1. Doctor Who, “Christmas Invasion” written by Russell T Davies, directed by James Hawes, original airdate: December 25, 2005 on BBC
It’s hard to imagine a better way to introduce the Tenth Doctor. His monologue, after finally waking up from his coma, still remains one of my favorite scene with Ten. Also, it ends with one of these rare moments of peace and joy The Doctor can’t usually enjoy. He gets to spend this special time with his family, the only one he has. Bonus, we get to hear “Song for Ten” in a very lovely scene where the new Doctor changes his wardrobe and joins Tylers and Mickey for a Christmas celebration.
By Justyna Kubica
2. Doctor Who, “The Runaway Bride” written by Russell T Davies, directed by Euros Lyn, original airdate: December 25, 2006 on BBC
After heartbreaking season 2 finale, this was a very nice change and I immediately fell in love with the dynamic between The Doctor and Donna. In a very hard time for our hero, his sudden companion manages to bring out some light to help him move forward after his loss. Also, there is a lot of really funny dialogues and situations to look forward. Plus, another great song: “Love don’t roam” there, a beautiful tribute for Ten&Rose fans.
By Justyna Kubica
3. Supernatural, “A Very Supernatural Christmas” written by Jeremy Carver, directed by J. Miller Tobin, original airdate: December 13, 2007 on CW
Because it combines everything that makes the show great: Humor, scary monsters, and family. It was also written by Jeremy Carver who came on board this year as showrunner and who has revitalized the show.
By Lisa Macklem
4. The Office (UK TV Series), Christmas Specials, written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, original airdate: December 26-27, 2003 on BBC
These final episodes really left you feeling satisfied where the characters were going. They had all moved on in some way and you know Tim and Pam will be together. Plus, how can you forget Dave Brent's pop song.
By CJ Allan
5. Only Fools and Horses, “Heroes and Villains” written by John Sullivan and directed by Tony Dow, original airdate: December 25, 1996 on BBC
I grew up watching Only fools and horses and it was always a family event when we would sit and watch the Christmas specials. This episode was also something special knowing it was one of the final episodes. It has a scene that will always be remembered as one of the greatest scenes in BBC history, the main stars dressed as Batman and Robin.
By CJ Allan
6. Chuck, “Chuck Versus Santa Claus” written by Scott Rosenbaum and directed by Robert Duncan McNeill, original airdate: December 15, 2008 on NBC
It got all of the characters together in the Buy More. Characters that don't always get to interact. It also showed us how much the main characters truly cared for one another. The scenes that truly made me love Chuck. The moment you knew that both the main characters really did care for one another and it was something more. Chuck giving Sarah the bracelet and Sarah willing to kill for Chuck to protect him over the music of Silent night.
By CJ Allan
In what remains by far Chuck's greatest season, it was inevitable that, come Christmas, they would pay homage to Die Hard, and they did it in the best possible way. It wasn't completely disconnected from the on-going themes of the season, it showed how far Sarah was ready to go to protect Chuck (killing a disarmed Fulcrum agent (Michael Rooker!) in cold blood), and they even got Die Hard's own Al Powell to appear.
By Thomas Breton
7. The O.C. “The Chrismukk-huh?” written by J. J. Philbin & John Stephens and directed by Ian Toynton, original airdate: December 14, 2006 on FOX
Not only are The OC's Christmas specials some of the best ever, they're also some of the best ever Hanukkah specials! Who couldn't enjoy watching a holiday created by the ever-so-lovable Seth Cohen? Especially one that comprises "eight days of presents, followed by one day of many presents". 'The Chrismukk-huh?' is perhaps a controversial choice from the OC's excellent selection of Chrismukkah offerings but it's easily my favourite. The episode is a funny, heart-warming take on the much-remade A Christmas Carol story in which Ryan and Taylor (another plus point, my favourite character Taylor features heavily in this ep) fall while putting up Christmas decorations and experience an alternate universe where they don't exist. It's a really brave, genre-bending story but most importantly it's bursting with Christmas spirit and that is what puts it at the top of my festive re-watch list!
By Genevieve Taylor
8. Doctor Who, “The Next Doctor” written by Russell T Davies and directed by Andy Goddard, original airdate: December 2005, 2008 on BBC
It may not be the most popular episode but my favourite Christmas episode of Doctor Who is The Next Doctor. It was the first special I saw close to Christmas (it still wasn't synced in the US yet) and getting to spend the episode with the Davids, Tennant and Morrissey, was a fantastic way to spend it. Typically I'm not a fan of holiday episodes but Doctor Who is the one show that I actually look forward to them.
By Robin Smyth
9. The O.C. “The Best Chrismukkah Ever” written by Stephanie Savage and directed by Sanford Bookstaver, original airdate: December 3, 2003 on FOX I'd have to say the OC chrismas episode in the first season, just hearing Seth say “chrismukkah” is enough to put a smile on my face.
By Jamie Coudeville
10. Buffy The Vampire Slayer, “Amends” written and directed by Joss Whedon, original airdate: December 15, 1998 on The WB
When Joss Whedon is credited as director, you know the episode is going to be special, and Amends sure was. For me, remembering the content of Christmas episodes is very hard as I have the memory of a pigeon, but I still remember The First Evil haunting Angel in the form of the poor Jenny Calendar, and these final moments when Angel wants to kill himself by waiting for the sunrise (yeah, back then vampires couldn't walk in daylight because it's easier) but he can't because of the snow starting to fall, causing for the sun to remain hidden on Christmas day, and giving this ending where Angel and Buffy walk in the middle of the snowy road. Anyone who thinks Buffy is just another teen show, please do yourself a favor, ask Santa for the DVD box set, press 'play' and be patient (=don't be too harsh on the short first season). You're welcome.
By Thomas Breton
11. Community, “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” written by Dino Stamatopoulos & Dan Harmon and directed by Duke Johnson, original airdate: December 9, 2012 on NBC
Another proof that this comedy is creatively incomparable, these 22 minutes of claymation goodness remained true to the characters, delved into pretty serious territory (exploring Abed's psyche is never only filled with laughter) while remaining funny in its own smart, self-aware way. And there's even some singing, which was only a premise of the Glee-filled episode of the next season which I could have easily mentioned as well Only Community could pull it off.
By Thomas Breton
12. Arrested Development, “Afternoon Delight” written by Abraham Higginbotham & Chuck Martin and directed by Jason Bateman, original airdate: December 19, 2004 on FOX
It may not be the most Christmasy episode you can find, but it was just so funny that I couldn't leave it out. Michael dirty dancing with Maeby over an apparently innocent song, Bender playing with a crane and Gob's remarks about the high price of his suits is just comedy at its best.
By Thomas Breton
13. Seinfeld, “The Strike” written by Alec Berg & Jeff Schaffer & Dan O’Keefe and directed by Andy Ackerman, original airdate: December 18, 1997 on NBC
A Festivus for the rest of us!
By Thomas Breton
And do you have YOUR favorite Christmas episode? Share with us in the comments. And from everyone here:
Enjoy watching and Merry Christmas!
The X-Files S06E06: How the Ghosts Stole Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post Justyna
ReplyDeleteLove love love A Very Supernatural Christmas, one of my favourite episodes of SPN ever. This is SPN at is best, combining the brothers storyline with a simple Monster of the week plot that and having it work.
ReplyDeleteI agree with quite a few on your list. (For me that's a really good record. Usually, my preferences are radically different from posters.) I share your opinion (I can't begin to put these in order though) on your #8, #10, #6 and #3. My other favorite Doctor Who Christmas ep is "The Doctor, The Widow, and the Wardrobe" I ditto Michael Harper with regard to the X-Files ep. I'd add Eureka's Christmas episodes (both of them but the animated one before the other.) Bone's first one "The Man in the Fallout Shelter" Those are all that pop to mind without prompting...which I suspect will happen as I read other responses. :-)
ReplyDeleteMine was mentioned. It was A Very Christmas. I agree with you. It had it all. I also agree that Carver has revitalized the show. I love it. As usual, I have to listen to all the moaners and groaners who think they should run the show. That's all right. It's great and I love it. I love your list. Especially the Dr. Who's. My daughter adores the show. Thank you for taking the time.
ReplyDelete..Agree about SUPERNATURAL and the position on the list
ReplyDeleteGreat, but the order is completely accidental;)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteI really like Eureka's and Bones' Christmas episodes too:)
Thanks for the kind comment;)
ReplyDeleteWhy cant every list just be Supernatural? It`s the way this site is going. -_-
ReplyDeleteAwesome list!
ReplyDelete@SteffenLinusJensenSto:disqus What do you mean?
ReplyDeleteAs a big 'Who' fan I've never cared for the Christmas specials. They just pile the cheese on way beyond the normal, lovable levels.
ReplyDeleteSupernatural is only 1 of 10 TV shows listed here and it is only listed once compared to Doctor Who and The OC. In fact, Supernatural is not near as popular on this site as it was say 2 years ago. Then your sentiment would have been valid because it did seem like Supernatural dominated a lot of the general conversation. These days that show would be Castle, which dominates all general post conversation these days. It's the cyclical nature of TV websites.
ReplyDeleteIf your concern is how many articles have been posted about Supernatural this week, you can blame me. Over the hiatus we try to have a daily SPN poll just to pass the time. Currently we are choosing our favorite song that has played on Supernatural. If you prefer Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas or Back in Black by AC/DC, feel free to vote. You don't have to have watched a single minute of Supernatural to participate in this contest. Hiatus Supernatural polls are a tradition and I don't think it hurts for a show to have a place for people to talk. If you have poll ideas in general or for your favorite shows, please submit them in the User Submitted Polls threads. I know Andy is looking for more submissions.
However if you have not watched Supernatural, I do encourage you to take 42 minutes and watch A Very Supernatural Christmas. It is the episode I recommend to anyone who just wants to see what SPN is about because it has a little bit of everything that makes up Supernatural rolled up into one standalone episode. There is the famous brother bond and focus on family that makes up the core of the show. There is an abundance of snark which makes even heavier themes more palatable. There is a a tie to real myths and legends: Anti-Claus anyone? There is also gore. For most people, this episode, while not being the best episode at all, does a great job of summing up all of SPN's parts for the newbie who wants to see if the show is for him without needing to know the mythology behind it.
Supernatural is not a flawless show. I can't think of any show that is. It has its ups and downs. For instance I, unlike Lisa and Jensenfan, do not think Jeremy Carver has revitalized the show. This season so far has been the worst since the end of season four and I say this as someone who was a strong SPN cheerleader last year. However Supernatural has always been able to take its bumpy spots and turn it around into something well worth watching. I hope you will give SPN a try if you have not done so. If you have already tried it and did not like it, then to each their own. We all enjoy different things.
Thanks for the post Justyna !
ReplyDeleteThis Thomas Breton fella really has good taste, he must be an awesome guy (:D).
Did I write Bender instead of Buster?! Damn, I must have been tired ! Although to be fair, I was talking about cranes, and they both are machines, in a way.
Nice to see I'm not the only one loving the Chuck Christmas episode.
I will watch Doctor Who in 2013, that's for sure.
The Youtube links that I included don't seem to be working, here they are :
Community (Abed's Uncontrolable Christmas) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irx7cIWhEr8
Arrested Development (Gob's suits) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siRWRFWLtCs
Seinfeld's Festivus : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS7-jcsB_WQ
You're most welcome! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I love this episode of Chuck too! It's actually one of my favorite of the entire series;)
As for Doctor Who - Enjoy watching. Definitely worth it!
A Very Supernatural Christmas!! One of my favorite episodes <3 Little Winchesters were so cute ^_^ And Sam gave Dean the Christmas he wanted!!! (even if he bitched about it in the first place)
ReplyDeleteSome of the Supernatural-fans go crazy on this site. They start moaning if SPN is not mentioned in a list. Some of them sent me threats on mail because i talked bad about Supernatural. And again we see them downvoting my comments. Im just about to give up on wiritng things on this site, because so it`s something not written by Bunky Bunk or someone, it`s just supernatural everywhere.
ReplyDeleteNo Christmas episode aired in my lifetime has had a greater impact than Seinfeld's Festivus miracle, 'The Strike'.
ReplyDeleteThat made up holiday alternative has grown and I have actually seen aluminum poles.... erm I mean Festivus poles around at people's houses or offices! XD
Thankfully I was not there for the 'Airing of Grievances" or the "Feats of strength"!!! XD
The Castle fans do that too though.
ReplyDelete*nods* on the SPN and Community episodes.
ReplyDeleteWe have over 70,000 posts on this site, only 2,000 are for supernatural. So I don't know a) where you're getting your stats from b) what this has to do with this article and c) why does it matter. Just ignore posts about shows that you are not interested in.
ReplyDeleteFriends had some good ones but for some reason, the only one that comes to mind is Ross as the Holiday Armadillo to teach Ben about Hanukkah. Monica's candy on another Christmas episode was also entertaining.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do miss Michael, this year's Christmas episode of the US The Office was classic. Jim acting like a kid in a candy store when Dwight did the Pennsylvania-Dutch/Belsnickel Christmas party was priceless.
NCIS has also had some good ones. I do like how they usually focus on the spirit of Christmas and family time. And Abby going overboard with Christmas spirit every year makes me smile.
For me it's definitely Chuck's Christmas episode. I really, really loved it:)
ReplyDeleteCount me in as one who thinks this season of SPN is the best since season 5, again not counting Bitten in this comment. ;) I love Feral Dean and the flashbacks, even Sam's. I am enjoying trying to figure out what is going on with Sam..something has to be. This season is totally different and hey Cas is back and Benny is cool. I am into my SPN marathon and starting S7, and enjoying all the polls, may even think about the order for the 100 or so middle eps. lol But then maybe NOT.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely rank ALL the episodes. I don't want to be lonely on those articles.
ReplyDeleteMy fav would be the OC's Chrismukk-huh episode in season 4. The Marisa thing was done beautifully, i cried a LOT!.
ReplyDeleteYes, I also like Friends and NCIS episodes a lot;)
ReplyDelete