Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is coming to the rescue of frazzled home cooks this festive season with a special television event designed to demystify Christmas lunch. His show, Jamie's Night Before Christmas, airs at 8.30pm on Friday, December 18, on SBS Food.
Simplifying the Festive Feast
Oliver claims the special was inspired by public pleas for help with the daunting task of preparing the traditional holiday meal. The program promises straightforward solutions, including a crucial focus on timing to ensure everything hits the table perfectly. His approach involves preparing sides and vegetables while the main roast is in the oven, a strategy aimed at reducing last-minute chaos. While most tips are welcomed, one suggested addition—raisins in the stuffing—might leave some Australian viewers sceptical.
Riding the Wave of Change
Shifting from the kitchen to the coast, the ABC presents a powerful documentary on Monday titled Girls Can't Surf. This film delves into the entrenched sexism female professional surfers battled during the 1980s and 1990s. It charts their journey from being marginalised to achieving a landmark victory: surfing became the first sport to guarantee equal prize money for men and women in competitions.
Featuring interviews with pioneers like Jodie Cooper, Frieda Zamba, and Wendy Botha, the documentary reveals how commercial interests eventually drove change. A pivotal moment came when surf brands noticed smaller boardshorts selling rapidly, realising a new market of young female surfers had emerged. The film airs at 9.20pm on Monday on the ABC.
Re-examining a 90s Icon
Also on Monday, SBS Viceland turns the spotlight on a late television icon with I Am Luke Perry at 8.30pm. Directed by his former Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Jason Priestley, the documentary explores the life and career of the actor, who passed away in 2019. While Perry's most famous role was as Dylan McKay, his post-90210 career included parts in Oz and Riverdale.
The film portrays him as a genuinely kind person deeply valued by his peers. It grapples with the question of his enduring public appeal, suggesting it may be rooted in the nostalgia of a generation that grew up with him as a defining star of their youth.
From practical cooking advice to insightful cultural retrospectives, Australian free-to-air television offers a diverse slate of programming this December, catering to food lovers, sports enthusiasts, and pop culture fans alike.
