As a longtime fan of animated comedy series, I can confidently say that “Rapture’s Delight” from American Dad is undoubtedly my favorite Christmas episode. Having grown up watching this show, I’ve seen it all – the highs, the lows, the weird and the wonderful. But nothing quite compares to the sheer brilliance of “Rapture’s Delight.
It’s high time we ranked the top-notch Christmas episodes of “American Dad!”, one of the finest adult animated sitcoms out there, known for its unique and eccentric storylines that set it apart from other shows created by Seth McFarlane like “Family Guy” and “The Cleveland Show.” The show has carved a niche for itself as a series that fearlessly ventures into the absurd and outrageous. This quality is particularly noticeable in their Christmas episodes, making them truly exceptional.
American Dad distinguishes itself by boldly altering its own storyline for the sake of delivering exceptional narratives. While it may maintain a consistent timeline within an individual episode, the absurd events are still experienced by each character. The Christmas episodes take this uniqueness a step further, offering unconventional festive celebrations that can be quite extraordinary. Not all of these episodes are equally successful, but here’s a rundown of every American Dad Christmas episode, ranked from least favorite to most preferred.
#12 – The Grounch (Season 17, Episode 22)
In the second attempt (with the first following), American Dad aimed to base its holiday special around a plot instigated by Snot, yet this time it veered significantly from the actual holiday theme. When the Smith family discovers a list where Snot has ranked each member based on attractiveness, Stan becomes motivated to launch a men’s magazine, while Roger, feeling dejected about ending up last, can’t enjoy his traditional “Sexmas Party.” The rest of the episode strays even further from the holiday celebrations as Stan grows more vain and Roger decides to abstain from any sexual activities.
The biggest tie comes with Roger’s transformation into the legally distinct “Grounch” and he ruins the sexy party happening without him. It’s a somewhat funny parody of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch story, but it’s really just not that interesting overall. Especially when compared to every other Christmas episode American Dad has done before and after this season.
#11 – Santa, Schmanta (Season 13, Episode 1)
Following the storyline of “Ninety North, Zero West” (to be presented soon), “Santa, Schmanta” features an unusual duo of Roger and Snot. This pairing is so uncommon that Steve himself remarks on the oddity of their shared time, leading to the series’ inaugural Hanukkah episode. With Santa deceased, power vacates, offering Roger a chance at leadership. However, embittered by family indifference and discovering a bond with Snot, he transforms into a divine figure inspired by Hanukkah, significantly altering the holiday season.
In this particular Santa-themed show, the plot involves bringing Santa back to life in a manner reminiscent of Frankenstein’s monster, only to have him quickly defeated at the end. However, due to several family members being absent from the storyline for much of the episode, the humor primarily rests on the shoulders of Roger and Snot. Unfortunately, their comedic chemistry falls short in this instance.
#10 – Into the Jingleverse (Season 18, Episode 22)
In the newest addition to the Santa Claus storyline, “Into the Jingleverse,” the narrative unfolds when Steve receives more impressive gifts than Stan from the family. Proud of this achievement, Steve decides to make amends by procuring a virtual reality headset for himself. Eager to acquire the most sought-after gadget of the season, Stan approaches Santa, who instead grants him a low-quality headset that inadvertently lands the family in an economical virtual world. As it turns out, this predicament was all part of Santa’s plan to evaluate these human headsets before executing his global takeover.
The CG animated gimmick makes for some fun sequences overall, and Stan learns that Steve’s just going all out to take him for everything he does, but it’s just not the most compelling of the Santa focused stories we’ve gotten over the years. It’s certainly a fun way to keep it going even after all these years, but compared to the others it just doesn’t stack up.
#9 – Ninety North, Zero West (Season 12, Episode 7)
In “Ninety North, Zero West,” the latest Christmas episode, we find it progressively challenging to keep up with the storyline, much like previous ones featuring Santa Claus as the main adversary. Despite the Smith Family reminiscing about their past Christmases and building towards a climactic battle against old St. Nick, the resolution falls short. Santa’s plan to unlock ancient relics for increased power is thwarted by Steve’s unwavering faith in Christmas. However, there’s a hilarious moment when Francine showcases her expertise on the ritual Santa is attempting, making it an enjoyable part of the episode.
#8 – Dreaming of a White Porsche Christmas (Season 10, Episode 9)
In this list, the first alternate universe scenario titled “Dreaming of a White Porsche Christmas” presents an unconventional take on Stan’s self-centered holiday desires. Inspired by Principal Lewis’ carefree bachelor lifestyle, Stan fantasizes about living as a single man. After being transported to a universe where he’s single and Lewis is with Francine, Stan comically meets his demise when attempting to reclaim his old life. Following this incident, he discovers that his “real” family isn’t what he initially thought, leading him to realize that the family he already has is more valuable than he previously believed. This is a humorous and circuitous way for Stan to learn a lesson he’s encountered before.
#7 – The Best Christmas Story Never Told (Season 2, Episode 9)
The journey began at some point, and we’re fortunate that the Christmas episodes of ‘American Dad’ set off on a strong note. This particular episode took a more conventional approach to Christmas specials, as Stan was tasked with traveling back in time to discover what Christmas would be like if he had never existed. Instead, he chose to seize this chance to eliminate Jane Fonda, who he thought was responsible for the shift from saying “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays” in the current era.
Over time, power shifts and the Soviet Union gains control, leaving Stan in a position where he must assassinate Ronald Reagan to reverse the situation. However, this idea is intriguing but not as highly ranked because it delves into the more politically-oriented humor that was prevalent in the early seasons of American Dad!. Compared to later episodes on this list, its political focus hinders it from achieving true greatness.
#6 – The Most Adequate Christmas Ever (Season 3, Episode 8)
In a further expansion of the theme, “American Dad” delved into an even more grandiose concept. Stan’s obsession with controlling Christmas escalates to such an extent that he inadvertently turns the festive occasion sour for his entire family. In a desperate quest for the perfect Christmas tree, Stan exposes his loved ones to freezing temperatures. This leads to a court hearing in the afterlife regarding his moral character. However, instead of accepting his fate, Stan seizes a divine weapon and embarks on a mission to retrieve it from God, with the hope of resurrecting himself on Earth and rescuing his family before time runs out. The series amps up the edginess that was present in earlier seasons, making it even more captivating in the process.
This episode initiates a recurring theme in several seasons of “American Dad”‘s Christmas episodes, involving portrayals of the afterlife. Remarkably, it revisits this topic years later. The main purpose is for Stan to grasp the realization that he doesn’t know everything and should value his family. This lesson is frequently conveyed in Christmas specials, but what sets this one apart is Stan threatening God with a gun to drive the point home.
#5 – Season’s Beatings (Season 7, Episode 7)
In the festive spirit of American Dad’s Christmas episodes, “Season’s Beatings” features a recurring theme where Stan and his family engage in battles against divine entities. Following their encounter with the Anti-Christ in earlier seasons (with an episode placed later on this list), “Season’s Beatings” reintroduces the Anti-Christ, drawing upon The Omen for inspiration during the holiday season. Eventually, Jeff takes the Anti-Christ under his wing, leaving Stan and the others to grapple with finding a solution throughout the remainder of the episode.
In the tradition of most American Dad‘s holiday specials, it doesn’t take much time for things to spiral into magical mayhem. Although it never escalates to Stan murdering a child, they eventually decide to relocate the Anti-Christ as world domination approaches in an unprecedented manner. Despite initially appearing to be a story about Stan feeling jealous of Roger for playing Jesus in the Christmas pageant, things quickly take a grand turn, much like many of the series’ finest episodes.
#4 – Minstrel Krampus (Season 9, Episode 8)
It’s well-known that “American Dad” boasts some of the finest tunes among adult animated shows, and they fit perfectly with holiday themes, especially for the episode “Minstrel Krampus.” This unique musical Christmas adventure is the only one in the show’s history, and it’s easy to see why – it’s hard to imagine they could surpass this performance. In the story, Stan frees Krampus from a trap his father had set, and in retaliation, Krampus abducts Steven as punishment for his excessive holiday spoiling.
In this particular adventure, it’s just me (Stan) and not the whole Smith family, as Haley and Francine’s tales don’t have significant outcomes. However, the introduction of my father as the new Krampus in the show’s narrative has made this episode truly memorable! To top it off, Charles Bradley delivers an exceptional performance as the character, making it a must-watch not just once, but multiple times!
#3 – For Whom the Sleigh Bell Tolls (Season 6, Episode 8)
In addition to the first three items on the list, the same argument applies. “For Whom the Sleigh Bell Tolls” is well-known as it sparked a long-standing dispute between the Smiths and Santa that sets the stage for his recurrences in subsequent episodes. Following Stan’s gift of a gun during the holiday season, Steve unintentionally ends up killing the genuine Santa Claus. From then on, the real Santa makes repeated comebacks into their lives.
The episode concludes with an entertaining standoff that has been challenging to surpass in subsequent Santa tales. What makes this story exceptional are the elements such as Jeff forming a bond with Stan, and Bob Todd being unveiled as one of the most memorable guest characters in the annals of American Dad. This tale encompasses the entire family, ultimately bringing them all together by the finale.
#2 – Yule. Tide. Repeat. (Season 15, Episode 22)
Drawing influence from numerous time loop stories that have emerged in recent years, American Dad crafted its own version of a time loop narrative. This time around, Stan yearns for another idyllic Christmas with his loved ones and they venture to an outdoor mall for separate activities. However, when events take a grim turn, Stan discovers he has multiple chances to rectify the situation and enjoy the holiday as he desires. As is often the case in such stories, he learns that the ideal holiday involves cherishing time with family before they face tragic demises. It’s a delightful twist on the Christmas tale, and American Dad managed to inject a fresh take on elements fans have encountered throughout the series thus far.
#1 – Rapture’s Delight (Season 5, Episode 9)
If discussing the top Christmas episode as well as the finest episodes from American Dad overall, “Rapture’s Delight” stands out as an unrivaled choice. This episode builds upon the innovative groundwork laid by previous Christmas episodes and serves as a significant narrative reset for the animated series, marking its first true wild card in continuity. The story unfolds immediately following the Rapture, which whisked half the world’s population to heaven, leaving Stan, Francine, and Roger behind. In the aftermath, Stan ends his relationship with Francine, who later forms a new connection with Jesus. The second half of the episode brings about some major twists.
In a nod to action films popular in the 1980s (filled with cheesy puns), characters Stan and Jesus join forces to vanquish the Anti-Christ in an ultimate showdown, protecting Francine in the process. The conclusion cleverly connects it to previous Christmas episodes, hinting that the entire series unfolds within a deceased Stan’s heaven. This represents the pinnacle of American Dad’s creativity and Christmas storytelling.
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2024-12-16 08:10