Ranking All 4 ‘Futurama’ “Xmas” Episodes

As a lifelong fan of Futurama, I must say that these Christmas episodes have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, they were the highlights of the holiday season for me and my family. The humor, the characters, and the unique take on traditional Christmas stories made each one a joy to watch.

In the futuristic world of Futurama, Christmas has become almost unrecognizable. Now called Xmas, the holiday is more about survival than exchanging gifts or wearing ugly sweaters. Every year, the characters secure their homes and buy their weapons as they fearfully await Santa’s arrival, because this robotic version has checked his list twice, and they’ve come up naughty both times.

Futurama might not have numerous Christmas episodes, but each one of them effortlessly earns a spot on our ‘Nice list’. Watching them in a marathon is an enjoyable way to celebrate the festive season. However, if you’re pressed for time, we’ve highlighted which ones are worth your watch.

4 “Futurama Holiday Spectacular”

Season 6, Episode 13

In the spirit of sharing, let me tell you about “The Futurama Holiday Spectacular” I adore. It’s composed of three captivating tales. Each one kicks off with a character yearning for a particular item to genuinely celebrate their holiday, and ends, quite dramatically, with that character (or in Bender’s case, those unfortunate souls around him) encountering a truly chilling fate.

In the initial storyline, Fry embarks on a hunt for a pine tree at Christmas time, inadvertently releasing a new breed of mutant trees that eventually take over the entire planet.

Non-canonical but Comedic

These episodes seem inconsistent with the storyline of Futurama, as they often conclude with multiple characters meeting untimely ends. Furthermore, some viewers might find the recurring pattern of searching for a particular item to be slightly repetitive, preferring a more integrated narrative structure. Lastly, not all humor involving Robanukah/Hanukkah and Kwanzaa may resonate with every audience member.

Despite this, the episode remains noteworthy due to its catchy musical numbers, its diverse holiday themes, and its commendable effort to distinguish itself from other specials by featuring tales unaffiliated with Robot Santa.

3 “A Tale of Two Santas”

Season 3, Episode 3

When Robot Santa gets stuck in ice, it falls upon Bender to take over and preserve the festive spirit. He hops from house to house, trying to distribute gifts, but instead encounters terror from the residents who want to harm him. Matters escalate further when law enforcement apprehends him for Robot Santa’s offenses, ultimately sentencing him to death. Just as all hope seems lost, the genuine Robot Santa, voiced by John DiMaggio, shows up at the crucial moment to save the day – though this rescue comes with a twist, as the two then embark on a mischievous spree together.

Too Many Reasons to Love It

The episode’s musical number is catchy, and watching the characters learn more about Robot Santa and the Neptunians was a gift. There’s also something sweet about Fry’s later realization that fear of Robot Santa has brought the characters together. However, it seemed a little out of character that fan favorite Bender, who is usually known and loved for his destructive and chaotic antics, was willing to fill in and deliver gifts. The story line is also less ambitious than the other Xmas specials.

All things considered, “A Tale of Two Santas” is witty, touching, and enjoyable, yet the remaining two specials surpass it in quality.

2 “Xmas Story”

Season 2, Episode 4

The initial Futurama Christmas special is one that stands out, as it delves into the idea of Christmas and the past of Robot Santa. During this festive season, both Fry and Leela find themselves feeling isolated. In an attempt to brighten her mood, Fry resolves to buy her a thoughtful gift. However, his quest for the ideal present leads him outdoors after dark, placing him squarely in the sights of Robot Santa.

When Leela locates him, both of them flee from Santa, but end up hiding beneath some mistletoe, almost sharing a kiss. Successfully eluding him, they later gather with the rest of their crew for Christmas dinner, and the episode concludes with a musical number about Santa chasing after them.

Magic of the Season

In a fresh and unconventional twist, John Goodman shines in his portrayal of Robot Santa. The storyline featuring mischievous robotic thieves adds humor, while the close call between Fry and Leela regarding their kiss is a significant milestone in their relationship development.

Essentially, “A Christmas Story” has solidified itself as a fantastic Christmas classic (using “Xmas” as shorthand for Christmas). Its distinctiveness, wit, and sincere holiday spirit paved the path for an even more exceptional special to follow.

1 “I Know What You Did Next Xmas”

Season 8, Episode 6

Coming in at the top of our Nice list, “I Know What You Did Next Xmas” is part time travel, part mystery, and all around fun. After Professor Farnsworth goes back in time to reset Robot Santa’s naughty-nice sensor, everyone thinks Xmas is saved. But when Bender and Dr. Zoidberg are left alone for the holiday, they angrily go back in time to kidnap Santa so he can’t deliver presents. Unfortunately, the kidnapping goes wrong and leads to a seemingly dead robot.

Initially, it was a string of mistakes that led to the discovery that the Professor didn’t reform Santa, instead causing him to become wicked. When the robot arrived to eliminate the group, Bender and Zoidberg felt both fear and bewilderment. As it turned out, the Santa they had abducted was from the future, as indicated by their observation of themselves kidnapping the current malevolent version in various time periods. In a twist, the day was saved, and the characters rejoiced while the seemingly undead Santa teased Bender about his new alliance with Zoidberg.

The Star on the Xmas Tree

Previously noted, each of these “Futurama” Christmas episodes are definitely worth your time. However, this final one has an extra touch that makes it distinctly “Futurama”. It’s particularly noteworthy because it features Coolio’s last acting role as KwanzaaBot. Additionally, it’s often considered the most enjoyable rewatch due to its clever manipulations of time and hidden jokes in the background.

Among the show’s top-tier episodes, “I Know What You Did Next Christmas” has left us excitedly waiting for the next holiday special. As long as the series avoids cancellation, we’re certain that it will offer up something truly remarkable.

2024-12-08 03:02