It’s the jolly season! Yep, Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than to watch your favourite Christmas-themed stuff! Personally, I feel Christmas movies are ALWAYS talked about online, and not nearly enough is mentioned about Christmas episodes from our favourite shows. With that being said, here are my top three Christmas episodes from shows I adore.
Is that a mistletoe or a T.O.W. Missile?
Xmas Story in Season Two of Futurama marks the first Christmas-themed episode of the beloved series. In this episode, Fry learns how different Christmas has become in the year 3000 compared to his time 1000 years ago. This episode has some truly funny and interesting concepts and moments.
With the holiday now being called ‘Xmas’ instead of the traditional ‘Christmas’, Bender faked poverty to get free meals, and of course…EVIL ROBOT SANTA. The introduction and concept of Robot Santa is a brilliant play on traditional Santa with a twist. Instead of coal for being naughty (except for you Zoidberg), you straight up get murdered by the not-so-jolly red fella. So much so that Christmas Eve is now spent getting home and barricading yourself before curfew when he arrives!
As well as comedy, the episode shows its dramatic side, with Fry feeling alone on Christmas and away from everything familiar to him. A sentiment many in the real world can relate to. It was nice to see Fry bond with Leela who is also lonely. It gave a heartfelt sentiment to the episode.
Although this is a somewhat recent YouTube episode of a once beloved series, Nolan and Troy’s Die Hard Special has quickly found itself on my screen during Christmas ever since it was released five years ago! The premise is simple: two gaming industry legends hang out and play the 1996 PlayStation game Die Hard. It IS a Christmas movie, FYI. Fight me.
Be it endless Die Hard quotes from Troy or trivia/stories from Nolan and Troy about their Christmas’ and life experiences, this episode makes for a wonderful and relaxing time to get you in the mood for Christmas. It perfectly captures the feeling of hanging out with your mates in the living room and playing games during the Christmas period. It has ugly sweaters, Christmas decorations and more to set the tone!
Ah yes, The Man In The Yellow Suit… don’t worry, I don’t mean Santa, he’s got a red suit. Come to think of it, so does The Flash. Maybe that’s how Santa globe trots in one night? Who doesn’t love watching their favourite superheroes celebrating Christmas? This episode of The Flash opens with Christmas lights in the opening shot, playing classic Christmas tunes to set the theme and tone of the episode. Not only is this a great festive-based episode, but it’s also an important one.
We see the Reverse Flash’s true identity in this episode. Truly one of the best villain-reveals on TV in my opinion. Heaviness aside, we see Barry Allen using his speed to set up the Christmas tree and also confess his love to Iris. We end the episode with a beautiful Christmas celebration of our characters together, drinking eggnog in front of the fireplace, surrounded by picturesque decorations to drive home the festive vibes… only to be kind of ruined a second later by the villain reveal, but it’s still pretty, right?
Well, that’s my Christmas TV list! Is it the correct list? No, but it’s my list and it’s special to me. Let me know your Christmas episodes and why they’re special for you. And, of course, Merry Christmas & happy holidays!
