As the temperature begins its steady descent into freezing, the desire to snuggle into the couch with a soft blanket and hot chocolate in hand becomes more and more intense. While watching Hot Frosty is great, binging prime Disney Channel era holiday episodes is even better. Here are some great (and some awful) Disney and Nickelodeon episodes to bring on the nostalgia this holiday season.
Austin & Ally and Jessie: “Austin & Jessie & Ally All Star New Year” (Austin & Ally Season 2, Ep 6, Jessie Season 2, Ep 6)
This two episode crossover was a bit peculiar. The first episode was just an Austin & Ally episode with Jessie slapped on it for promotion purposes. It starts with Austin and friends’ lengthy journey to perform at Times Square on New Year’s Eve, while the second episode features a fully grown woman stealing a song from an eight year old. Overall, this was a flop and a waste of time.
Hannah Montana: “It’s the End of the Jake As We Know it” (Season 4, Ep 5)
Another flop, Hannah’s season three holiday episode could be described as a regular episode with a dash of Christmas spirit. However, we couldn’t give up on our favorite teen pop sensation, so we tried a different season. The season four episode “It’s the End of the Jake As We Know it,” felt like we were transported to a different planet, one that actually recognized the Christmas holiday. Hannah’s Christmas is stomped on repeatedly when she learns that her boyfriend is cheating on her. Why, Jake, why? Hannah beats him up on live TV, while her dad steals Jake’s clothes. #GOALS
Victorious: “A Christmas Tori” (Season 2, Ep 13)
Featuring a Secret Santa and Cat’s brother’s Christmas beef, this Victorious episode was pure gold. However, we did experience some brain cloudiness with all the presents gifted between the cast. How did Robbie rent a cotton candy machine that came “WITH A MAN” and where can I get one? Can my Secret Santa please get me a good grade like the one Tori gave to André? And if so, can they give it to me in Biomed?
KC Undercover: “Holly Holly Not So Jolly” (Season 2, Ep 22)
Featuring our queen Zendaya, this episode tackled some serious topics. KC hides that she is going to therapy from her family. She feels like she doesn’t know who she is anymore and reflects back on her glory days in the spy industry. If you’re feeling a bit lonely and sad over the holidays, or perhaps missing your days as a spy, this episode is a great way to feel acknowledged, but also get in a good laugh.
Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays
To end our trip down memory lane, we have to end with the show of our childhood: Sesame Street. We had high hopes for the hour long Elmo’s World special, which said it was going to teach kids about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Yay education! Sadly, it was very Christmas centric and the quality was fuzzy, to say the least. Plus it featured some “odd moments”, like when Elmo kept making out with a door under the mistletoe or doing a very suggestive dance. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable watch that should keep your little cousins entertained, and make you go “did he just do that?” when you have to babysit over the holidays.
If you, like us, still have a concerning obsession with Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, turn on your TV, and snuggle up because “You’re watching Disney Channel!”