir Mo Farah, Self Esteem, Carol Vorderman and Amelia Demoldenberg for a one-off episode of silly tasks and ludicrous challenges.

Watch Taskmaster's New Year Treat on Channel 4

Jon & Lucy’s Christmas Sleepover

Husband and wife Jon Richardson and Lucy Beamount will return for their second Christmas Sleepover special in 2022, British Comedy Guide has confirmed.

The hour-long special of eating, drinking and laughter will feature Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen and Judi Love as guests.

Watch Jon & Lucy's Christmas Sleepover on Channel 4