Written by Joscelyn Ervin
Streaming has changed what we watch during the holidays over the years — here are some of the most rewatched holiday episodes of popular TV shows (and where to find them this year).
Everyone has a favorite movie or episode they rewatch every holiday season. Similar to Halloween in October, many people make sure to rewatch a whole list of movies or episodes before the season concludes. Movies like “Elf,” “The Grinch” (the Jim Carrey version, of course), and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” may be some of the most common, but holiday-themed TV episodes are frequent endeavors, especially for sitcoms — so much so, in fact, that you can find dedicated lists of all the holiday episodes from each popular show. For example, if you wanted to only watch Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes from Friends, you can easily find a list of all of them online. If you’re like me, however, you might enjoy mixing it up and watching the best ones from each of your favorite shows. Find some of the most universally popular holiday episodes below, along with where you can watch them this year. I added one of my favorite holiday episodes at the end for sci-fi fans as well.
Christmas Party
The Office - Netflix
Season 2, Episode 10
This Christmas episode shown in season 2 of The Office is a classic from the show. Since this one was filmed only in the second season, the comedy and characters still feel golden and new. During the Christmas party in the office, Michael decides to change the gift-giving plans at the last minute, which causes all kinds of hilarity and momentarily impedes the love story between Jim and Pam. This episode is one of my favorites, not only for how it shows Michael’s character, but also for the sweet moment at the end when Pam finally gets the teapot (Jim’s present for her). It’s hard to resist the chaotic, unplanned white elephant exchange and a love story between coworkers for the holidays.
The Strike
Seinfeld - Hulu
Season 9, Episode 10
Seinfeld’s Christmas episode for this list doesn’t follow in the same spirit as the rest, but if you’re into Seinfeld, then typical is not what you’re looking for.
Christmas Cheers
Cheers - Netflix
Season 6, Episode 12
Cheers is one of the most simple, warm TV shows that I’ve ever watched. This makes it perfect for the holiday season.
LAXmas
New Girl - Netflix
Season 4, Episode 11
If you’re a fan of New Girl, you know why I had to add this one to the list. While New Girl may not be as universally popular as others such as Seinfeld or Friends, it’s hard to resist experiencing Jessica Day’s cheer during the holidays.
Citizen Knope
Parks and Recreation - Netflix
Season 4, Episode 10
Parks and Recreation isn’t really one of the shows that I would deliberately pick out to watch a Christmas episode for, but it’s just overall too good to leave out.
The One with the Holiday Armadillo
Friends - HBO
Season 7, Episode 10
Like many of the shows on this list, Friends has quite a few Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes to pick from; but I like to think this is one of the most memorable.
A Christmas Carol
Doctor Who - Amazon Prime Video
Season 6, Christmas Special
Unlike the rest of the shows on this list, Doctor Who goes so hard on every Christmas episode that they make it movie-length, show it in theaters throughout December, and essentially make it a full-fledged event. Although Matt Smith is not necessarily my favorite Doctor, this is my favorite Doctor Who Christmas episode.