Christmas is fast approaching and there’s no better way to get into the holly jolly spirit than by watching a few Christmas episodes of our favourite shows. This is a great alternative to committing to a film for an hour or two and hence is a lovely break in between studying and working on assignments. So, sit back and relax with a few of these suggestions Santa himself wouldn’t pass up!
Mr Bean – Merry Christmas Mr Bean
Starring our beloved Mr Bean, played by Rowan Atkinson and directed by John Birkin, we get to enjoy Mr Bean in the Christmas spirit. We see him enjoy the Christmas traditions we know and love, such as the Nativity play, writing Christmas cards, wrapping presents and cooking the iconic Christmas dinner, which ultimately ends up a little more untraditional! The episode has a lot to enjoy and the sketches are hilarious from start to finish, often inspired by our own Christmas successes and failings. The Mr Bean special is one not to be missed for fans old and new!
Father Ted – A Christmassy Ted
The classic priest comedy series directed by Andy DeEmmony and Declan Lowney also has an iconic Christmas special that is dear to the nation’s heart. The special originally aired on Channel 4 back in 1996 and has become iconic in the Christmas TV Guide, and it’s hard to imagine a year when it won’t be shown. It contains all the humour we know and love and some added comedic gold such as Mrs Doyle’s tea machine, Ted’s award speech and the priests stuck in the lingerie section! While the humour could keep you going all night, it also touches on key Christmas themes like friendship, family, nostalgia and celebration.
The X-Files
For a slightly alternative Christmas special, why not spend the Christmas season with Detective Mulder (David Duchovny) and Detective Scully (Gillian Anderson). We have a couple of Christmas specials such as “Christmas Carol,” and “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas.” Both episodes deal with confronting ghosts from their pasts and is influenced primarily by Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol.” If you’re sick of traditional Christmas specials then this supernatural take on the holidays will be perfect for you to enjoy!
Friends – The One With The Holiday Armadillo
The series, love it or hate it, came out with one of the most known and loved Christmas specials. The episode which aired in 2000 during their seventh series, tells the story of Ross (David Schwimmer) being concerned that his son Ben (tiny Cole Sprouse) isn’t celebrating Hanukkah. To help Ross out Chandler and Joey come to help and create more laughs and chaos than can be imagined. While Thanksgiving is more important to their American audience, the writers gave Christmas the same attention to detail and comedy that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Modern Family – Undeck The Halls
Aired during their first season in 2009, Modern Family created a heartfelt comedy classic Christmas episode. When Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell) are meant to host Christmas, a suspected cigarette burn on the sofa is the centre of their family drama. Meanwhile, Claire’s father Jay (Ed O’Neill) is trying to introduce his Colombian wife Gloria (Sofia Vergara) and stepson Manny (Rico Rodriguez) to American Christmas traditions. Cam (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchel (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) ruin the mall Santa experience for everyone involved. Each household comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas and how it’s nothing without spending it with your family.
Sophie Melia- Film & TV Correspondent
