There’s something about the sitcom format that’s just perfect for comedy — and for a quick dose of Christmas spirit. Holiday specials are a longstanding tradition in TV; here are some of my favorite sitcom episodes that continue the tradition beautifully.
1. The Office, "Christmas Party" (Season 2, Episode 10)
Secret Santa goes horribly wrong when Michael, dissatisfied with Phyllis's handmade gift to him, changes the game to Yankee Swap. Everyone competes for the $400 iPod that Michael originally bought for Ryan while Jim agonizes over the fate of the highly sentimental gift he brought for Pam. This episode features a poster of babies playing jazz, an obscene amount of alcohol, and flashing. Fun times and Christmas spirit for all!
2. Arrested Development, "Afternoon Delight" (Season 2, Episode 6)
Gob gets roasted at the Bluth Company Christmas party and fires the entire staff, Buster gets addicted to a crane game, Lindsay fails to catch a man, and Michael sings a grossly inappropriate song with Maeby to get back at George Michael. Hallmarks of this episode are several-thousand-dollar suits, pot brownies, and a remarkable amount of innuendo. What more can you ask for?
3. 30 Rock, "Ludachristmas" (Season 2, Episode 9)
Jack gets jealous when Liz's outrageously supportive and optimistic family visits for Christmas, the cast and writers of TGS prepare to throw their annual Ludachristmas Party, and Kenneth tries to teach the staff about the true meaning of Christmas.
4. Parks and Recreation, "Citizen Knope" (Season 4, Episode 10)
Leslie forms a citizen action group to stay busy while on suspension and continues to slay at gift-giving. Seriously. Ron sheds tears, which are probably more magical than unicorn tears. In response, the office tries to make the perfect gift for Leslie.
5. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, "A Very Sunny Christmas" (Season 6, Episode 13)
In this double-length episode, Mac and Charlie are faced with some horrifying realizations, Frank tortures Dee and Dennis with their dream gifts, and Frank's old business partner returns with some good old loving kindness. Important scenes: Frank crawls out of a couch, naked, at a crowded holiday party and Charlie beats up a mall Santa.
6. Scrubs, "My Own Personal Jesus" (Season 1, Episode 11)
J.D. witnesses a Christmas miracle, Elliot attempts to help a pregnant girl at the free clinic, and Dr. Cox needs someone to film the birth of a friend's baby. This episode sees J.D. being a human disaster, getting called Marjorie, and ruining the Janitor's Christmas. The Janitor manages to keep his spirits up regardless.
7. Bob's Burgers, "Christmas in the Car" (Season 4, Episode 8)
It may be animated, but it's still a sitcom. Bob, Linda, and the kids head out on Christmas Eve to get a new Christmas tree and are terrorized by a candy cane-shaped truck. Along the way, Dutch babies are eaten, Teddy is caught in a trap set for Santa, and the kids find out where babies come from. Gene knew it.
Happy watching and Merry Christmas!
