Bad Tidings is a 2024 Sky Original Christmas comedy film starring Lee Mack (Not Going Out) and Chris McCausland (the comedian who recently won Strictly Come Dancing). It's a British holiday movie that follows a man who accidentally gets caught up in a criminal plot while trying to have a quiet Christmas with his family.
The film is rated 12 in the UK (which roughly translates to PG-13 in the US), runs about 90 minutes, and is streaming exclusively on Sky Cinema and NOW TV in the UK. If you're in the US, you'll need a VPN or wait to see if it gets picked up by another streaming service.
Here's the premise: Lee Mack plays a regular guy whose Christmas plans go sideways when he witnesses something he shouldn't have. Chris McCausland plays his best friend, and together they navigate a series of increasingly ridiculous situations involving criminals, mistaken identities, and holiday chaos. Think Home Alone meets a British crime caper, with more swearing and less child torture of burglars.
Lee Mack is a household name in the UK, especially among families who watch his long-running sitcom Not Going Out. Chris McCausland has become a national treasure after his Strictly win, and his visibility as a blind comedian has made him incredibly popular with kids and adults alike.
So naturally, when these two team up for a Christmas movie, families want to watch it together. The marketing makes it look like a fun, festive romp—and it mostly is—but that 12 rating is there for a reason, and it's worth understanding what you're getting into before you hit play with younger kids.
Language and Humor
This is a British comedy, which means the humor is dry, sometimes dark, and includes moderate language throughout. You'll hear "bloody," "hell," "damn," and a handful of stronger words (including at least one F-bomb, though it's not constant). The tone is more "parents watching after kids go to bed" than "family movie night with the 7-year-old."
The comedy style is very much in the Lee Mack wheelhouse—quick-witted, sarcastic, and self-deprecating. If your kids love British panel shows or have watched Not Going Out, they'll recognize the vibe. But if they're used to Disney+ Christmas movies, this will feel quite different.
Violence and Peril
There's comic violence and threat throughout. Characters are chased, threatened with weapons, and put in genuinely tense situations—though it's all played for laughs. Nobody gets graphically hurt, but there are moments that might be too intense for younger or more sensitive viewers. Think less "slapstick" and more "action comedy with real stakes."
Themes and Content
The plot involves criminals, deception, and people making questionable choices under pressure. There's drinking (it's Christmas in Britain, so pubs feature prominently), and some of the humor touches on adult themes like marital tension and financial stress. Nothing explicit, but it's definitely aimed at a teen and adult audience.
Representation
Worth noting: Chris McCausland's character isn't defined by his blindness, which is refreshing. His disability is acknowledged but not the punchline, and he's just as capable and funny as everyone else in the film. If you have kids who are curious about disability representation in media, this is actually a decent example of "just casting a disabled actor in a regular role."
Ages 12+: This is the sweet spot. Tweens and teens who enjoy British humor, can handle moderate language, and aren't fazed by comic violence will probably love it. It's a good option for families with older kids who are tired of saccharine Christmas movies but still want something festive.
Ages 8-11: Probably too much language and a bit too intense. Some mature 10-11 year olds might be fine, especially if they're already familiar with Lee Mack's comedy style, but you know your kid best. If they're still watching The Christmas Chronicles, this isn't the next step.
Ages 7 and under: Hard pass. The humor will go over their heads, the peril might be scary, and the language is more than most parents want their younger kids hearing.
Bad Tidings is a solid, funny British Christmas comedy that's perfect for families with teenagers or for parents who want something more adult after the kids go to bed. It's not trying to be a wholesome family film—it's trying to be an entertaining, slightly edgy holiday caper, and it succeeds.
If you're looking for a genuine family-friendly Christmas movie, check out Jingle Jangle, Klaus, or The Muppet Christmas Carol instead. But if your kids are old enough for PG-13 content and you want something with actual laughs (and you can access UK streaming services), Bad Tidings is worth your time.
Just maybe preview it yourself first if you're on the fence—that 12 rating isn't there for decoration.
Not sure if your kids are ready for PG-13 content? Learn more about how movie ratings actually work
and what different families consider when making viewing decisions.
Looking for more British comedies that are actually kid-friendly? Check out Paddington, Shaun the Sheep, or Wallace & Gromit—all genuinely funny for both kids and adults, with none of the language concerns.
Want to explore more holiday viewing options for your family? Get personalized Christmas movie recommendations based on your kids' ages and what you're in the mood for.