The holidays are here, so what better time to plop down on the couch with some hot chocolate to binge on your favorite holiday movies?
However, there may be another way to use your TV to get into the spirit of the season–holiday-themed television shows. Especially during this chaotic time of year, it may be hard for some to find the time to watch a whole movie. But watching an episode of a TV show typically takes under an hour while still providing the uplifting feeling that classic holiday movies can bring.
So without further ado, here are my top 10.
Grey’s Anatomy showcases drama unlike any show I have seen before. From arguing for surgeries to love confessions, the plot of this show cannot be matched. That said, this holiday episode lacks festive spirit. Christmas trees are seen throughout the episode, alongside the characters bringing up the holidays at various points. However, this episode would still not be something I reach for when getting into the holiday spirit. It feels like every other episode of Grey’s Anatomy–ultimately resulting in 10th place.
Up next is New Girl. This show takes place with four roommates–one girl and three boys– who navigate the struggles of young adulthood. This episode has some laugh-out-loud moments with the roommates going out to a holiday office party. The holidays are brought up a bit more often, including some lit-up houses with decorations that allow the episode to feel more festive. However, besides the funny moments, this episode again lacks the holiday spirit.
Abbott Elementary is one of the newer shows on the list. The show takes place in an elementary school in Philadelphia, following the daily lives that teachers go through with students. I had high expectations going into the episode, knowing how loved the show is by many. However, this specific episode was a letdown in terms of festive spirit. This episode did not revolve around the school day but rather what the teachers do after school to celebrate the holidays. I was hoping for some see holiday spirit from the students rather than just the teachers. The episode gets some bonus points, though, because Pittsburgh is mentioned!
Gilmore Girls takes place in Stars Hollow, following a young mother and teen daughter in this comedy-drama series. This show feels perfectly serene for the holidays. From the main characters building snowmen to going on sleigh rides, this episode is great for family laughter. The only downside is that it is not set around the holidays. It is a great episode for winter atmosphere, but holiday-wise there are shows that better encapsulate the feeling the holidays bring in the list.
Good Luck Charlie is a show practically every child watched in the 2010s. The show follows the Duncan family after having another child, Charlie. The iconic Duncan house that children adore is decorated beautifully for Christmas. Watching this brings a wave of nostalgia for my childhood. The episode features Charlie meeting Santa, the family figuring out Christmas gifts, and a family talent show at the end. The episode is great to watch with family, especially if you have family members that are younger.
This is the first, and only, reality tv show on this list. Hosted by comedian Mikey Day from SNL, this competition show features bakers who are competing to make the most delicious cake, while also fooling the judges by making fake cakes. This Christmas Edition features three episodes instead of one, but if you have time to fit in these three episodes, I would recommend!
Modern Family follows a family from three different perspectives, which inevitably leads to the perfect amount of family chaos. This specific episode is set in a mountain cabin, where the whole family goes for serene wintery respite. However, this modern family never seems to have a simple holiday when brought together– especially when the weather turns unseasonably warm. Be sure to watch this episode with family.
A Christmas party takes place at the office of Dunder Mifflin, where Secret Santa goes horribly wrong. This hilarious episode of The Office contains funny group moments with the whole cast together. You get to watch the character dynamics of the full cast interacting together, which really make this episode special. If you are in need of some holiday cheer, this episode is for you.
Friends is a show that has multiple generations able to sit together on the couch, laugh, and sing the theme song. This iconic episode of Friends offers exactly that. While the six main characters have their own storylines, highlighted in this episode is Ross, who is trying to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah. This episode is filled with festive spirit–including an armadillo surprise! Great to watch with family and friends.
In first place comes an episode that surprised me. I had never given Full House too much of my attention, simply because I was interested in others. However, this episode came as a pleasant surprise. In this episode of Full House, the family flies to Colorado but gets stuck at the airport due to snowy conditions. This causes six-year-old Stephanie to be worried about whether Santa will be able to find her. I give this episode first place due to the fact that, in the span of only 25 minutes, it encapsulates how a good holiday movie can help us to find the holiday spirit through hard times with family and friends.
