The Most Underrated Christmas TV Episodes You Need to Watch

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to cozy up and revisit some TV classics. While fan favorites like Friends, The Office, Modern Family, and Parks and Recreation are staples of holiday viewing, there are plenty of hidden gems you might have missed. Here are 10 underrated Christmas episodes that deserve a spot in your festive binge-watch lineup — guaranteed to bring warm, cozy vibes to your holiday season:

Chuck: ‘Chuck Versus Santa Claus’ (2x11)

Starting off strong with one of the most underrated shows of the century: Chuck. This early 2000s cozy Christmas episode is a must-watch (though, honestly, the entire series is essential viewing if you haven’t seen it — stay tuned for a full article on that). Starring then-unknowns Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Zachary Levi (Shazam!), this action-packed holiday episode perfectly captures the quirky charm of Chuck.

In this festive installment, a Buy More customer turns out to be a fugitive and holds the store hostage, forcing Chuck’s two worlds — nerdy retail employee by day and reluctant spy by night — to collide. With plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of holiday magic, this episode is a quintessential Chuck experience for fans of comedy-dramas with a unique twist.

The episode (and the series as a whole) thrives on the dynamic between Chuck and Sarah, who come from completely different worlds and find themselves stuck in a spy-partnership. Their stark contrast is showcased beautifully in this episode. Chuck Bartowski, a regular guy working at an electronic store (forced into the spy world by accident) always puts emotion first. Sarah Walker, whose been a spy since she was a teenager, always puts the mission before emotion — that was until she met Chuck.

I didn’t discover Chuck until senior year of college, more than a decade after the series wrapped — but that didn’t stop me from connecting deeply with the characters’ struggles and aspirations. Chuck, Sarah, Casey, Morgan, Ellie, and even Captain Awesome form a timeless ensemble that still resonates today. And this episode is a perfect blend of holiday cheer, action-packed hijinks, and heartfelt character development. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, it’s the kind of episode that will leave you smiling — and maybe reaching for the next one.

The Fosters: ‘Christmas Past’ (2x11)

If you’re looking for a show brimming with warmth and heart, The Fosters is as cozy as it gets. This episode beautifully explores the true meaning of family — it’s not about blood or paperwork; it’s about the bonds you create.

Callie’s adoption is still up in the air, awaiting approval from her distant birth father. Yet, that doesn’t stop the Foster family from making her feel like she’s truly home. For Callie and her brother, Jude — siblings who’ve spent years bouncing between abusive foster homes — the dream of finally belonging somewhere and unpacking their bags for good is all they wish for this Christmas.

While the show doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy issues (aka the real world) — like half-sibling dynamics, unresolved grievances, financial struggles, and parental visitation rights — this episode balances those themes with all the comforting elements of a holiday classic. From tree decorating to a warm, snug home filled with heartwarming dialogue, it’s the perfect choice for anyone craving extra warmth this time of year.

As one of my ultimate comfort shows since middle school, The Fosters has always been a beacon of hope and a reminder of the strength found in family. I still remember watching it live when it premiered in 2013 — back when waiting a week for the next episode was part of the experience. The feelings of safety, compassion, and understanding it instilled in me have stayed with me, especially as it tackled real issues that many shows of its time avoided. The Fosters never fails to deliver joy and hope — especially during the holidays.

Boy Meets World: Santa’s Little Helper (1x10) & Easy Street (4x11)

Boy Meets World is a quintessential ’90s classic brimming with heart, humor, and nostalgia. Much like Chuck, it thrives on the dynamic between its two main characters, Cory and Shawn. Their enduring friendship forms the backbone of the series, often tested by their contrasting realities. With episodes running around 20 minutes each, I want to spotlight two Christmas-themed episodes that truly exemplify this show’s unique appeal.

In Santa’s Little Helper, when Shawn doesn’t contribute $5 for the sixth-grade class Christmas present for Mr. Feeny, Cory slowly realizes that Shawn isn’t being rude — he simply dosen’t have the money. Cory tries to give Shawn a gift — but Shawn refuses out of embarrassment. Tensions rise, and it seems like the two friends might not spend the holidays together — until Cory comes up with a thoughtful solution. This episode captures the true spirit of the season, focusing on giving, empathy, and the bonds of friendship over material wealth.

By high school, the stakes are higher for Cory and Shawn. In Easy Street, Shawn takes a job at a restaurant — it seems like an easy way to earn quick cash and perks. But Cory begins to suspect that the restaurant’s dealings aren’t entirely above board. As Shawn gets deeper into the dangerous job, he starts skipping school, convinced this opportunity is the best he can get out of life. On Christmas Eve, as Shawn heads out into the freezing night to do a delivery, Cory confronts him and reminds him of who he is, and convinces him to come back on his side of the line.

Boy Meets World is the kind of show that invites you to unwind in its simplicity, a comforting reminder of childhood — specifically my early 2000s upbringing, when traces of 90s culture still lingered in the air, before iPhones dominated the scene. Each episode feels like a warm, lesson-filled hug, but the holiday episodes have always stood out to me. They deliver meaningful messages about generosity, friendship, and the true spirit of the season, all wrapped in that nostalgic, unmistakable 90s charm.

Ted Lasso: ‘Carol of the Bells’ (2x4)

Ted Lasso, a show literally about the long term impact of kindness, knows how to sneak up on your emotions. This Christmas special is no exception, blending humor and heart in a way that feels deeply authentic.

Ted, the eternal optimist and jokester, faces a bittersweet holiday. Recently divorced and far from home, he plans to spend Christmas over FaceTime with his young son. However, the plan quickly falls apart when his son becomes preoccupied with presents, and Ted finds himself unexpectedly alone in his apartment, watching Its a Wonderful Life as George Bailey contemplates suicide on a bridge — with only a bottle of whiskey for company. Just as the day seems destined to spiral into despair, an unexpected act of kindness arrives outside Ted’s window.

Meanwhile, other characters’ plans also take unexpected turns. Keeley prepares for a romantic “sexy Christmas” with Roy, Rebecca gets invited to an exclusive A-list party, the team organizes a Secret Santa, and Leslie hosts a gathering for players without families to visit. Yet, as their carefully laid plans unravel, fate has other ideas, leading everyone to an unplanned Christmas full of surprises and connection.

Almost every episode of Ted Lasso makes me cry (what can I say? I’m a softie), but throw the holidays into the mix? Forget about it. This episode is a heartfelt yet realistic celebration of community, the beauty of embracing the unexpected, and the importance of self-love — even when it feels impossible. What makes it even more special is Ted’s role in the story. As the usual problem-solver and guiding force, he takes a step back here, becoming the one who receives help instead. Watching Ted learn to accept support rather than always being the giver is a poignant and universal lesson — one that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

The OC: ‘The Best Chrismukkah Ever’ (1x13)

Another early 2000s classic delivers a holiday episode that’s equal parts fun, heartfelt, and iconic. Seth Cohen’s invention of “Chrismukkah” — a fusion of Christmas and Hanukkah — sets the tone for a festive celebration like no other. From the Cohen family’s holiday party to the twinkling lights and traditions, the episode is brimming with holiday cheer. The lavish holiday setting contrasts with the struggles faced by its characters, such as Ryan’s discomfort with the affluent Newport lifestyle and Marissa’s personal battles.

Ryan, a homeless teenager recently taken in by the Cohen family, struggles to reconcile his past with his new life of privilege. As his relationship with Marissa deepens, he begins to realize that life among the rich isn’t as carefree as it seems. His journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing the Cohen family’s eccentric traditions is genuinely heartwarming and underscores the importance of belonging and acceptance during the holidays.

Seth’s love triangle with Anna and Summer provides a comedic counterpoint to the episode’s heavier themes. His dorky charm and determination to stay true to Chrismukkah traditions add levity and highlight the fun, inclusive spirit of the season.

Usually, finishing an episode of The O.C. leaves you daydreaming about packing up and moving to sunny California. But in this holiday special, the show takes a more reflective turn, exploring the downsides of a lifestyle steeped in perfectionism, extreme wealth, and families bound by social status. The contrast between the Cohen family and the more dysfunctional Newport households highlights the episode’s core themes of forgiveness and unconditional love. Around the holidays, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our lives to others — especially with social media constantly at our fingertips. But this episode reminds us that the season isn’t perfect for everyone. Let’s take a page from Seth Cohen’s book and keep things light—the holidays are all about finding joy, in case you needed the reminder.

Mr. Robot: ‘404 Not Found’ (4x4)

If you’re seeking a darker, more emotional take on the holiday season, look no further. Mr. Robot delivers a psychological thriller disguised as a holiday special. With an eerie mix of nostalgia and tension, 404 Not Found is not your traditional festive cheer — but it’s unforgettable.

The episode focuses on two main storylines, both reflecting themes of redemption, loss, and connection. Elliot, Tyrell, and Mr. Robot spend the night lost in the woods, on the run from Dark Army, looking for a road that doesn't seem to exist. And as the night gets colder, so do their chances of making it out of their situation alive. Meanwhile, Darlene spends the night chauffeuring a drunk Santa Claus, agreeing to the favor in exchange for borrowing his car for a quick errand: finding her brother, Elliot. But as the journey unfolds, Darlene discovers there’s far more to this jolly man than meets the eye.

A night that should traditionally be filled with warmth and celebration, but here it becomes a somber journey of self-reflection and moral reckoning. The episode is notable for its dark tone, minimalist storytelling, and emotional depth, all against the backdrop of the holiday season.

I discovered and binged this entire show during my freshman year of college, and I’ll rave about it for as long as people are willing to listen. Mr. Robot masterfully balances melancholy with glimmers of hope, creating an atmosphere that feels both haunting and deeply human. Darlene and Elliot’s complex, messy sibling dynamic is one of the most authentic portrayals of family relationships I’ve ever seen on television. The characters are raw and real, offering something for everyone to connect with on a personal level. Its unflinching honesty and emotional depth make Mr. Robot a standout addition to any holiday binge-watch list — especially for those who appreciate stories that embrace the complexities of human connection.

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Whether you’re craving heartfelt dialogue, deep emotional connections, or just a break from detangling lights, these episodes remind us what the season is truly about — embracing the beautiful madness of it all.