10 TV Episodes That Captured That Jimmy Stewart 'It's a W...

10 TV Episodes That Captured That Jimmy Stewart 'It's a Wonderful Life' Spirit, Ranked

Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life'Image via RKO Pictures

By Justine Kraemer Published 1 minute ago

Justine Kraemer is a Senior List Writer at Collider and a freelance writer based in Ontario, Canada. She is passionate about finding new angles on the latest movies and TV shows. With over five years of industry experience, her goal is to highlight lesser-known and interesting elements of pop culture projects.

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For decades, It's a Wonderful Life has remained a holiday staple, and few movie moments resonate as deeply as the story's heartwarming conclusion, where George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) discovers the profound impact of his life on those around him. George's journey of hope, despair, and ultimately redemption has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring generations of storytellers. Many series have done their best to capture the magic of It's a Wonderful Life, particularly with their holiday episodes.

Many shows over the years have seized the opportunity to create special installments that pause the usual plotlines to deliver poignant, heartfelt meditations on purpose, community, and the value of a single life. The holiday season has provided TV series with the opportunity to invite viewers to pause and reflect on what makes their characters so special. The best episodes of TV that have captured the magic of George Bailey's journey in It's a Wonderful Life have added new perspectives to this iconic story.

10 "It's a Wonderful Life"

'That '70s Show' (1998–2006)

Wayne Knight and Topher Grace in 'That '70s Show's "It's a Wonderful Life" episode.Image via FOX

At the beginning of That '70s Show Season 4, Eric (Topher Grace) expresses that he wishes he'd never kissed Donna (Laura Prepon). An "angel", played by Wayne Knight, appears to him and gives him a glimpse of what his life would be like if the kiss had never happened. In this alternate reality, Donna is a shallow cheerleader, Jackie (Mila Kunis) and Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) are married with kids, and Hyde (Danny Masterson) is dating Donna instead. Eric realizes how much their love meant and how deeply it shaped their friend group.

That '70s Show's "It's a Wonderful Life" captures the It's a Wonderful Life spirit by reimagining Eric in the same emotional position as George Bailey. In this episode, Eric is lost, regretful, and questioning his worth and impact on others. Like George, Eric is guided by a quirky "angel" who shows him an alternate world where he never existed in the same way. The episode mirrors the original movie's themes of self-reflection, gratitude, and the unseen ways one person can influence others' happiness.

9 "Glee, Actually"

'Glee' (2009–2015)

Two people look at a small Christmas tree in Glee episode Glee, Actually.Image via FOX

In Glee Season 4, Episode 10, "Glee, Actually," the show takes inspiration from Love Actually and tells five interconnected holiday stories about love, friendship, and forgiveness. Artie (Kevin McHale) experiences the It's a Wonderful Life-style dream in which he was never in a wheelchair, realizing how much his disability has shaped both him and the glee club. This is one of Glee's most emotionally authentic episodes, and celebrates the importance of found family.

Artie's story in particular captures the spirit of It's a Wonderful Life. After wishing he had never been in a wheelchair, Artie is shown an alternate reality where he can walk, but without him, the glee club never existed. His friends are unhappy, and the school feels joyless. This vision helps him realize, like George Bailey, how profoundly his presence and resilience have shaped the lives of those around him. Glee captures the central message of It's a Wonderful Life and adds its signature charm to the story.

8 "It's a Wonderful Job"

'Moonlighting' (1985–1989)

A man talks to Bruce Willis as Cybill Shepherd and another man look on in Moonlighting, It's a Wonderful Job.Image via ABC

In Moonlighting's Season 3 Christmas episode, "It's a Wonderful Job," Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd), overwhelmed and frustrated with her chaotic detective agency and her partner David Addison (Bruce Willis), wishes she had closed down. Her guardian angel, Albert (Richard Libertini), appears and shows her an alternate reality where she closed the agency and never met David. In this version, Maddie's life is lonely and unfulfilled, David is working happily elsewhere, and the people she once employed are scattered or struggling.

This episode highlights the fact that Maddie feels overwhelmed by responsibility and disillusioned with the life she's built, until her guardian angel shows her what the world would be like if she'd made a different choice. The alternate reality reveals that, without Maddie's leadership and compassion, people around her would be worse off and her own life is emptier and lonelier. This revelation also rekindles Maddie's appreciation for her work, her colleagues, and especially her partnership with David.

7 "It's a Bundyful Life"

'Married... with Children' (1987–1997)

A festive poster with the cast and logo for "It's a Bundyful Life" on Married...With Children.Image via FOX

In Married… with Children Season 4, Episode 12, "It's a Bundyful Life," Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) faces a miserable Christmas when he fails to get his paycheck in time to buy gifts for his family. Feeling defeated and worthless, Al wishes he had never been born, prompting a visit from his guardian angel, played by Sam Kinison, who shows him what life would be like without him. In the alternate reality, the Bundy family is thriving. Peggy (Katey Sagal) has remarried a rich man, the kids are successful and happy, and everyone's life is better without Al's constant bad luck.

Married… with Children's "It's a Bundyful Life" captures the spirit of It's a Wonderful Life by parodying it through the show's trademark dark humor and cynicism. Like George Bailey, Al Bundy feels unappreciated, overworked, and defeated by life, especially during Christmas, when his failures as a provider hit hardest. Instead of discovering how much he means to others, Al learns the opposite, which is that everyone is happier without him. This twisted inversion of the classic story still reflects the emotional core of It's a Wonderful Life.

6 "It's a Super Life"

'Supergirl' (2015–2021)

Supergirl and a man stand on a city street looking perplexed in Season 5, Episode 13 It's a Super Life.Image via The CW

In Supergirl Season 5, Episode 13, "It's a Super Life," the 100th episode of the series, Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist) is visited by Mr. Mxyzptlk (Thomas Lennon), the mischievous fifth-dimensional imp, who offers her a chance to fix her biggest regret, which is revealing her secret identity to Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath) too late. Mxyzptlk takes Kara through multiple alternate timelines, showing how different choices might have changed their friendship and the world. Each scenario spirals into chaos, showing that even small changes have massive consequences.

Supergirl's "It's a Super Life" successfully reimagines George Bailey's story by showing Kara Danvers' emotional crisis in a superhero context. Kara is weighed down by guilt and self-doubt, wishing she could undo a painful decision. Each vision forces Kara to confront the unintended consequences of her actions and recognize the value of her integrity, empathy, and humanity. In the end, Kara, like George Bailey, accepts her imperfect life with gratitude, understanding that her choices, even her mistakes, make her who she is.

5 "The Greatest Gift"

'Warehouse 13' (2009–2014)

Artie and Claudia look away as MacPherson holds a sword in Warehouse 13 episode The Greatest Gift.Image via SYFY

In Warehouse 13 Season 3, Episode 13, "The Greatest Gift," the agents find themselves caught up in a holiday-themed crisis when a mysterious artifact begins to wreak havoc, causing time and reality to warp around them. Pete (Eddie McClintock), Myka (Joanne Kelly), and the team confront their regrets and the impact of their choices, particularly as Pete reflects on his relationships and the life he might have led had he made different decisions. The artifact’s effects force each character to see how much their actions matter to the people around them.

Like George Bailey, Pete and the other agents are confronted with visions of how the world, and the people they care about, would be different if certain choices had never been made. The magical artifact acts as a catalyst, showing them alternate realities that reveal both the fragility and importance of their actions. Through this, the episode emphasizes gratitude, self-worth, and the ripple effect of personal decisions, and adds a sci-fi twist to It's a Wonderful Life's central message.

4 "The Last Temptation of Homer"

'The Simpsons' (1989–)

Colonel Klink and Homer flying through the air in The Simpsons episode The Last Temptation of Homer.Image via FOX

In The Simpsons Season 5, Episode 9, "The Last Temptation of Homer," Homer Simpson (Dan Castellaneta) grapples with marital temptation when a new co-worker, Mindy Simmons (Michelle Pfeiffer), joins the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. Homer is drawn to Mindy's charm, intelligence, and shared interests, leading him to imagine what life might be like if he pursued an affair. Despite his fantasies and several near-misses, Homer ultimately recommits to Marge (Julie Kavner), realizing the value of his family and the stability of his life with her.

The Simpsons' "The Last Temptation of Homer" is a unique take on George Bailey's story since it features the series' signature blend of heart and irreverent humor. When Homer is tempted to imagine this alternate reality where he pursues an affair with Mindy, he has to confront the potential ripple effects on his family and personal happiness. The episode also makes full use of exaggerated fantasy sequences to get Homer to recognize the value of his existing life and his love for Marge.

3 "Hey Harry, F'Crying Out Loud — It is a Wonderful Life... Sorta"

'Night Court' (1984–1992)

John Larroquette looks surprised with two women embracing him in Night Court Season 8, Episode 18.Image via NBC

In Night Court Season 8, Episode 18, "Hey Harry, F'Crying Out Loud — It is a Wonderful Life… Sorta," Harry Stone (Harry Anderson) faces a personal and professional low point, prompting him to reflect on the value of his life and work. In true It's a Wonderful Life fashion, he is shown an alternate reality in which he never existed, revealing how different and often worse the lives of his friends, colleagues, and the court would be without him in sometimes surprising ways.

Night Court's It's a Wonderful Life moment sees Harry's imagined world showcase just how important he is to those around him. The chaos, dysfunction, and unhappiness of this vision reveal just how significant his presence has been, even in small or unconventional ways. Like George Bailey's story, this one highlights the fact that one individual’s choices and actions can profoundly influence the lives of others, and that even an imperfect person has much to offer.

2 "It's a Wonderful Mork"

'Mork & Mindy' (1978–1982)

Mork (Robin Williams) and Mindy (Pam Dawber) sitting on the couch in 'Mork & Mindy'Image via ABC

In the first season of Mork & Mindy, "It's a Wonderful Mork," Mork (Robin Williams) falls into a deep funk after a series of discouraging experiences, leading him to believe that Earth might be better off without him. Sensing his despair, Orson (Ralph James) sends an angel-like guide named The Viewer to show Mork what life would be like if he had never come to Earth. In this alternate reality, Mindy (Pam Dawber) is lonely and unhappy, her father's life has taken a darker turn, and the warmth Mork brought to those around him is painfully absent.

Just as George Bailey confronts a despair rooted in feeling insignificant, Mork's crisis stems from believing he has failed on Earth. The episode's tone also reflects the blend of melancholy and warmth that defines Jimmy Stewart's performance. Mork's confusion and sadness echo George's vulnerability. This episode of Mork & Mindy showcases Robin Williams' ability to play any character with earnestness and charm, and to make even the most otherworldly character downright human.

1 "It's a Wonderful Tiny Toon Christmas Special"

'Tiny Toon Adventures' (1990–1992)

The cast of characters sit in a sleigh with snow in It's a Wonderful Tiny Toons Christmas Special.Image via Warner Bros. Animation

Tiny Toon Adventures "It's a Wonderful Tiny Toon Christmas Special" follows Buster Bunny (Charlie Adler) as he becomes discouraged after believing he has ruined the Tiny Toons' big holiday production. Feeling unappreciated and convinced the show would be better off without him, Buster is visited by a guardian-angel version of Bugs Bunny, who shows him an alternate world where he was never part of Acme Looniversity. In this bleak reality, Plucky (Joe Alaskey) has taken over as the star, the school is joyless and commercialized, and Buster’s friends are unhappy.

"It's a Wonderful Tiny Toon Christmas Special" captures Jimmy Stewart's It's a Wonderful Life spirit by playfully yet faithfully mirroring the source material. The episode's alternate-reality sequence is its strongest homage, echoing the movie's "world without George" by presenting a version of Acme Looniversity devoid of Buster’s optimism and leadership. Beneath the cartoon slapstick and comedic timing, the special leans into sincere reflection on what Buster means to those who love him.

Like Follow Followed Tiny Toon Adventures TV-G Animation Adventure Comedy Release Date 1990 - 1995-00-00

Cast

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Charlie Adler
John Kassir
Tress MacNeille
Joe Alaskey

Genres Animation, Adventure, Comedy Main Genre Animation Seasons 3 Creator(s) Alan Smart Powered by

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Jimmy Stewart

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