VOD News | On 07, Dec 2024

Sky is unwrapping one of the smartest commissions of the season with the arrival this December of comedy Bad Tidings, starring Chris McCausland. It’s joined by a slew of comedy specials, the return of Based on a True Story and sprinkling of some festive arts offerings. For more information on the latest Sky TV packages and pricing, click here. Don’t have Sky? You can also stream all of the above live and on-demand through NOW, Sky’s contract-free VOD service, which costs £9.99 a month for an Entertainment Membership.

Sky Cinema’s line-up, meanwhile, includes Wonka, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, A Quiet Place: Day One and Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. For Sky Cinema subscribers on Sky platforms, there’s the added bonus of Paramount+ titles being included for free. For more information on getting Sky Cinema, click here. Again, if you don’t have Sky, you can also stream Sky Cinema’s movie catalogue live and on-demand through NOW, for £11.99 a month.

Here’s what’s coming soon to Sky and NOW in December 2024:

 

TV / Entertainment

Maisie Adam: Appraisal (Sky Comedy) – 7th December

Maisie Adam performs her latest tour show, Appraisal, filmed in her hometown at The Harrogate Theatre. It’s been a meteoric rise through the comedy ranks for Maisie and she’s fast on her way to becoming a household name. Stand-up is what she loves most and she’s now five years into her job as a comedian, so perhaps she’s due an appraisal. Appraisal is the ultimate performance review, where we see just why she is an award-winning comic…or is she heading towards an “organisational restructure”?

Dostoyevsky (Sky Atlantic, 10pm) – 8th December

Dostoyevsky follows the life and investigative work of policeman, Enzo Vitello, played by Filippo Timi (Vincere, I delitti del BarLume, Favola, Le otto montagne).With a troubled past and an inevitable future, Enzo finds himself investigating the bloody trail of a ruthless serial killer, nicknamed Dostoyevsky, because of the letters they leave at crime scenes, filled with gruesome details. Haunted by the killer’s words, Enzo is pushed to embark on a dangerous solo investigation, getting closer and closer to the disturbing truth.

Somebody Somewhere: Season 3 (Sky Comedy) – 9th December

The Peabody Award-winning and critically-acclaimed third and final season of the HBO Original comedy series Somebody Somewhere, starring, written, and executive produced by comedian and singer Bridget Everett, returns this December on Sky and NOW. The series follows Sam (Everett), a true Kansan on the surface, but, beneath it all, struggling to fit the hometown mould. Grappling with loss and acceptance, singing is Sam’s saving grace and leads her on a journey to discover herself and a community of outsiders who don’t fit in but don’t give up, showing that finding your people, and finding your voice, is possible. Anywhere. Somewhere. In season three, we see growth against all odds.

Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet (Sky Arts) – 9th December

This Christmas, Sky Arts goes behind the curtain with English National Ballet and their world premiere of a brand new production of Nutcracker. Having performed a version of the festive ballet every year since it was founded, this year sees the Company take a fresh approach, and the pressure is on to wow audiences more than ever before. This new series, Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet showcases what it takes to re-invent a globally renowned classic, seen through the eyes of all the key departments involved. Two documentaries follow the meticulous preparations and the all-important rehearsals which build to the opening night, followed by the full performance of Nutcracker, captured in all its magic at the London Coliseum.

James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome (Sky Comedy) – 10th December

Dubbed ‘the strongest show of his career’ by The Times, with the Daily Telegraph calling it ‘one of the funniest and most brilliantly constructed shows of the year’, ‘Hecklers Welcome’ saw a return to stand-up for Acaster, the critically acclaimed comedian, actor, Sunday Times bestselling author and co-host of the hit podcast Off Menu. Touring the show throughout 2023-2024, Hecklers Welcome sees Acaster recount the formative childhood experiences at the root of his love/hate relationship with performance, whilst obliging himself to embrace any interruptions from the audience.

The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth (Sky Arts) – 15th December

For many of us, a trip to the pantomime is our very first experience of live theatre and sparks a lifelong love-affair with the magic of performance. New one-off special, The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth, will see the author, broadcaster and all-round entertainer reveal some of the surprising origins of this uniquely British art-form.

Based on a True Story: Season 2 (Sky Max, 9pm) – 16th December

The story of the unlikely friendship between a married couple and a serial killer continues with the second season of dark comedy Based on a True Story. Season two of the series finds new parents Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) three months into parenthood. Focused on taking care of her family, Ava is determined to resist her true crime obsession and return to work as a real estate agent while Nathan trains private tennis clients. But a series of new murders pulls her back in – is Matt (Tom Bateman) behind the slayings? Is Ava’s sister Tory (Liana Liberato), now entangled in a relationship with Matt, in danger?

Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special (Sky Max) – 18th December

Having taken time off to celebrate a nativity of her own, the immaculate Daisy May Cooper makes her triumphant return to Buzzcocks for a raucous Christmas special. Joining her, host Greg Davies, team captain Noel Fielding and series regular Jamali Maddix will be comedian Chris Ramsey, singer songwriter Ella Henderson and Capital Breakfast host Jordan North.

Miracles – 19th December

Steven Frayne, the magician formerly known as Dynamo, is back with a brand-new Sky show which sees him return to his roots and wow people like ever before. In this Sky Original Christmas Special, magic builds before viewers will see Steven take the ultimate risk, pushing himself to the limit for a death-defying finale: the miracle to end all miracles. Expect a show filled with inspiration, wonder, and pure magic, as Steven Frayne once again defies belief.

Paul Chowdhry – Family Friendly Comedian (Sky Comedy) – 20th December

Multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, actor and writer, Paul Chowdhry presents a special, intimate performance of his highly acclaimed show, where he contemplates putting his career as a controversial stand-up comic behind him to potentially land a recently vacated space on daytime TV.

Paul Simon: In Restless Dreams (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 21st December

Acclaimed documentarian Alex Gibney (Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, ENRON: The Smartest Guys in the Room) follows Paul Simon in the studio as he works on his latest album Seven Psalms, whilst looking back at his six-decades of hits, from Sound of Silence to Graceland.

Bad Tidings (Sky Max, 7.30pm) – 22nd December

It’s the week before Christmas and Stockport home security expert, Neil (Lee Mack) has a problem with his neighbour. Scott (Chris McCausland) swaps their bins, complains about Neil’s ‘project’ car on his drive and has had his Christmas lights up all year, shining into Neil’s home office. Basically, he’s a git. He’s also blind, and the rest of the street thinks he’s great. When they try to make Scott the new head of Neighbourhood Watch, Neil can stand it no more. He questions Scott’s suitability for the role (“It’s Neighbourhood Watch! I mean, hello?”) and, in the tit for tat row which ensues, Neil ends up blowing the power. For the whole street. On Christmas Eve. Everyone, including Neil’s wife and teenage daughter, is forced to take their Christmas plans elsewhere, leaving Neil and Scott alone and on guard. When infamous local crime family “The Brennans” decide to rob the entire street in one night (“It’s like Santa in reverse”), the odd couple must team up to stop them. They’ve got no lights, no cameras, no alarms, but one of them is blind, which might be an advantage…

Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne’s Dance Version Of Tim Burton’s Classic (Sky Arts, 5pm) – 22nd December

Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.

Nutcracker (Sky Arts, 8pm) – 23rd December

With rehearsals finished and preperations complete, there’s nothing left to do but raise the curtain and embark on a journey full of colour and wonder as English National Ballet brings Nutcracker to life with over 100 dancers and musicians.
Monday 23 December 20.00

Micky Flanagan: If Ever We Needed It (Sky Comedy, 9pm) – 26th December

Headlining a host of standup specials this December, Micky Flanagan is back on stage to give us a much needed pick me up.

blur: To the End (Sky Arts) – 28th December

Feature-length documentary depicting the extraordinary and emotional return of blur, captured across a year in which the band made a surprise return with their first record in eight years, the critically acclaimed #1 album ‘The Ballad of Darren’. The film follows the unique relationship of four friends and band mates of over three decades – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree – as they come together to record ten new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023.

Airborne (Sky Nature) – 29th December

Sky Nature and Love Nature have teamed up for Airborne, a new visual spectacular that examines and celebrates our world’s flying friends. Across the series, with the help of a specialist camera team, Airborne details the unique challenges and ultimate freedom of animals that use the air to survive and thrive. All episodes arrive at once.

Becoming Madonna (Sky Documentaries) – 30th December

Becoming Madonna is an immersive, archive driven film built around a cache of recently uncovered audio tapes in which a young Madonna reflects on her extraordinary life and career.​With rare footage, unseen photos and intimate interviews with family, friends and collaborators, some of whom have never spoken in a documentary before, the film shows this celebrated star as we’ve never seen her before. ​

 

Sky Cinema

The American Society of Magical Negroes – 1st December

Justice Smith is recruited into a secret society, who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance.

Wonka – 6th December

Stuffed with pure imagination and charm, this playful remix of Willy Wonka’s early years is a fizzy lifting delight.

Sweethearts – 7th December

College freshmen Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga break up with their high-school sweethearts over Thanksgiving, putting their friendship to the test.

A Sudden Case of Christmas – 8th December

Real-life married couple Danny and Lucy DeVito star in this hilarious holiday adventure, as a family arrives in Italy for Christmas.

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland – 13th December

St Nick receives a delayed letter on Christmas Eve from the Princess of Hearts. He and his dedicated team of reindeer set off to Wonderland where they’re greeted by the mean and miserable Queen of Hearts who hates all things Christmas… especially presents! Can St Nick, aided by Alice, the Mad Hatter and March Hare, show the Queen the true meaning of Christmas and save the day before it’s too late?

Abigail – 14th December

A group of criminals hold the daughter of a powerful underworld figure for ransom, unaware that she is actually a vampire.

Coup! – 15th December

A mysterious grifter appears on an isolated seaside estate claiming to be a wealthy family’s new chef.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – 20th December

The latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise follows up the explosive showdown of Godzilla vs. Kong with an all-new cinematic adventure, pitting the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence – and our own. The epic new film will delve further into the histories of these Titans, their origins, and the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.

ISS – 21st December

Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling from this, the astronauts receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary.

Superklaus – 22nd December

Santa Claus’ wish comes true when he accidentally bumps his head and starts believing he’s SuperKlaus. With the help of Billie and Leo his elf-xecutive assistant, SuperKlaus will take on a toy-obsessed businessman to save Christmas.

A Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point – 24th December

A rambunctious extended family descends upon their small Long Island hometown for the holidays. Before the evening is over, two teenage cousins take advantage of the chaos to sneak out into the wintry night and make the holiday their own.

Kung Fu Panda 4 – 25th December

After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. He needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position, but there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Oscar® winner Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen (Golden Globe winner Awkwafina), a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.

A Quiet Place: Day One – 26th December

Experience the day when the world went quiet in this prequel to 2018’s suspense- heavy horror thriller. When New York City comes under attack from an alien invasion, a woman and other survivors try to find a way to safety. They soon learn that they must remain absolutely silent as the mysterious creatures are drawn to the slightest sound.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story – 28th December

Following a life-altering accident, Christopher Reeve persevered, by using his fame to speak of hope and to change our perception of paralysis, all while remaining a dedicated activist, actor and filmmaker, devoted dad, and loving husband to Dana Reeve, the beating heart of the family. Chronicling his personal and professional life before and after the near-fatal horseback riding accident in 1995 that left him paralysed from the neck down, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story uses Reeve’s own words, as well as intimate input from his closest family members and friends, to paint a rich, nuanced portrait of a man who refused to be defined by his physicality and who proved that you don’t need tights and a cape to be a hero.

Problemista – 31st December

Alejandro is an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream. From writer/director Julio Torres comes a surreal adventure through the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the US Immigration system. Tilda Swinton co-stars alongside Torres.

 

Titles coming soon to Sky and Now in December 2024

1st December The American Society of Magical Negroes

2nd December Dune: Prophecy: Season 1, Episode 3

3rd December Matlock: Season 1, Episode 2

4th December Blue Bloods: Season 14, Episode 14

5th December The Day of the Jackal: Season 1, Episode 9

6th December Wonka

7th December Maisie Adam: Appraisal Sweethearts

8th December Dostoyevsky: Season 1 A Sudden Case of Christmas

9th December Dune: Prophecy: Season 1, Episode 4 Somebody Somewhere: Season 3 Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet

10th December Matlock: Season 1, Episode 3 James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome

11th December Blue Bloods: Season 14, Episode 15

12th December The Day of the Jackal: Season 1, Episode 10 (finale)

13th December The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland

14th December Abigail

15th December The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth Coup!

16th December Dune: Prophecy: Season 1, Episode 5 Based on a True Story: Season 2

17th December Matlock: Season 1, Episode 4

18th December Blue Bloods: Season 14, Episode 16 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special

19th December Miracles

20th December Paul Chowdhry - Family Friendly Comedian Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

21st December Paul Simon: In Restless Dreams ISS

22nd December Bad Tidings Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne's Dance Version Of Tim Burton's Classic Superklaus

23rd December Dune: Prophecy: Season 1, Episode 6 Nutcracker

24th December Matlock: Season 1, Episode 5 A Christmas Eve in Miller's Point

25th December Blue Bloods: Season 14, Episode 17 Kung Fu Panda 4

26th December Micky Flanagan: If Ever We Needed It A Quiet Place: Day One

28th December blur: To the End Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

29th December Airborne

30th December Dune: Prophecy: Season 1, Episode 7 Becoming Madonna

31st December Matlock: Season 1, Episode 6 Problemista

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