Valentine’s Day has an undeservedly negative reputation. Couples love it; singles hate it. I love Valentine’s Day, and I always have. I have a difficult time understanding why some people despise it. Whether it’s a boy, a girl, chocolate or my personal favorite, Netflix, everyone can have a significant other to celebrate with. So, if you’re spending this VDay with your television, here are the best Valentine’s Day TV episodes to marathon.
8. “The Office” — “Valentine’s Day” (2006)
Michael Scott accidentally reveals that he and Jan Levinson “hooked up” right before a corporate meeting in New York. In Scranton, the office gets jealous when Phyllis’ boyfriend delivers her gifts all day, Pam gets mad at Roy and we have to watch Jim heartbreakingly long for Pam. In the show’s prime, this was one of the best episodes.
7. “Modern Family” — “My Funky Valentine” (2010)
Hilarity ensues in “Modern Family” when Claire and Phil’s roleplay ends with her only clothing getting caught in an escalator. Almost all of the characters are involved in equally funny plots, so if you want to laugh for 20 minutes and be glad you’re not in a relationship, this one’s for you.
6. “Friends” — “The One with the Candy Hearts” (1995)
Chandler agrees to go on a double date with Joey, only to find that he was set up with his two-time ex, Janice, and Ross’s Valentine’s is tested by the presence of his lesbian ex-wife. “Friends” is a classic, and honestly I wouldn’t blame you if you decided just to watch this show on VDay.
5. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” — “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” (1998)
Cordelia broke Xander’s heart, so he casts a love spell so he can break up with her. However, the spell backfires, and every woman in Sunnydale, with the exception of Cordelia, falls in love with him. Including Buffy’s mom. Gross. Buffy becomes a rat and Angel is evil, so there’s a lot to laugh at. Also, this is my second all-time favorite show. Go watch it.
4. “30 Rock” — “Anna Howard Shaw Day” (2010)
Liz deliberately schedules a root canal on Valentine’s Day, only to realize she has no one to drive her home. Add the fact that she’s high as a kite, and you’re guaranteed to laugh. Jenna is devastated to discover her favorite stalker has moved on, and Jack has a date with a journalist. If Liz Lemon is single on Valentine’s Day, I think we’ll all be OK.
3. “Community” — “Early 21st Century Romanticism” (2011)
Britta goes to a dance with a girl she thinks is a lesbian, and she’s proud to be friends with someone so “diverse.” Troy and Abed get into a bit of a disagreement over a girl. Jeff gets in a fight with the gang, so he hangs out with Professor Duncan. But Chang crashes their party. Season two of “Community” rocks, and this is one of the standout episodes.
2. “Veronica Mars” — “Ruskie Business” (2005)
This is my first all-time favorite show. Veronica gets hired by a Russian mail-order bride to find her husband, but Veronica is distracted by helping her friend Meg find her secret admirer. Logan (be still my heart) is devastated when he finds his sister instead of the mother he believes to still be alive. This leads to a funny but heartbreaking scene in which Logan shows up at the school dance without wearing pants.
1. “Parks and Recreation” — “Galentine’s Day” (2010)
Leslie and Justin try to reunite Leslie’s mom with an old fling before they realize he isn’t quite all there in the head. This episode introduces us to the wonderful tradition that is “Galentine’s Day,” where on Feb. 13, women celebrate other women. Every friend group should have this tradition. It’s cute and fun and reminds you to appreciate the great people in your life.
Originally published: http://dailynorthwestern.com/2014/02/12/thecurrent/spend-valentines-day-with-your-tv-and-marathon-these-episodes/