Misery and whine: 9 of the saddest and un-Christmassy Christmas specials ever made
Think this is a time for goodwill to all men? Not in these bleak-as-they-come festive TV episodes
8. ALF, Christmas special (1987)
Usually a lighthearted sitcom, ALF turned very very bleak for its extended Christmas special in 1987. In fact, it’s arguably the most miserable festive episode of anything ever. The main plot centres around a terminally ill eight-year-old girl having her last Christmas, as well as a character called Mr Foley whose wife has just passed away who then tries to take his own life by jumping from a bridge before being stopped at the last minute by ALF. Jeez. Perhaps saddest of all is that there is a really inappropriate laughter track on the whole episode. One word: baffling.
Authors
Comments, questions and tips
Overall rating
Download RT App today!
summer
Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events