Just wondering if anyone else out there sort of "saves" the lone TC Christmas episode to watch around the holidays....I like to watch it in tandem with the Christmas episodes of MacGyver and Knight Rider, and the Jeremy Brett version of Sherlock Holmes' "The Blue Carbuncle."

I watched it several weeks ago. I also enjoy watching it during Christmastime.

I have the DVD's but I'll wait for AntennaTV to air it.

I just watched it. Loved it more than when I saw it the first time. One of the examples of why the first two seasons, and in particular Season 2, is my favorite season of Three's Company.

Plus, they mention Hedda Gabler. Early on Three's Company had moments where they tried to insert some kind of "high art" into episodes. Later on they dropped these references entirely, so it's good watching them in the early years.

The more I think about it, the more I actually think this is my favorite sitcom-related Christmas episode of all-time, because there's no preaching about good-will toward men, no dopey stories about kids, presents, or Santa Claus, no one trying to educate people on the "true meaning of Christmas". No preaching. Just a bunch of adults cracking jokes, humorous situations, and fun times.

This is another example of why Three's Company in 1977 was really the most interesting show to watch on TV because it did break a lot of American sitcom conventions, i.e. a Christmas episode that wasn't preachy.

The more I think about it, the more I actually think this is my favorite sitcom-related Christmas episode of all-time, because there's no preaching about good-will toward men, no dopey stories about kids, presents, or Santa Claus, no one trying to educate people on the "true meaning of Christmas". No preaching. Just a bunch of adults cracking jokes, humorous situations, and fun times.

I agree. I think it's probably the most true to life Christmas sitcom episode (or pretty much anything Christmas tv special/movie) I've seen. The holiday drudgery of "doing the right thing" when really you're looking forward to doing your own thing. And then, eventually, you get to do your own thing! The trio and the Ropers are allowed (by the writers) to be completely selfish on Christmas, and it's hilarious. Like you said, JSP, no sappy heartwarming "message."

It's nice that we learn that the trio and the Ropers ended up at the same party---but we don't see it. We don't have to see it. It's allowed to be a fun exercise in imagination.

I meant to add....this is the first time we see Janet's other side. In this episode she's the one who wants to have fun and Chrissy is the one who cows them all into doing the "right" thing and standing by their commitment to the Ropers' party. The reversal was fun to watch.

:lol: One of my favorite scenes after Jack hangs up the phone and tells Janet and Crissy they were invited to the Stephens' party-Jack and Janet(Singing):We're going to the Stephens, we're going to the Stephens. Chrissy(Singing):No we are not, no we are not! We're going to the Ropers! Jack want's to strangle Crissy!

The more I think about it, the more I actually think this is my favorite sitcom-related Christmas episode of all-time, because there's no preaching about good-will toward men, no dopey stories about kids, presents, or Santa Claus, no one trying to educate people on the "true meaning of Christmas". No preaching. Just a bunch of adults cracking jokes, humorous situations, and fun times.

This is another example of why Three's Company in 1977 was really the most interesting show to watch on TV because it did break a lot of American sitcom conventions, i.e. a Christmas episode that wasn't preachy.
Hey you know you're right, it's just a normal TC episode that just happens to occur in Christmas.

And thank god for them not being preachy like you said, I just hate whenever the audience all go "Aaawwwwwwww" during some sappy scene.