The Ultimate Guide to Community's Christmas Episodes

Article Overview

"Comparative Religion": The study group tackles different beliefs in a heartwarming Christmas episode, learning to be accepting of one another.

"Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas": Abed's friends rally around him as he embarks on a visually stunning adventure through his mental health journey.

"Regional Holiday Music": The group is hypnotized into joining a glee club, but they join forces to thwart a devious plan in this lively and entertaining episode.

Community is an extraordinary series that consistently pushed the boundaries of its format and delivered memorable holiday episodes, including four Christmas specials. Created by the talented co-creator of Rick and Morty, the show features a remarkably gifted cast. Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Danny Pudi, Gillian Jacobs, Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ken Jeong, Jim Rash, and Chevy Chase comprised the original cast, with Chase leaving the show in later seasons. Some members of the core cast, like Glover and Brown, had to juggle other commitments as the show progressed.

The series revolves around a group of misfit students and faculty at Greendale Community College who form an unlikely bond through a study group. The group grapples with conflicting interests, romantic entanglements, and ethical dilemmas, often experiencing personal growth together. The holiday episodes, known for their parodies of other shows and techniques, always convey a heartfelt message to mark the season.

4. "Comparative Religion"

Community Season 1, Episode 12

In season 1, episode 12 of Community, titled "Comparative Religion," the study group's diverse beliefs and faiths are explored. With Christmas around the corner, Shirley (Brown) aims to share the joy of the holiday season and highlight the Christian traditions related to the birth of Christ. However, her good intentions often come off as preaching and trying to impose her beliefs on her friends.

The challenge arises when Shirley discovers that each member of the study group holds a different belief than her own. Jeff is agnostic, Annie is Jewish, Britta is an atheist, Troy is a Jehovah's Witness, and Abed is Muslim. Pierce also practices a religious belief, but it becomes clear that his faith is an overt cult. The episode delves into the conflict within the group and also between Jeff and the school bully.

While most of Jeff's friends support him and assist him in preparing for the fight, Shirley warns Jeff that he won't be welcome at her Christmas party if he fights. Ultimately, the group finds a way to reconcile and come together, and Shirley learns to be more accepting of her friends and their differing beliefs. It is a heartwarming holiday special with plenty of laughs and a pivotal moment as the study group learns to be more open and accepting of one another.

3. "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas"

Community Season 2, Episode 11

Community's second season, episode 11, "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas," is hailed as one of the finest Christmas episodes in TV history. This touching and emotional installment follows Abed as he wakes up to a stop-motion world, causing concern among his friends about his mental state. Britta and Jeff attempt to help by taking him to see Dr. Ian Duncan, but Abed turns the tables and leads them on an unforgettable journey through his mind. As they unravel the reasons behind his disassociation from reality, some of his friends are left behind, unable to embrace the imaginative exploration. Abed's journey is a deeply moving exploration of his relationship with Christmas and his struggle to stay connected with reality, resulting in a heartwarming and memorable holiday episode.

2. "Regional Holiday Music"

The true reasons behind Abed's mental breakdown are revealed as the episode comes to a close, with his friends rallying around to provide heartfelt support. The episode delves into the intense emotions often associated with the holiday season and underscores the significance of forging new traditions and connections as time progresses. Moreover, the captivating visuals, highlighted by stunning animation, set this episode apart from the rest of the series.

2. "Regional Holiday Music"

Community Season 3, Episode 10

Season 3, episode 10 "Regional Holiday Music" is a fantastic addition to the Community holiday specials. This episode parodies the popular series, Glee, as the group stands in for the glee club at Greendale Community College. Initially reluctant to join, the group is hypnotized through song by the glee club instructor, Mr. Rad, into enrolling and performing in competitions. However, Abed snaps out of the trance and devises a plan to thwart Mr. Rad's ambitious goals.

1. "Intro To Knots"

This episode concludes with a heartwarming celebration as the friends come together to mark the season with Abed. However, a dark and twisted revelation occurs when it is uncovered that Mr. Rad was responsible for a tragic accident that claimed the lives of his glee club students, solely so he could replace them with the study group. Abed addresses the contrast between light and dark in a way that resonates with both his group and the audience, leading to a deeply satisfying conclusion.

Season 4, Episode 10

The Christmas special "Intro to Knots" from season 4 of Community was the first to not be released in December due to the show's network change. It ultimately aired in April 2013 and was also the last season to have a dedicated Christmas special. The episode depicts a Christmas party hosted by Jeff Winger, the group's de facto leader, which raises suspicion among the group. Malcolm McDowell guest stars as the history professor, adding to the episode's quality, while Ken Jeong's prominent role as Chang further enhances the entertainment value. The party quickly turns into a hostage situation as the group argues about improving their grades, resulting in another entertaining Christmas special.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I'm thrilled to see the recognition given to Community's Christmas episodes. The show's unique blend of humor, heart, and creativity truly shines during the holiday season. The episode "Comparative Religion" stands out for its exploration of diverse beliefs and the importance of acceptance. It's a timely reminder that the holidays are about coming together and celebrating our differences.

On the other hand, "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" takes a more introspective turn, delving into Abed's mental health and his relationship with Christmas. It's a powerful and emotional episode that highlights the importance of understanding and supporting those struggling with mental illness. The stop-motion animation and imaginative storytelling add to the episode's impact, making it a truly unforgettable holiday experience. Overall, Community's Christmas episodes are a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone looking for heartwarming and thought-provoking holiday entertainment.