This Episode from “The Office” Is the Highest Rated Christmas Episode in TV Sitcom History

Fans of the U.S. version of The Office might feel a little disappointed upon discovering that the U.K. version holds the crown for the best Christmas episode of all time. The Office (U.S.) delivered some great Yuletide episodes that are not-so-surprisingly among the top-rated sitcom Christmas specials. However, Ricky Gervais crafted something truly magical with the series finale of The Office U.K.

Ricky Gervais as David Brent in The Office | Credits: BBC One

Among the two-part special episodes of Series 3, the episode Christmas Special: Part 2 achieved the highest IMDb rating for a Christmas episode. Gervais and co-creator Stephen Merchant decided against producing a full third series, opting instead to conclude the show with these brilliantly written specials.

The highest-rated Christmas episode in The Office is the show’s finale episode

Ricky Gervais’ David Brent and his team in the episode Christmas Special: Part 1 of The Office | Credits: BBC One

Fans of The Office (U.S.) should give a try to the U.K. version, especially the Yuletide episodes that concluded the show. The Office (U.K.) finale consisted of a two-part holiday special episode, which saw many elements falling perfectly into place. The British fans would speak volumes in praise for the series ending, which largely satisfied its audiences. It might even make the American fans question their favorite sitcom’s lengthy run.

The first episode, titled Christmas Special: Part 1, was broadcast on BBC One on December 26, 2003. The second episode or Part 2 was released the following evening. The first part received 7.17 million viewers according to BBC, while the second part gained 6.14 million viewers.

Christmas Special: Part 2 received a 9.3 rating on IMDb, making it the highest-rated Christmas episode. Part 1 too did a good job, earning an 8.5 rating on the site. The series finale of The Office (U.K.) has maintained its rewatchability factor, even 21 years after it first aired on television.

The script of the specials was sent to a beauty technician who then sold it to The Daily Mail. The outlet revealed most of the plot in an article, four weeks before the broadcast. However, that did not deter audiences from showering their love on the series.

BAFTA recognized Christmas Special: Parts 1 & 2, earning The Office the Best Situation Comedy Award in 2004. Gervais also won the BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance.

How did The Office create a memorable series finale?

Lucy Davis and Martin Freeman in The Office | Credits: BBC One

The Christmas-themed finale of the series did everything right. Ricky Gervais‘ obnoxious character David Brent met with a date and had a heart-to-heart conversation probably for the first time. It appears that Brent has finally found someone whom he shares a genuine connection with. By the end of Series 2, the character started working as a traveling salesman after being made redundant.

In another satisfactory moment, Brent stands up to his bully Chris Finch, played by Ralph Ineson, telling him, “Chris. Why don’t you f**k off”. However, the series also gave viewers one of the most-awaited moments in TV history. Martin Freeman‘s Tim and Lucy Davis’ Dawn shared romantic chemistry from the start of the show.

However, Dawn was in an unhappy relationship with Lee, which prevented them from pursuing a relationship. In the series finale, Dawn breaks up with Lee and returns to the office to meet Tim. They share a kiss, finally deciding to get together. The series ended their arc in the most perfect way, with the camerawork, the acting, and the music of the sequence blending seamlessly.

In the last shot, Brent wants a photo with their old gang. During the photo, he impersonates Frank Spencer and makes his colleague laugh, making for a great final moment.

The British sitcom had raw characters, which was a major point of difference between the U.K. and U.S. versions. The American version had somewhat polished characters, who were immediately likeable, even Steve Carell‘s Michael Scott. However, the flawed nature of the characters in the original series helped build moments that felt real and true. The bleak office Christmas party in the episode was just a culmination of such moments.

Highest-rated Christmas episodes in TV sitcom history

A still from the episode Christmas Party in The Office (U.S.) | Credits: NBC

Besides The Office, the major American sitcoms including It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, South Park, The Big Bang Theory, Parks and Recreation, and Community had Christmas episodes that were rated higher on the IMDb list. Ricky Gervais’ other sitcom Extras also ended its run with a Yuletide special and was among the top five in ratings.

American fans might be privy to the Christmas special episodes of The Office U.S. and to be honest, Michael Scott and team nailed most of their holiday episodes. The second season episode Christmas Party, the third season episode A Benihana Christmas, and the seventh season episode Classy Christmas are some of the most critically acclaimed episodes of the U.S. show.

This is IMDb’s famous Christmas specials list from popular TV sitcoms, which viewers can probably enjoy in one sitting for Christmas.

Popular sitcom FRIENDS too had multiple Christmas episodes among the top-rated episodes, however, it fell behind some more modern TV sitcoms that truly captured the Christmas spirit.

The Office U.K. is now available for streaming on Hulu.