15 of the Best New Year's Episodes to Stream, from ‘Friends’ to ‘Gossip Girl’

• Season 1, Episode 1
• Cast: Rose Matafeo, Nikesh Patel, Emma Sidi

HBO’s criminally underrated screwball comedy begins on New Year’s Eve, with Jessie getting drunk at a party and sleeping with a random guy who turns out to be a famous movie star. Sure, the plot is ridiculously far-fetched, but it's not your typical, formulaic rom-com. Thanks to the believable chemistry and brilliant writing, you might find yourself binge-watching the rest of the series.

• Season 7, Episode 13
• Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer

Hang with the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch as they work together to make resolutions. In this episode, Pam spearheads a fun new project that involves the “New Year’s Resolution Board,” and as you can expect, chaos eventually ensues. From Dwight’s questionable goal to Creed’s cartwheel mission, you’ll feel even more inspired to meet your resolutions.

• Season 4, Episode 9
• Cast: John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart

Our favorite aliens in disguise celebrate their first-ever New Year’s Eve in this episode. Unfortunately, Dick isn’t in a celebratory mood because he hasn’t accomplished anything significant in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, Harry and Tommy decide to throw a party at the bar. What could possibly go wrong?

• Season 5, Episode 13
• Cast: Queen Latifah, Kim Coles, Erika Alexander

In this bittersweet final episode of the classic sitcom, Max decides to become a single mother, with the help of an anonymous sperm donor—or so she thinks. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang plans a New Year’s party, and Synclaire gets a once-in-a-lifetime job offer in California. (Get the tissues ready.)

• Season 1, Episode 16
• Cast: Bess Armstrong, Wilson Cruz, Claire Danes 

Get your dose of nostalgia by revisiting this cult classic, which will make you feel like a teenager all over again. The NYE-themed episode walks us through each of the characters’ biggest resolutions, from Rayanne’s goal to quit drinking to Rickie’s ongoing search for a new home.

• Season 8, Episode 22
• Cast: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson

This tearjerker series finale follows Kitty, Jackie and the rest of the gang as they bid farewell to the ’70s and prepare to enter the new decade. There are plenty of major transitions and standout moments, from Eric and Kelso's return to Kitty and Red’s big decision about Florida. 

• Season 7, Episode 12
• Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce

When their New Year’s Eve plans go south, Frasier, Niles and Martin decide to hit the road and travel hundreds of miles to celebrate at a wine club in Idaho. Not surprisingly, chaos ensues as Martin pushes Frasier’s buttons and Niles gets lost at a rest stop.

• Season 4, Episode 10 
• Cast: Tyler James Williams, Terry Crews, Tichina Arnold

We can always count on Everybody Hates Chris for a good laugh. In this festive episode, Julius becomes a hero in his town after a rare act of bravery. Meanwhile, Rochelle doubles down on her New Year's Eve traditions at home, Tonya tries to win a bet with her brother and Chris gets the surprise of a lifetime when the ball drops.  

• Season 5, Episode 11
• Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow

Yes, it’s the iconic episode where Ross has one of his biggest fashion fails: tight leather pants on a date. Aside from the hilarious bathroom scene, the rest of the gang tries (and fails) to achieve their own New Year’s resolutions, from Rachel’s bad habit to Joey’s new hobby.

• Season 6, Episode 10
• Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow

This sitcom gets another place on the list because of Ross and Monica's unforgettable dance number at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. But they’re not the only ones busting a move in this episode. There’s also Joey, who realizes that he needs more than a smirk and a 'How you doin'?' to win over his love interest, Janine.

• Season 7, Episode 4
• Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Martin Landau 

Loyal fans of the show’s spin-off, Millennium, can relive one of the most satisfying moments in TV history: when Fox Mulder and Dana Scully finally kiss. Of course, this isn’t the only highlight. The crossover episode follows Mulder, Scully and Frank Black as they go after the Millennium Group, an organization that is resurrecting people as zombies.

• Season 5, Episode 11
• Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley

Leave it to Gossip Girl to serve up the juiciest scandals and biggest NYE parties. In this episode, Blair spills the beans about what really happened after her incident with Chuck, and Charlie’s absence prompts Lily to hire a private detective. On a brighter note, Dan and Serena kick off the New Year with a kiss that’s steamy enough to set off all the fireworks.

• Season 1, Episode 11
• Cast: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders 

Ted Mosby has a plan for the perfect New Year’s Eve: rent a stretch limo with his pals, so they can crash multiple parties throughout the night. And as a bonus, he curates a catchy “Get Psyched” mix to set the mood. But unfortunately, things don’t go according to plan...

• Season 4, Episode 11
• Cast: Ed O'Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell 

If there’s one thing this sitcom has taught us, it’s that Jay’s heartfelt gestures often lead to hilariously chaotic results. Case in point? His plan to surprise the family by taking them to Palm Springs. Unbeknownst to him, his favorite hotel has turned into a nightmare destination. Meanwhile, in L.A., Haley and Alex are tasked with looking after the kids.

• Season 4, Episode 9
• Cast: Tina Fey, Jane Krakowski, Alec Baldwin, Jack McBrayer

If you’ve ever drunk dialed a crush or left an embarrassing voicemail, just know that you’re not alone. When Jack realizes that he left a drunken message on Nancy’s phone during a New Year’s Eve party, he teams up with Kenneth to try and erase it. Aside from Jack’s dilemma, Jenna tries to pull a publicity stunt, and Liz attempts to make up for betraying her cousin.