15 of the Best New Year's Episodes to Stream, from ‘Friends’ to ‘Gossip Girl’
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From watching the ball drop in Times Square to partying the night away with your friends, there are countless ways to ring in the New Year. But let’s face it, we sometimes prefer to keep our celebrations low-key—whether it be a game night or, better yet, a watch party with all of the best New Year’s episodes.
To mark the end of 2022, we’ve compiled a list of New Year’s-themed TV episodes from popular sitcoms like Friends, That '70s Show and How I Met Your Mother. Keep reading for the best options to keep you entertained as you close out the year.
1. Starstruck: 'NYE'
Mark Johnson/HBO Max
Season 1, Episode 1
Cast: Rose Matafeo, Nikesh Patel, Emma Sidi
HBO’s criminally underrated screwball comedy begins on New Year’s Eve, with Jessie getting drunk at a party and sleeping with a random guy who turns out to be a famous movie star. Sure, the plot is ridiculously far-fetched, but it's not your typical, formulaic rom-com. Thanks to the believable chemistry and brilliant writing, you might find yourself binge-watching the rest of the series.
2. The Office: 'Ultimatum'
NBCUniversal Television Studio
Season 7, Episode 13
Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer
Hang with the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch as they work together to make resolutions. In this episode, Pam spearheads a fun new project that involves the “New Year’s Resolution Board,” and as you can expect, chaos eventually ensues. From Dwight’s questionable goal to Creed’s cartwheel mission, you’ll feel even more inspired to meet your resolutions.
3. 3rd Rock from the Sun: 'Happy New Dick'
The Carsey-Werner Company
Season 4, Episode 9
Cast: John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart
Our favorite aliens in disguise celebrate their first-ever New Year’s Eve in this episode. Unfortunately, Dick isn’t in a celebratory mood because he hasn’t accomplished anything significant in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, Harry and Tommy decide to throw a party at the bar. What could possibly go wrong?
4. Living Single: 'Let's Stay Together'
Warner Bros. Television
Season 5, Episode 13
Cast: Queen Latifah, Kim Coles, Erika Alexander
In this bittersweet final episode of the classic sitcom, Max decides to become a single mother, with the help of an anonymous sperm donor—or so she thinks. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang plans a New Year’s party, and Synclaire gets a once-in-a-lifetime job offer in California. (Get the tissues ready.)
5. My So-Called Life: 'Resolutions'
ABC
Season 1, Episode 16
Cast: Bess Armstrong, Wilson Cruz, Claire Danes
Get your dose of nostalgia by revisiting this cult classic, which will make you feel like a teenager all over again. The NYE-themed episode walks us through each of the characters’ biggest resolutions, from Rayanne’s goal to quit drinking to Rickie’s ongoing search for a new home.
6. That '70s Show: 'That '70s Finale'
The Carsey-Werner Company
Season 8, Episode 22
Cast: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson
This tearjerker series finale follows Kitty, Jackie and the rest of the gang as they bid farewell to the ’70s and prepare to enter the new decade. There are plenty of major transitions and standout moments, from Eric and Kelso's return to Kitty and Red’s big decision about Florida.
7. Frasier: 'RDWRER'
NBC
Season 7, Episode 12
Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce
When their New Year’s Eve plans go south, Frasier, Niles and Martin decide to hit the road and travel hundreds of miles to celebrate at a wine club in Idaho. Not surprisingly, chaos ensues as Martin pushes Frasier’s buttons and Niles gets lost at a rest stop.
8. Everybody Hates Chris: 'Everybody Hates New Year's Eve'
Season 4, Episode 10
Cast: Tyler James Williams, Terry Crews, Tichina Arnold
We can always count on Everybody Hates Chris for a good laugh. In this festive episode, Julius becomes a hero in his town after a rare act of bravery. Meanwhile, Rochelle doubles down on her New Year's Eve traditions at home, Tonya tries to win a bet with her brother and Chris gets the surprise of a lifetime when the ball drops.
9. Friends: 'The One with All the Resolutions'
Warner Bros. Television
Season 5, Episode 11
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow
Yes, it’s the iconic episode where Ross has one of his biggest fashion fails: tight leather pants on a date. Aside from the hilarious bathroom scene, the rest of the gang tries (and fails) to achieve their own New Year’s resolutions, from Rachel’s bad habit to Joey’s new hobby.
10. Friends: 'The One with the Routine'
Warner Bros. Television
Season 6, Episode 10
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow
This sitcom gets another place on the list because of Ross and Monica's unforgettable dance number at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. But they’re not the only ones busting a move in this episode. There’s also Joey, who realizes that he needs more than a smirk and a 'How you doin'?' to win over his love interest, Janine.
11. The X-Files: 'Millennium'
20th Century Fox Television
Season 7, Episode 4
Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Martin Landau
Loyal fans of the show’s spin-off, Millennium, can relive one of the most satisfying moments in TV history: when Fox Mulder and Dana Scully finally kiss. Of course, this isn’t the only highlight. The crossover episode follows Mulder, Scully and Frank Black as they go after the Millennium Group, an organization that is resurrecting people as zombies.
12. Gossip Girl: 'The End of the Affair'
Giovanni Rufino /THE CW Network
Season 5, Episode 11
Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley
Leave it to Gossip Girl to serve up the juiciest scandals and biggest NYE parties. In this episode, Blair spills the beans about what really happened after her incident with Chuck, and Charlie’s absence prompts Lily to hire a private detective. On a brighter note, Dan and Serena kick off the New Year with a kiss that’s steamy enough to set off all the fireworks.
13. How I Met Your Mother: 'The Limo'
20th Century Fox Television
Season 1, Episode 11
Cast: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders
Ted Mosby has a plan for the perfect New Year’s Eve: rent a stretch limo with his pals, so they can crash multiple parties throughout the night. And as a bonus, he curates a catchy “Get Psyched” mix to set the mood. But unfortunately, things don’t go according to plan...
14. Modern Family: 'New Year's Eve'
Peter Stone/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Season 4, Episode 11
Cast: Ed O'Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell
If there’s one thing this sitcom has taught us, it’s that Jay’s heartfelt gestures often lead to hilariously chaotic results. Case in point? His plan to surprise the family by taking them to Palm Springs. Unbeknownst to him, his favorite hotel has turned into a nightmare destination. Meanwhile, in L.A., Haley and Alex are tasked with looking after the kids.
15. 30 Rock: 'Klaus and Greta'
Ali Goldstein/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Season 4, Episode 9
Cast: Tina Fey, Jane Krakowski, Alec Baldwin, Jack McBrayer
If you’ve ever drunk dialed a crush or left an embarrassing voicemail, just know that you’re not alone. When Jack realizes that he left a drunken message on Nancy’s phone during a New Year’s Eve party, he teams up with Kenneth to try and erase it. Aside from Jack’s dilemma, Jenna tries to pull a publicity stunt, and Liz attempts to make up for betraying her cousin.
42 New Year’s Eve Movies to Cue up as We Get Ready to Ring in 2023
