New Year’s Eve episodes are sitcoms at their absolute best: everybody has a plan, everybody swears this year will be different, and then the universe immediately starts throwing curveballs.
Sometimes it’s a glittery party night that spirals into jealousy, secrets, and “why did we invite him?” energy. Other times it’s quieter – people taking stock, making a big decision, or realizing the midnight kiss they built up in their head isn’t the thing they actually need.
So, in this article, I’m rounding up some of the funniest (and occasionally most unexpectedly heartfelt) New Year’s-themed sitcom episodes.
Friends Season 5 Episode 11 “The One with All the Resolutions”
New Year’s in Friends means resolutions, peer pressure, and immediate chaos.
After a party, the group vows self-improvement: Rachel quits gossiping, Joey learns guitar with Phoebe as an unhinged teacher, Monica takes more photos, and Ross promises one new thing every day.
Meanwhile, Chandler, the king of snark, agrees to stop mocking his friends and instantly suffers withdrawal.
The episode’s signature disaster is Ross’s leather-pants date, a sweaty lesson in overconfidence. Best of all, Rachel stumbles onto the Monica-and-Chandler secret and fights every urge to blurt it out. It captures how resolutions collapse by January 2nd.
Friends Season 1 Episode 10 “The One with the Monkey”
Season one nails that New Year’s Eve mood: everyone claims they’re fine alone, until midnight gets close.
Chandler suggests a ‘no-dates’ pact for Monica’s party, and the gang bravely agrees… then promptly cheats. Joey and Chandler scramble for last-minute companions, Rachel wrestles with her lingering feelings, and Ross shows up solo, clinging to his newest roommate, Marcel the monkey.
Meanwhile, Phoebe meets gentle scientist David, and their sweet, awkward connection adds heart to the comedy. By the countdown, the kisses are messy, the dates are gone, and friendship wins.
It’s the show’s early proof that holiday episodes can sparkle.
Friends Season 6 Episode 10 “The One with the Routine”
This is Friends at peak holiday chaos. Ross and Monica score a spot on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and resurrect their earnest dance “routine,” determined to hog the camera like competitive toddlers.
Joey, meanwhile, fixates on getting a midnight kiss from Janine, turning the countdown into one mission.
Back at the apartment, Rachel, Phoebe, and Chandler tear through closets and cushions hunting for Monica’s hidden Christmas presents before she returns—because nothing says peace on earth like panicked snooping.
When the music hits, Ross and Monica commit 110%, and the episode becomes a yearly rewatch for a reason.
Modern Family Season 4 Episode 11 “New Year’s Eve”
Modern Family turns New Year’s into a family endurance test.
Jay drags everyone to a Palm Springs hotel he remembers as glamorous, only to find it isn’t. As the night unravels, each branch of the clan chases its own version of ‘perfect’: Claire and Phil hunt for romance (and a nearby hot spring), Gloria fights to keep the celebration on track, and Jay sulks until a surprise run-in with Billy Dee Williams rescues his mood.
Back at home, Haley and Alex attempt babysitting and learn the kids are relentless. It ends with midnight finally landing more sweetly than planned.
Full House Season 4 Episode 13 “Happy New Year”
Full House celebrates New Year’s with Tanner-family chaos and a flood of midnight kisses.
Danny and Jesse worry Joey will be the lonely third wheel at the TV station party, so they set him up with Christine. Joey immediately goes all-in, gets smitten, and starts talking like elopement is a reasonable event.
Upstairs, Rusty teases Stephanie that he’s going to kiss her at midnight, then tries to play it off as a prank. Meanwhile, Michelle practices saying ‘Happy New Year’ so obsessively it drives everyone nuts.
When the countdown hits, the episode lands on sweetness, nerves, and romance.
How I Met Your Mother Season 1 Episode 11 “The Limo”
How I Met Your Mother turns New Year’s Eve into a plan and an inevitable mess.
Ted blows his bonus on a limo so the gang can hit five “perfect” parties and dodge the usual midnight letdown. Robin starts with boyfriend Derek but calls for a rescue, Barney picks up a date, and Lily’s aching feet become the night’s villain.
A supposed “Moby” sighting sends them chasing the wrong guy, phones get misplaced, and a flat tire forces a desperate walk. They end up stuck in traffic, toasting in the limo—until Ted steps out, and Robin follows for a kiss.
Seinfeld Season 8 Episode 20 “The Millennium”
Seinfeld does New Year’s mania with maximum pettiness.
Newman launches “Newmannium”; Kramer plots a rival bash, then flip-flops as the guest war heats up. Jerry delivers the ultimate buzzkill logic: because there’s no year zero, Newman may have booked the true millennium celebration for December 31, 2000.
Elaine tries to ruin a rude shop owner, and Kramer’s meddling ends with desiccant contaminating salsa and a trip to poison control. Jerry and his girlfriend wage war over speed-dial rankings—until her stepmother joins the fight.
Meanwhile George pulls stunts to get fired by the Yankees, and chaos ricochets through the front office.
The Office Season 7 Episode 13“Ultimatum”
“Ultimatum” captures New Year’s energy at Dunder Mifflin: bold promises, instant collapse, and feelings nobody can manage at work.
Michael builds a “happy box” and a “sad box” while waiting to hear if Holly’s year-end ultimatum made A.J. propose. He sees no ring and celebrates—then learns Holly caved and they’re still together.
Pam posts a resolutions board that spirals into absurd goals, Dwight drags Andy and Darryl on a misguided night out, and Michael tries ‘motivation’ by force-feeding Kevin broccoli, as everyone quits fast anyway.
By the end, Holly quietly admits she needs a break, and Pam ditches the board.
Starstruck Season 1 Episode 1 “NYE”
Starstruck opens on New Year’s Eve 2020 with Jessie reluctantly going out in London, expecting nothing more than a blurry story to regret in the morning. Instead, she meets Tom via an accidental encounter in the club’s men’s toilets, sparks fly, and she goes home with him.
The next-day twist: Tom isn’t just charming—he’s a famous film star. Jessie stumbles through her day jobs (including babysitting in last night’s dress), keeps running into Tom on the street, and winds up back at his place again.
Then she spots something that makes his availability feel complicated, and bolts without a goodbye.
3rd Rock from the Sun Season 4 Episode 9 “Happy New Dick!”
As New Year’s approaches, Dick spirals: he’s convinced he’s accomplished nothing worth bragging about, so he chases a last-minute “meaningful” achievement instead of enjoying the night.
Mary hosts a fondue party and hands him the most deflating responsibility imaginable—cheese—while Sally flirts her way into exclusive tickets from Officer Don, only to change her mind and ignite his irritation.
Meanwhile, Tommy and Harry plot an over-the-top New Year’s blowout at Happy Doug’s bar, recruiting help and treating fireworks like a love language. It’s classic 3rd Rock: big feelings, bigger chaos, and a reset button nobody understands.
Living Single Season 5 Episode 13 “Let’s Stay Together”
Living Single uses New Year’s to drop a massive twist on Max.
After her brush with death, she’s chosen a sperm donor, but Overton notices the clinic is the same place Kyle once donated. Khadijah and Synclaire compare the donor profile and realize it matches Kyle, and Overton confirms it by checking records: Kyle is the father. Max insists she won’t tell him about the baby, trying to keep control while everyone else short-circuits.
Overton throws an impromptu New Year’s Eve party and invites Kyle home from Cleveland—setting up fireworks that have nothing to do with champagne tonight.
That ’70s Show Season 8 Episode 22 “That ’70s Finale”
That ’70s Show closes the decade on December 31, 1979, with everyone feeling the floor shift under them.
Kitty gets cold feet about selling the house and moving to Florida, while Red tries to act unbothered and fails. The gang gathers for one last night of basement comfort, sentimental jokes, and messy romantic loose ends, knowing the future is arriving whether they’re ready or not.
The finale also brings Eric back, briefly but meaningfully, to complete the circle. As midnight hits, the show rolls into the ’80s for good—ending on nostalgia, change, and a final breath of smoke together.
Frasier Season 7 Episode 12 “RDWRER”
Frasier and Niles want a classy New Year’s Eve for the turn of the millennium… and immediately get thrown into chaos.
When their original party plans collapse, they pile into Martin’s Winnebago (tuxes, dignity, and Eddie included) and hit the road for a wine-club celebration in Sun Valley, Idaho. Then the trip goes fully sideways: Niles falls asleep at a stop and wakes up in the wrong RV, kicking off a chain reaction of mistaken identities, police trouble, and last-minute scrambling as midnight approaches.
It’s one of Frasier’s best “highbrow men vs. real life” episodes.
Everybody Hates Chris Season 4 Episode 10 “Everybody Hates New Year’s Eve”
Chris has one dream: get to Times Square to see the ball drop. The problem? Rochelle won’t let him go unless he’s with a “responsible adult,” and the only available chaperones are Tasha’s mom Peaches and her friend Malvo—both ex-cons, which sends Rochelle into full protective mode.
While Chris fights for his big night, Julius gets stuck in a traffic nightmare and unexpectedly becomes a local hero when he talks a man down from jumping off the George Washington Bridge.
Meanwhile, Drew and Tonya turn staying awake into a sibling showdown. It’s funny, stressful, and weirdly sweet.
30 Rock Season 4 Episode 9 “Klaus and Greta”
30 Rock turns New Year’s Eve regret into an Olympic sport. After a wild night, Jack realizes he left an embarrassing drunk voicemail for Nancy—his old flame—using their high-school German-class nicknames (“Klaus and Greta”).
So he drags Kenneth into a truly unhinged mission to break into Nancy’s place and erase the message while she’s away.
At the same time, Jenna launches a publicity romance with James Franco to counter rumors about his devotion to a Japanese body pillow, and Liz deals with the fallout of accidentally outing her cousin at her NYE party… which turns into an unexpected roommate situation. Gloriously chaotic, start to finish!
Laverne & Shirley Season 3 Episode 12 “New Year’s Eve 1959”
This one captures that very specific New Year’s feeling of “everything is going wrong and it’s still somehow festive.”
It’s New Year’s Eve 1959 heading into 1960, and Laverne’s romantic plans wobble hard—depending on who you ask, she’s either dumped at the last minute or thrown a curveball when her dream date shows up.
Shirley, meanwhile, is sick with a New Year’s cold, which puts a damper on any glamorous party vibes. And because it’s Laverne & Shirley, Lenny and Squiggy have a “special” midnight plan outside the building that guarantees maximum awkwardness. Messy, sweet, and very Milwaukee.
The Golden Girls Season 7 Episode 7 “Dateline: Miami”
Quick note: this one isn’t a full-on New Year’s Eve episode in the “countdown to midnight” sense—but it does include a New Year’s Eve flashback that absolutely earns it a spot here.
Dorothy heads out on a big date with the famously “infamous” Dr. Cagan, leaving Rose, Blanche, and Sophia home to swap stories about past disasters.
The memories escalate from rude jerks to a messy NYE double date where Rose ends up consoling a widower with bad intentions and Blanche realizes her date is a former priest… and a virgin. By the time Dorothy comes home, everyone’s had a night.
Good Times Season 3 Episode 16 “A Place to Die”
Good Times goes unexpectedly tender for New Year’s. Before the Evanses can even get to their celebration, Michael’s elderly friend Hubert asks for something heartbreaking: he wants to spend New Year’s Eve at their home so he can die surrounded by people who care about him.
Florida and James are forced into impossible “adult” choices—how do you honor someone’s final wish without turning your family living room into a vigil? The episode balances warmth, discomfort, and the quiet truth that the holiday can make loneliness louder.
It’s not a party episode—it’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful New Year’s moments happen in the hard conversations.
Liv and Maddie Season 2 Episode 7 “New Year’s Eve-A-Rooney”
This one is peak “NYE pressure cooker,” Disney-style.
Liv co-hosts a big New Year’s Eve TV event with Johnny Nimbus and plans to perform her new song after midnight, so she’s chasing a perfect on-air moment.
Meanwhile, Maddie’s trying to do the long-distance relationship thing with Diggie—until a secret pops out live on TV and shakes her confidence hard. Back at the Rooney house, Joey and Parker race the clock with a chore checklist, treating midnight like a deadline from a very festive boss.
It’s all glitter and countdown energy… with relationship reality sneaking in under the confetti.
Peep Show Series 7 Episode 6 “New Year’s Eve”
Peep Show weaponizes New Year’s Eve the way it always does: by making it deeply awkward and slightly grim.
Mark is spiraling because Dobby hasn’t texted since Christmas, while Jeremy insists the “El Dude Brothers” are going to have the greatest night of their lives. Then Zahra reappears, newly single and suddenly angling to move in, which Jeremy agrees to with the confidence of a man making terrible choices at speed.
They end up at a fancy-dress party at Johnson’s place, where Mark’s humiliating sailor costume isn’t even his biggest problem—especially once Dobby overhears him trying to sound cool and cruel at the same time.
The Wonder Years Season 6 Episode 11 “New Years”
Kevin’s New Year’s plan is simple: ditch the parents, go to a ski lodge party with friends, and live his best “I’m basically an adult now” life. Then family reality kicks in.
With New Year’s Eve approaching, Wayne and Bonnie pull everyone into a family dinner plan, forcing Kevin to cancel the night he’d built up in his head.
The episode nails that specific teenage misery of watching the “best night of the year” slip away—while also showing how your family’s drama doesn’t pause for the holiday. It’s funny, nostalgic, and a little bruising, like most New Year’s memories are.
All in the Family Season 6 Episode 16 “New Year’s Wedding”
All in the Family uses New Year’s as a pressure point for marriage, not partying.
In the wake of baby Joey’s birth, Mike and Gloria are already running on fumes—and then a friend’s New Year’s wedding turns into a full-blown argument about “equal partnership.” Gloria is furious that Mike keeps making decisions without consulting her, and it escalates when plans shift and he tries to steer the whole event his way.
The comedy comes from the domestic chaos and the stubborn pride on both sides, but the episode’s bite is the theme: you can’t start a new year strong if you’re not actually listening to each other.
M*A*S*H Season 9 Episode 6 “A War for All Seasons”
Instead of focusing on one New Year’s night, M*A*S*H does something sneakier: it tracks the 4077th across an entire year in Korea, with holidays and passing seasons marking time like tally marks on a wall.
There are multiple story threads—Margaret’s never-ending knitting, Mulcahy’s garden, Hawkeye and B.J.’s ambitious medical project, and Charles getting pulled into America’s baseball obsession.
The episode is framed by New Year’s celebrations, and the second one lands hard: the war is still there, and everyone is tired of pretending midnight fixes anything.
Mr. Bean Season 1 Episode 9 “Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean”
Mr. Bean’s New Year’s Eve party is the sitcom nightmare version of “keeping it simple.”
He sets up chairs like a meeting, serves DIY snacks (twigs + Marmite, anyone?), stretches one bottle of champagne with a truly criminal substitute, and can’t figure out why his guests look haunted. Rupert and Hubert solve the problem by moving the clock forward, singing “Auld Lang Syne” early, and escaping to the fun party next door.
Bean realizes the trick at the real midnight and fumes—then the episode pivots into January-sales chaos and his famous “armchair-on-the-car-roof” DIY spiral.
Boy Meets World Season 3 Episode 10 “Train of Fools”
This is Boy Meets World doing New Year’s Eve as a coming-of-age stress test.
It’s Cory and Eric’s first NYE away from their family, so expectations are sky-high: Cory is fixated on that midnight kiss with Topanga, and Eric shows up with supermodel Rebecca Alexa like he’s already living in the future. Then reality hits—literally—when the group gets stranded on a broken-down subway ride to the party.
Trapped together, they try to turn a miserable situation into a memorable night, and the episode quietly nails what growing up actually looks like: plans failing, feelings surfacing, and choosing to make it work anyway.
The Big Bang Theory Season 4 Episode 11 “The Justice League Recombination”
New Year’s Eve, but make it nerdy and weirdly emotional.
The guys form a Justice League costume group for a comic-store party—because nothing says “fresh start” like competing for a prize in spandex. They recruit Penny as Wonder Woman, and her not-too-bright boyfriend Zack as Superman, which immediately turns the night into a minefield for Leonard (jealous) and Sheldon (dramatic, obviously).
Penny’s presence helps them win, but the victory tastes complicated when she and Zack get affectionate in front of Leonard. It’s a perfect “holiday episode” move: big laughs, then a little sting right before the champagne.