9 Top Picks To Watch On TV This New Year's Eve If You're Planning On Staying In

There’s been no end of great new telly and some amazing films to keep us all entertained this festive season – and if you’re planning on a quiet one to welcome 2026, you’ll be pleased to hear that New Year’s Eve is no exception.

From family movies and year-end specials to star-studded New Year’s Eve extravaganza, we’ve rounded up some of the best things you should be tuning in if you’re staying in on Wednesday evening.

Here are our nine top picks of what to watch and stream this New Year’s Eve…

Marcel The Shell With Shoes On

If you wanted to get your New Year’s Eve to a really different start, you could do a lot worse than throwing yourself into the unique world of Marcel The Shell With Shoes.

As the title suggests, this family movie introduces us to Marcel, a talking shell, who first started life as a sweet web series before being given the big-screen treatment.

In his first movie, the soft-spoken crustacean takes on his biggest adventure to date in a bid to reunite with his family, with results guaranteed to have you blubbing into the sofa cushions before you’ve even had lunch.

When’s it on? 9.35am on BBC One

Top Of The Pops Review Of The Year

Sadly, the Top Of The Pops Christmas special remains a thing of the past, but at the very least, Clara Amfo will be looking back at the music we were all listening to in 2025 with this annual “review of the year”.

Expect to hear massive tunes from the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and Olivia Dean, as well as live highlights from the BBC’s Glastonbury and Radio 1’s Big Weekend coverage.

When’s it on? 6pm on BBC Two

Here We Go

After a deluge of Christmas specials has been keeping us entertained this week, the team behind Here We Go is trying something different to see out 2025, with a rare New Year’s Eve episode.

With a new year approaching, Katherine Parkinson’s character is determined to celebrate in style by throwing a massive party. Somewhat standing in her way, though, is husband Paul (played by Jim Howick), who has markedly different plans…

When’s it on? 9pm on BBC One

Pretty Woman

Few films scream “big night in” quite like Pretty Woman, which feels like it was designed specifically to be enjoyed while treating yourself to some fizz and attempting the next leg of completing your Christmas special.

A romantic movie for the ages, this film helped put Julia Roberts and Richard Gere on the map, as they play a couple who fall in love in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Still haven’t seen it? Big mistake. Huge.

When’s it on? 9pm on ITV1

The Full Monty

Then again, maybe The Full Monty is more the vibe you’re after?

A modern British movie classic, the comedy centres around a group of struggling steel workers in Sheffield who decide to form their own stripping troupe in a bid to raise some extra funds, particularly after one of them is left facing a custody battle due when he’s unable to pay child support.

Expect big laughs, big surprises and… well… you know the rest

When’s it on? 10pm on BBC Two

The Graham Norton Show

Graham Norton has become renowned for booking the most A-list guests around, and his New Year’s Eve specials have become something of a seasonal tradition.

As you get ready for 2026, you can look forward to seeing everyone from Oscar winner Jessica Chastain, Emmy recipients Peter Dinklage and Claire Foy, national treasure Michael Sheen, comedy fave Joe Lycett and three-time Olivier nominee Cush Jumbo on that iconic red sofa.

When’s it on? 10.30pm on BBC One

Ronan Keating And Friends New Year’s Eve Party

For the last few years, the BBC has marked New Year’s Eve with a very special live music experience, and this year, it’s former Boyzone star and The One Show host Ronan Keating’s turn at the helm.

As for the “and friends” part, look out for appearances from recent I’m A Celebrity finalist Shona McGarty, chart-topper Louise and even the stars of Boyzone alongside performances of Life Is A Rollercoaster to see out 2025.

There’ll also be a break in the middle of this so you can check out the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show live in London.

When’s it on? 11.30pm on BBC One

Jools’ Annual Hootenanny

Then again… it just wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without Jools on the keys, would it?

His annual Later… special features performances from the woman of the hour, Olivia Dean, rounding off her epic 2025 in style.

Also on the New Year’s Eve line-up are British music faves including Jessie J, Craig David, Heather Small and Lulu.

When’s it on? 11.30pm on BBC Two

The Stranger Things finale

While the entire world is countdown to midnight, let’s face it, plenty of Stranger Things will probably be more preoccupied with the moment 1am rolls around, so they can get stuck into the last ever episode of the award-winning sci-fi drama.

After two drops of episodes in the last month or so, the feature-length finale will begin streaming worldwide in the early hours of New Year’s Day, so if you’re trying to avoid spoilers, we reckon your best shot is to treat yourself to a coffee and dive in as early as possible.

When’s it on? From 1am on New Year’s Day on Netflix