10 Best Christmas TV Episodes Ever
Liz Lemon and Michael Scott are here just in time to give you another excuse (as if you need it) to bingewatch TV in your pajamas this holiday season. Here are ten essential episodes from your fave TV series that you need to watch before Dec. 25. You're welcome.
'The O.C.', "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" (2003)
Back in 2003, primetime soap opera crush du jour Seth Cohen introduced us to a glorious hybrid holiday that caters to those who come from two religious backgrounds. Cue the Death Cab for Cutie and get to celebrating Chrismukkah, "O.C." lovers.
'30 Rock,' "Ludachristmas" (2007)
Here's one where you get to watch near-perfect performances by Elaine Stritch (playing Jack's mom, Coleen) and Andy Richter as Liz's brother, who thinks it's still 1985 due to "Trauma-Induced Nivea Aphasia."
'Family Ties,' "A Keaton Christmas Carol" (1983)
When Alex goes all Scrooge and acts like a total holiday cynic, he's visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Future and Past (Mallory and Jennifer) to get him into the spirit of the season. Gotta love those adorable Keatons.
'Saturday Night Live,' Justin Timberlake (2006)
"SNL" usually does their pre-Christmas show right and this 2006 JT episode was certainly no exception. You'll always remember the first time you laid eyes on The Lonely Island phenomenon that is "D**k in a Box."
'The Office,' "A Benihana Christmas" (2006)
Nobody does lovelorn depressive funnier than Michael Scott, and he's in fine form after Carol dumps him before a trip to Jamaica. He heads to Benihana and picks up waitresses with Andy, and then they return to dueling office Christmas parties for some superbly awkward holiday hilarity.
'My So-Called Life,' "So-Called Angels" (1995)
WATCH NOW
'The West Wing,' "In Excelsis Deo" (1999)
Toby arranges a funeral for a homeless Korean War vet, C.J. works on legislation following the aftermath of a deadly hate crime, and Josh tries to help Leo's drug scandal. With so many engaging storylines going on, it's hard not to tear up thinking about this deeply moving, Emmy-nominated ep. WATCH NOW
'The Simpsons,' "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire" (1989)
When Homer is strapped for cash, he and Bart head down to the track. They return not with bags of money, but with an abandoned greyhound pup, Santa's Little Helper. Also known as "The Simpsons Christmas Special," this holiday-themed episode was actually the series premiere. WATCH NOW
'Mad Men,' "Christmas Comes but Once a Year" (2012)
Sure, there's office party dancing and Roger dressed up as Santa Claus, but if we're at all familiar with this show's tone, there's got to be some darkness amidst the festive cheer. Here, we get newly-divorced and professional sad sack Don all alone -- without his kids -- for the holidays. And, of course, he is making questionable decisions. Because Draper. A very "Mad Men" Christmas, indeed. WATCH NOW
'My So-Called Life,' "So-Called Angels" (1995)
This is the one where Juliana Hatfield -- singer-songwriter extraordinaire ("Spin the Bottle" isn't talked about enough these days) -- plays a homeless teen. She also happens to be an angel -- a concept that clearly strays from the wonderfully-executed realist elements of the series -- but just go with it. The '90s were an interesting time.
'Seinfeld,' "The Strike" (1997)
This classic episode involved Kramer's job at H&H bagels and George's fake charity "The Human Fund," but we'll always remember it as the one that introduced us to the fabled, non-commercial Costanza holiday of Festivus. ("For the rest of us!")
