Who doesn’t love a Christmas-themed TV episode? Holiday programming on the networks and streamers continues to increase every year. I mean, the Hallmark Channel dedicates months to Christmas movies and TV shows. For this article, we’re sticking to television as the preferred medium of choice.
The Christmas episode has been a staple for dramas and sitcoms, especially ones that air on major broadcast networks. A few of those shows, including “The Simpsons” and “The Office,” made our list of Christmas episodes to watch this season. Keep reading to see what else made the cut.
‘Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire’ (‘The Simpsons’ season 1, episode 1)
With 37 seasons and 800-plus episodes, “The Simpsons” has had quite a few Christmas specials. Many might forget that the series premiere, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” was a Christmas special. While the Simpson family appeared in shorts on “The Tracey Ullman Show,” this Christmas episode served as the mainstream introduction for Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie.
In the episode, Marge is forced to use the family’s savings to remove Bart’s tattoo. Without a Christmas bonus, Homer gets a second job as a mall Santa. “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” is not the funniest nor the best episode of the sitcom. However, it’s a combination of humor and heart that creates the blueprint for America’s longest-running sitcom.
Watch on Disney+
‘Fishes’ (‘The Bear’ season 2, episode 6)
If you ever thought your family’s drama at the holidays was bad, watch the Berzattos in “Fishes.” Their problems will make your family’s issues look like child’s play. During the excellent second season of “The Bear,” creator Christopher Storer crafted a holiday flashback episode from hell.
It’s Christmas time, and Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) returns from Europe to celebrate with his friends and family. Everyone gathers at Donna’s (Jamie Lee Curtis) house for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. What could go wrong in a house full of stubborn and opinionated Berzattos? The episode features a who’s who of Hollywood cameos in this anxiety-inducing dinner that erupts in chaos.
Watch on Hulu
‘The Strike’ (‘Seinfeld’ season 9, episode 10)
A Festivus for the rest of us! In 1997, “Seinfeld” introduced the world to Festivus, a holiday to alleviate the unwanted pressures of Christmas. After Frank Costanza (Jerry Stiller) got into a fight with another holiday shopper, he created Festivus as a way to rebel against the commercialization of Christmas.
Festivus traditions include the aluminum pole, a dinner, the airing of grievances and the feats of strength. Festivus is now considered a non-secular holiday celebrated on December 23, so make sure you’re ready this year!
Watch on Netflix
‘White Christmas’ (‘Black Mirror’ season 2, episode 4)
Who said that Christmas had to be merry? If “Black Mirror” taught us anything, it’s that humanity has a sick and twisted sense of humor. “White Christmas” is as bleak an ending as any in the show’s seven-season run.
For five years, Joe Potter (Rafe Spall) and Matt Trent (Jon Hamm) have lived in a secluded cabin. On Christmas Day, the duo finally speaks, electing to share tales from their past lives about what led to their isolation. From cloning and artificial intelligence to blocking and misery, “White Christmas” is not for the faint of heart. It definitely won't spread any Christmas cheer either.
Watch on Netflix
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang learning about the true meaning of Christmas still brings a smile to millions of Americans every year. In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie strives to help his friends realize that material possessions, like having the biggest Christmas tree, are not the sole purpose of the holiday.
In our jaded society, the messages of hope and love in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” can feel like pipe dreams. By the end of the episode, the Peanuts are singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and those pessimistic thoughts are replaced with hopeful affirmations. At an early screening of the special, Ed Levitt, one of the animators, reportedly said, “‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ will run for a hundred years.” Some six decades later, Levitt’s prediction is over halfway there.
Watch on Apple TV
‘A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special’
On "Saturday Night Live," I'll take the holiday sketches over the political reenactments, and it's not even close. For every successful political homage, there are three holiday-themed sketches with more iconic moments and bigger laughs. Some highlights include Schweddy Balls, Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood Christmas, Drunk Uncle, Bring It on Down to Wrappinville, and Glengarry Glen Christmas.
For those with an affinity for music, "D*** in a Box" and "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" could be the comedic additions to your holiday playlists. And to those who celebrate Hanukkah, Adam Sandler has an endearing tune to honor those eight crazy nights.
Watch on Peacock
‘Christmas Party’ (‘The Office’ season 2, episode 10)
“Christmas Party” is an ideal episode of “The Office.” The episode allows every character to have a moment in the spotlight to either nail a signature gag or showcase their humor (or lack thereof). Michael (Steve Carell) obviously takes things too far when he gifts Ryan (B.J. Novak) an iPod in what was supposed to be a $20 game of Secret Santa.
Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) continue their “will they-won’t they” courtship thanks to a heartfelt teapot. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) does Dwight things, Angela (Angela Kinsey) gets no love, and Meredith (Kate Flannery) drinks too much. In other words, it’s just another normal day at Dunder Mifflin.
Watch on Peacock
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