Every 30 Rock Christmas episode ranked from funniest to weakest

30 Rock, a satirical workplace comedy, that aired on NBC from 2006 to 2013, revolves around the cast and crew of a television sketch show. It follows Liz Lemon, the chief writer of a sketch show named TGS, and how she handled the unpredictable moments of her job, demanding bosses, and her personal life.

30 Rock is best known for its surreal humor and satire, and its Christmas episodes are perhaps the most loved. These episodes showed a different side of the characters, and the chaos the holidays bring. Below is every 30 Rock Christmas episode ranked from funniest to weakest.

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All 30 Rock Christmas episodes ranked from funniest to weakest

It has now been years since 30 Rock stopped airing but since the show is available for streaming on Peacock, rewatching the Christmas episodes continues to be a tradition for many fans even today.

Here is a ranking of the show's Christmas episodes from funniest to weakest:

1. Season 3, episode 6: Christmas Special

This episode is the funniest of all the Christmas episodes because it perfectly captures the essence of 30 Rock. Liz throws herself into a holiday special charity, buying children far more than she should in an effort to feel connected. Jack tries to stop his mother Colleen from visiting New York by going to Florida, only to hit her with his car.

He waits eight minutes before calling an ambulance, secretly hoping she might die. Colleen survives, but with a broken hip, and stays with Jack so he can take care of her. This becomes Jack's worst nightmare, and he makes his colleagues set up a special show so he can use the excuse to spend the entire day at work. At the end, a rendition of Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, plays, concluding the episode on a festive and calm note.

2. Season 4, episode 8: Secret Santa

Secret Santa delivers nonstop chaos. Jack reconnects with Nancy Donovan, his former high school love. Liz panics when Jack suggests they exchange gifts. Kenneth organizes an overcomplicated Secret Santa, pushing the writers to invent a fake religion, Verdukianism, to avoid participating.

Jenna battles newcomer Danny over performing the Christmas song. In a rare honest moment, Jenna explains that Christmas music helped her cope with childhood trauma, a confession spoken directly to Danny. Danny intentionally sings badly so that Jenna can shine, creating a surprisingly warm ending for the episode.

3. Season 7, episode 8: My Whole Life Is Thunder

The last Christmas episode of 30 Rock has quite a few funny moments, but also includes emotional ones. Liz secretly marries Criss, which enrages Jenna, especially after Liz wins an award. Colleen returns to New York, noticeably unwell, leading viewers to see unexpected bonding between her and Jack. She tells him how she just wants him to be happy and later passes away. Jack gives what he calls the

“best eulogy of all time,”

featuring Kermit the Frog and Danny Boy. The episode closes major character arcs while staying funny.

4. Season 2, episode 9: Ludachristmas

Ludachristmas introduces viewers to Liz’s family. Her parents appear kind until Colleen exposes long-hidden resentment. Liz’s brother Mitch, who suffered a brain injury as a teen, believes it is still the Reagan era. The writers throw away Kenneth's gifts and in an act of revenge and to teach them to be grateful, Kenneth locks them in a room. The episode closes on an emotional note with Jenna singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

5. Season 5, episode 10: Christmas Attack Zone

While still entertaining, this episode ranks weakest among the 30 Rock Christmas specials. Jack brings his real father Milton, a liberal professor to ambush Colleen at Christmas dinner. Tracy tries to reshape his image as a serious actor, while Jenna struggles emotionally after separating from Paul. Despite strong performances, a controversial blackface joke later led to the episode being removed from streaming.

30 Rock is streaming on Peacock.

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