MASTERCHEF SINGAPORE (10PLAY)

This is a charming version of the MasterChef franchise. The three judges – Audra Morrice, Damian d’Silva, and Bjorn Shen are knowledgeable without the theatrics (take note Aussie judges) and there is a genuine excitement amongst the contestants. Plus the range of food is way different to what we see on the local version. The first two seasons are streaming on 10Play.

LUCILLE BALL: WE LOVE LUCY (SBS ON DEMAND)

Nicole Kidman’s Being the Ricardos is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and this documentary is the perfect companion piece – better in many ways because it delves deeper into Lucille Ball’s comedy, career and fractured relationship with bandleader Desi Arnaz.

EMILY IN PARIS (NETFLIX)

Consider this frothy comedy-drama a guilty pleasure. Savaged by the critics for no good reason it follows Chicago marketing executive Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) as she relocates to Paris. From Darren Starr, the creator of Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, and Sex and the City. Season 2 has just dropped on Netflix. Revel in the Paris scenery.

BUMP (STAN)

The second season of this outstanding Aussie drama, co-created by Claudia Karvan, drops Sunday on Stan. Nathalie Morris is outstanding as ambitious teenage student Oly whose plans are derailed by an unexpected pregnancy. Full of heart and joy – perfect for Christmas.

ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO: CELEBRATING 70 YEARS (ABC IVIEW)

One of my bucket list items is to see the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. What a backdrop! And it stirs the blood to hear the massed pipes and drums. This documentary was produced when this year’s Tattoo had to be cancelled to to the Covid pandemic and it is fantastic.

DON’T LOOK UP (NETFLIX)

I’m not sure that a biting satire about an asteroid hurtling towards earth is cheery Christmas viewing – but what a cast! Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill. From Adam McKay who did The Big Short and Vice.

SELLING TAMPA (NETFLIX)

I always try to put a real estate or renovation show on my list and this is an interesting one. It centres on the women of an all-female Black-owned Allure Realty in Tampa Florida. A spin-off from Selling Sunset, it is brash and flashy.

SUMMER OF SOUL (AMAZON PRIME)

2021 has been a year of terrific music documentaries – including The Beatles: Get Back and Zappa – and this is one of the best. The Harlem Culture Festival was overshadowed by Woodstock but had a line-up including Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, and Gladys Knight & The Pips. The Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has dug into the footage for this remarkable time capsule of soul power.