Mental Floss

TELEVISION

Dan Stevens and Michelle Dockery in Downton Abbey.

There's something oddly comforting about watching your favorite television characters navigate the stress—and joys—of the holiday season. Here are some of our very favorite holiday-themed TV episodes.

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Warner Bros. Pictures/Getty Images

In 1997, an episode of the 'Pokémon' animated series used a strobe-light effect during a battle sequence. Hundreds of viewers in Japan suffered seizures and other symptoms. More than two decades later, no one is exactly sure why.

Jake Rossen








Disney

After an agonizing two-week wait, Disney has finally released official merchandise featuring Baby Yoda from 'The Mandalorian.' And while everyone seems to love Baby Yoda, not all fans are happy with the selection.

Michele Debczak








Abby Cadabby, Suki Lopez, and Elmo (L-R) on Sesame Street

For the show's 50th anniversary, the performers talk back pain, bloopers, and why they sometimes declare one of the legendary puppet cast members "toast."

Jake Rossen






Regina King stars in HBO's Watchmen.

HBO’s 'Watchmen' explores what the world looks like 30-plus years after the events of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon's famed graphic novel. But that doesn't mean you won't find plenty of hidden references to the comic's 1980s setting.

Rebecca Pahle