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As Adam Sandler once sang, it’s “so much funukkah” to celebrate Hanukkah.
The menorahs have been lit, since we’re in the thick of the eight-day Jewish holiday this year.
If you’ve already eaten latkes and played a round of dreidel, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate.
Here’s a roundup of eight essential Hanukkah TV episodes to watch.
“Friends”
In Season 7, Episode 10, “The One With the Holiday Armadillo,” Ross (David Schwimmer) has his son, Ben, for the holidays and is concerned about the kid not knowing much about the Jewish side of his family. Even so, Ross plans to dress up as Santa to make him happy. But when he’s unable to rent a Santa suit so close to Christmas, he ends up in an Armadillo costume. He uses it to try to get Ben excited about Hanukkah. It finally works — but then, Chandler (Matthew Perry) shows up in a Santa costume, while Joey (Matt LeBlanc) shows up as Superman, confusing Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow).
Where to watch: Max
“Rugrats”
“A Rugrats Chanukah,” the modern-classic episode of the animated series (Season 4, Episode 1), weaves all the characters into the real story of Hanukkah, as the babies retell the tale of the Maccabees as “the Maccababies.”
Where to watch: Hulu.
“High Maintenance”
In the HBO anthology series following a weed dealer (known only as the Guy) interacting with colorful clients all over New York City, “Soup,” the ninth episode of Season 4, features the Guy (Ben Sinclair) celebrating Hanukkah with his niece, Illana (Rachel Kaly), after a storm throws a wrench in their holiday plans.
Where to watch: Max
“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
In the Season 1 episode called “My Mom, Greg’s Mom and Josh’s Sweet Dance Moves,” Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) hangs up three Hanukkah banners, spelling it three ways (Hanukah, Chanukah and Hanukkah), and mutters, “Which one of you is right?”
Her mom (played by Tovah Feldshuh) shows up and sings “Where’s the Bathroom,” a song criticizing her daughter in the style of a Jewish folk song.
Where to watch: AppleTV+.
“Dash & Lily”
“Dash & Lily” is a Christmas-themed rom-com series where teens Lily (Midori Francis) and Dash (Austin Abrams) give each other dares to do over the holidays in Manhattan. The third episode of the show, “Hanukkah,” features Dash sending Lily on a quest to a secret Hanukkah party in the basement of a Jewish bakery, hosted by teens who call themselves the “Challah Back Boys.”
Where to watch: Netflix
“The O.C.”
In the Season 1 episode “Best Chrismukkah Ever,” Seth (Adam Brody) introduces Ryan (Ben McKenzie) to the combined holiday of “Chrismukkah” that he set up for his parents, since his mom is Catholic and his dad is Jewish. Seth is also torn between two girls — so who said that Hanukkah can’t be full of drama?
Where to watch: Hulu. Max.
“The Nanny”
In the Season 6 episode “The Hanukkah Story,” Fran (Fran Drescher) is excited about celebrating her first Hanukkah with Maxwell (Charles Shaughnessy), only he has to drive to Boston on business — and his car drives off the road in a snow storm. Fran worries, but it turns out that the car oil lasted for eight hours instead of one, just like on Hanukkah.
Where to watch: Peacock.
“The Goldbergs”
In the Season 3 episode “A Christmas Story,” after seeing the Kremps getting into the holiday spirit together, Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) decides to spice up her family’s Jewish traditions and creates “Super Hanukkah,” until Murray (Jeff Garlin) points out what Hanukkah is really about.
Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+.
English (US)