Today's top TV tips include Callan Kicks the Year, a very special episode of Lee Mack’s sitcom Not Going Out, and Conor McPherson’s Olivier-nominated adaptation of Uncle Vanya . . .
Callan Kicks the Year, 9.25pm, RTÉ One
Tonight it’s RTÉ ’s turn to take a comedic look back on a year that has been unlike no other in living memory.
In a follow-on from his RTÉ Radio 1 retrospective on the year, here Oliver Callan looks back on the turbulent 12 months of 2020, from pandemics and lockdowns, to American elections and the cancellation of sports.
Callan’s always good for a laugh, even in this utterly miserable effort of a year. It was one where much came in twos: two lockdowns, two elections and two Taoisigh.
But there's only one co-Teesh.
Not Going Out, 9.00pm, BBC One
Lee Mack’s enduring sitcom (starring himself and Sally Bretton, above) embraces the pandemic with this special episode, filmed in a single scene with everyone involved seated in a circle for the duration.
As for the story, well it’s all around Lee and Lucy's New Year's Eve celebrations not going according to plan, as everyone involved feels compelled to point out exactly which New Year's resolution friends and family need to make.
On a very sad note, this special marks the final TV for the late Bobby Ball, who was never less than brilliant when playing Lee’s rather feckless father.
The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne, 10.00pm, BBC Two
For more than five decades, Ozzy Osbourne has pretty much personified rock 'n' roll rebellion. And survival.
Like a cat, he has had many lives, always landing on his feet and propelling himself towards greater success - and almost dying several times along the way.
This documentary - aptly produced by A&E Network - follows Ozzy’s journey from a poor childhood and time spent in prison, to fronting Black Sabbath and a successful solo career, to becoming rock’s elder statesman and a lovable 21st-century TV dad.
As Ozzy turns 70, he reflects on his extraordinary life, revealing intimate details of his successes, failures and unique ability for survival and reinvention.
Uncle Vanya, 10.00pm, BBC Four
Here's an absolute treat.
Conor McPherson’s Olivier-nominated adaptation of Anton Chekov’s play gets a welcome broadcast in the wake of its disrupted run in London’s West End.
Sonya and her Uncle Vanya throw their lives into maintaining the crumbling family estate, only visited occasionally by the radical and inspiring local doctor Astrov.
But when Sonya's father, Professor Serebryakov, suddenly returns with his restless, alluring, new wife Yelena, long-hidden truths start to emerge.
As the fractured family are forced to confront their longing, loneliness and each other, can the beauty of life help them find new hope?
Pandemonium, 9.45pm, BBC One
Katherine Parkinson and Alison Steadman star in this one-off video diary comedy, in which a boy documents his family's attempt to make the best of a disastrous year by taking a holiday to Margate in the middle of December.
Also worth considering tonight: Tom Allen Goes to Town (9.00pm, Channel 4), where the Bake Off star celebrates Wakefield in West Yorkshire, and The Cube Celebrity Special (9.00pm, Virgin Media One), as McFly’s Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter face mother-and-daughter entertainers Emily Atack and Kate Robbins for charity.
