BBC announce the boxsets coming to iPlayer this Christmas

From recent shows and the classics, period dramas to beloved comedies

The BBC has announced its iPlayer boxsets for the holidays, meaning viewers won’t be short of options to binge over the Christmas period.

In an effort to compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon, the broadcaster will be making available more than 100 box sets of recent and classic shows, including period dramas and comedies.

Sense and Sensibility, War and Peace, Little Dorrit and Bleak House – all from acclaimed screenwriter Andrew Davies – will be available. His new adaptation of Les Miserables, starring Dominic West, David Oyelowo and Lily Collins, is due to air over the festive period.

Comedies made available will include Outnumbered, Gavin And Stacey, Miranda and Extras; drama will include Bodyguard, Killing Eve, McMafia, Luther, and Informer.

There will also be a chance to watch every series of Doctor Who since 2005, including the latest, featuring Jodie Whittaker, alongside Sir David Attenborough’s natural history programmes, including Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Africa, Life, and Frozen Planet, as well as the new series Dynasties.

The Julia Donaldson adaptations included feature The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Stick Man and Room On The Broom, while David Walliams shows such as Gangsta Granny, Boy In A Dress, Billionaire Boy and Mr Stink will also be available to watch.

The BBC’s director of content Charlotte Moore highlighted the broadcaster’s role in “moments that bring people together, whatever their age, whatever their background”.

She said: “They get us talking as a nation ... They’re touchstones in our shared national culture. And they have become increasingly important – when society feels more and more divided, and we all spend so much time living separate lives online.”

“With so much choice and content available, more than ever we need things that can bind us together... that can break down the boundaries between us, celebrate our differences, and remind us of everything we have in common. I believe the BBC has a key role to play in this – with our unique reach and unique place in national life.”

Most box sets will be available on BBC iPlayer from 12 December.

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