TV Shows That Celebrated Cultural Holidays Authentically

Television is now doing a better job of showing cultures accurately, moving past stereotypes to highlight the unique traditions of different communities. Holiday episodes are a great way to learn about the customs, food, and beliefs of people around the world. Shows are increasingly portraying religious holidays like Ramadan and Passover, and important cultural events like Juneteenth, helping viewers connect with and understand different backgrounds. The following programs have been praised for their authentic and heartfelt depictions of these holidays, often reflecting the real experiences of the people who created them.

‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present)

I really appreciated how the episode ‘Holiday Hookah’ handled Ramadan. It felt so natural, showing a student observing the holiday with his family and dealing with fasting while at school. What I loved most was how the show portrayed it without making a big deal out of it – it just was a part of life for this student, and the teachers were appropriately understanding. It honestly felt very real, like the kind of diverse classroom you see in America today, and it’s great to see a show committed to that kind of authentic portrayal of public school life.

‘All American’ (2018–Present)

The ‘Ready or Not’ episode centers around a Juneteenth celebration, showcasing the importance of community and remembering one’s history. The episode uses the holiday as a way to explore how the characters connect with their past and what they hope for in the future. It authentically portrays Juneteenth traditions within the Black community through music, food, and speeches. The show emphasizes that Juneteenth is a time to both reflect on the struggles of the past and look forward to positive change, solidifying its place as a key part of African American culture and history.

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)

The ‘Juneteenth’ episode playfully critiques how the holiday is sometimes turned into a marketing opportunity or a show of support without real understanding. The story follows Earn and Vanessa at a Juneteenth party thrown by a wealthy biracial couple, leading to some uncomfortable but funny moments. Through this setting, the show offers a commentary on current issues of race and cultural appropriation. While the episode is humorous, it also recognizes the deep historical significance of Juneteenth for Black Americans, and offers a fresh look at how the holiday is observed among the upper class.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

The ‘Juneteenth’ episode creatively uses music and dance to teach viewers about the importance of June 19, 1865 – the day slavery officially ended in the United States. The Johnson family learns about this history, with a focus on why news of freedom reached Texas so late. The episode is notable for bringing this long-celebrated Black American holiday to a wider audience, and for skillfully connecting historical events to issues that are still relevant today.

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)

The ‘Seder’ episode of the show centers on Larry David’s Passover dinner, which is thrown into chaos when he unintentionally invites a convicted sex offender. Despite this shocking twist, the episode still includes all the classic parts of a Seder, like the Seder plate and the recitation of the Four Questions. It realistically portrays the atmosphere and traditions of a Jewish family getting together, while also using the holiday as a backdrop to showcase Larry’s unique and often unconventional way of handling tradition and social expectations. Ultimately, it provides a cynical but relatable glimpse into contemporary Jewish life in Los Angeles.

‘Elena of Avalor’ (2016–2020)

An animated series recently featured a full episode explaining Día de los Muertos to kids. It showed how families build altars, or ‘ofrendas,’ and the tradition of welcoming back the spirits of loved ones who have passed. The episode used traditional Mexican music and stories to teach viewers about the holiday, highlighting that it’s a happy celebration of life and remembering those we’ve lost, not a sad one. Many people praised the show for accurately portraying the culture and sharing these traditions with a worldwide Disney audience.

‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (2015–2020)

The ‘Year of the Rat’ episode of the show centers around the Huang family’s Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, celebrations. It shows how they observe traditions like spring cleaning to get rid of bad luck and preparing a big family meal. The episode also explores the meaning behind giving red envelopes and the challenges of meeting family expectations during the holiday. It realistically portrays how these customs were adapted when the family moved from Taiwan to Florida in the 1990s, and how food and social practices helped them keep their culture alive.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

The ‘Flowers Grow Out of My Grave’ episode of the show highlighted the ‘Día de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead) tradition. Hospital staff and patients built a beautiful altar to remember colleagues and family members who had passed away. The episode explored how the holiday can help people cope with loss, especially within the challenging setting of a hospital. Characters shared personal stories, keeping the memories of their loved ones alive, and bringing a unique cultural understanding of death and remembrance to the series.

‘Grown-ish’ (2018–2024)

In the episode ‘Know Yourself,’ the series explores Juneteenth, with characters discussing its history and continuing importance. The episode particularly focuses on educating Gen Z college students about African American history and balances the joyful celebration of the holiday with a thoughtful look at ongoing social justice issues. It shows how young people are now recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth in both their studies and everyday lives, and adds to the increasing visibility of Juneteenth as an important American holiday in media.

‘Insecure’ (2016–2021)

The ‘Lowkey Done’ episode centers around a lively Juneteenth festival in Los Angeles, using the celebration as a setting for the characters to grow and change. The episode beautifully captures the energy of a Black community gathering, with local businesses, music, and a strong sense of shared happiness. It honors the importance of Juneteenth as a day of freedom and cultural pride, but does so naturally, without feeling like a lecture. By showing how the characters experience the holiday, the show reflects how Juneteenth is celebrated in modern cities today, emphasizing its focus on community and joy.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019)

The show often includes traditions from Latin America, especially its celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It shows how families create beautiful altars, called ofrendas, with marigolds and photos to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Characters use this time to think about their ancestors and understand that death is a normal part of life. The show offers a realistic and moving look at how Venezuelan American families celebrate, focusing on the spiritual and community aspects of remembering those they’ve lost.

‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)

The ‘Appa’s First Swipe’ episode centers around Chuseok, a Korean harvest festival similar to Thanksgiving. The characters celebrate with traditional activities like making and eating songpyeon, small crescent-shaped rice cakes. The episode emphasizes the importance of family and remembering ancestors during this special holiday. The show skillfully blends these cultural traditions with the everyday running of the family’s grocery store in Toronto, showing how they maintain their Korean heritage in a modern, Western environment.

‘Little America’ (2020–Present)

The TV episode ‘The Silence’ beautifully portrays a deaf Iranian immigrant celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year. A central part of the celebration is the ‘Haft-sin’ table – a display of seven symbolic items, each starting with a specific letter, representing a fresh start. The episode follows the main character as he tries to hold onto his culture while adjusting to life in a new country, showcasing traditional foods and the hopeful feeling of the spring equinox. The episode has been widely praised for its thoughtful and realistic depiction of the culture.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

The ‘Thanksgiving’ episode follows Denise and her family over the years, showing how their holiday celebrations change. While focusing on the American Thanksgiving, it uniquely portrays the traditions and relationships within a Black family during their holiday dinner. The episode uses the yearly setting to depict Denise coming out to her mother and grandmother over time, and highlights how foods like greens and mac and cheese help connect them. It received an Emmy Award for its touching and believable portrayal of family and tradition.

‘Mo’ (2022–Present)

As a movie lover, I was really moved by this series. It beautifully portrays a Palestinian family celebrating Eid in Houston, Texas. It’s not just about the holiday itself, but the little details – like making these amazing cookies called ‘maamoul’ and the tradition of visiting family after prayers. What struck me most was how it balanced the joy of Eid with the very real, stressful situation the family is in, waiting to hear about their asylum case. It feels incredibly authentic, showing how their faith helps them feel connected and like they belong, even though they’ve had to leave their home. The way they use language and specific cultural details really makes it feel like you’re right there with them.

‘Ms. Marvel’ (2022)

The show beautifully portrays an Eid al-Fitr celebration, marking the end of Ramadan for the main character, Kamala Khan. The episode highlights the festivities at her local mosque, including prayers, bright traditional clothing, and delicious food. It captures the lively spirit and strong sense of community within the South Asian Muslim population of Jersey City, and also touches on important practices like giving to charity, known as ‘Zakat’. This depiction of Muslim joy was widely praised for being genuine and uplifting.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

The ‘Never Have I Ever’ episode ‘…felt super Indian’ features Devi attending a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. The episode beautifully shows Devi grappling with her identity as both an American and someone with strong Indian roots. It vividly portrays the traditions of the holiday – the prayers, colorful clothing, and sense of community – including the important ritual of immersing the idol and the special foods enjoyed during the celebration. The episode offers a detailed and nuanced look at the experiences of South Asians living in California.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

The show often features ‘Nochebuena,’ the cherished Christmas Eve tradition celebrated in Latin American and Spanish cultures. Each year, the Alvarez family comes together for a big meal, lively music, and opens presents at midnight. The series lovingly showcases the grandmother’s Cuban roots and the special foods made for the holiday. It beautifully portrays the warmth and energy of a large, multi-generational family during the winter holidays, emphasizing that, for Cuban Americans, Christmas Eve holds a special importance, often overshadowing Christmas Day itself.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

The show includes a story about Passover, with some prisoners trying to get kosher meals by claiming Jewish heritage. But it also offers a thoughtful and genuine depiction of the Seder meal and the reading of the Haggadah within a prison setting. The story connects the holiday’s themes of freedom and remembrance to the inmates’ lives and highlights their ingenuity in practicing their faith despite being locked up. It’s a unique look at religion within the American prison system.

‘Ramy’ (2019–Present)

This series offers a personal glimpse into Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and spiritual devotion. It shows both the difficulties of not eating and drinking during the day, and the joyful evening meals shared with family and at the mosque. The story follows the main character’s journey as he tries to balance his faith with the demands of modern life, and it feels genuine thanks to the inclusion of traditional prayers and a realistic portrayal of the local Muslim community. Ultimately, the show beautifully captures what Ramadan is like for Egyptian Americans.

‘Rugrats’ (1991–2004)

The ‘A Rugrats Chanukah’ special tells the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil as seen through the eyes of the babies. The episode shows the Pickles family going to a play at the synagogue and celebrating at home with family, lighting the menorah. It’s a heartwarming and funny episode that teaches kids about Hanukkah and Jewish traditions in a way that’s both respectful and accurate. It also includes classic Hanukkah elements like latkes and the dreidel game, which is why it remains a popular holiday favorite.

‘Superstore’ (2015–2021)

The ‘Quinceañera’ episode focuses on Amy’s daughter, Emma, and her traditional 15th birthday celebration. It shows all the details of the event, like the formal court, a practiced waltz, and the meaningful shoe-changing ceremony. Through this celebration, the show explores the cultural expectations and financial burdens often faced by Latino families. Although the episode is funny, it also honestly portrays the emotional importance of this coming-of-age tradition for the characters, and how it mixes with everyday American suburban life.

‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017–2023)

The show often features Jewish traditions, with a particularly striking depiction of Yom Kippur. It realistically portrays the characters fasting and attending services, capturing the serious and thoughtful nature of the holiday. The writing accurately reflects how Jewish people in 1950s New York spoke and interacted. The meal after the fast is shown as an important gathering where family conflicts frequently arise. These scenes offer a rich and detailed glimpse into the religious and cultural lives of the Weissman and Maisel families.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

The ‘Diwali’ episode of the show features Mindy Lahiri throwing a party for her friends and family to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights. The episode showcases beautiful traditional Indian clothing like sarees and lehengas, and highlights the cultural pressures Mindy feels from her parents. It explains the meaning of Diwali – celebrating the triumph of good over evil – through traditions like lighting diyas. The episode also delves into Mindy’s journey of understanding her identity as an Indian American. Notably, it was one of the first mainstream American sitcoms to devote a full episode to Diwali.

‘The Proud Family’ (2001–2005)

The ‘Seven Days of Kwanzaa’ episode of The Proud Family tells the story of the family learning about the holiday while hosting a family in need. The episode clearly explains the seven principles of Kwanzaa – like unity and self-determination – and how they connect to the lighting of the Kinara candles. It highlights the holiday’s origins, its focus on community, and its celebration of African heritage. This episode was groundbreaking for introducing Kwanzaa to a wide young audience and continues to be an important example of holiday representation in children’s TV.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

In an episode of ‘Nine 1-1’, Randall Pearson’s family celebrates Diwali with their community. Randall takes the chance to share the meaning of the Festival of Lights and the importance of their family’s background with his daughters. The show beautifully portrays the colorful clothing and joyful spirit of the celebration. This storyline highlights the show’s overall message of embracing different cultures and family stories, offering a thoughtful and informative look at the South Asian holiday.

‘Transparent’ (2014–2019)

The show offers a glimpse into Jewish life, showcasing traditions like Hanukkah and weekly Shabbat dinners. A central Hanukkah episode in the second season depicts the Pfefferman family coming together to light the menorah, revealing both their religious practices and their complicated family dynamics. Through the characters’ experiences, the series also explores the history of Hanukkah and its themes of standing up for what you believe in and understanding who you are. The show is praised for accurately portraying Jewish rituals and prayers.

‘Ugly Betty’ (2006–2010)

The series beautifully portrays a traditional ‘Three Kings Day’ (Día de los Reyes) celebration with the Suarez family, showcasing customs like children leaving hay for the camels of the Wise Men. It highlights the strong bonds within the family and the preservation of Puerto Rican heritage in their Queens, New York, home. These cultural details add a sense of realism to the main character’s life and offer an authentic glimpse into the holiday and its significance for Caribbean communities.

‘Vida’ (2018–2020)

This series realistically portrays Día de los Muertos celebrations in East Los Angeles, showing how the holiday is experienced as a neighborhood changes. The story centers around two sisters who create a beautiful ofrenda—an altar—in their family’s bar to remember their mother, using meaningful traditions like sugar skulls and marigolds. The show explores themes of loss, family history, and how the culture of Mexican Americans is being impacted by development. It presents a genuine and personal look at the holiday, avoiding clichés and focusing on the sisters’ heartfelt connection to the rituals. The show’s visuals are carefully crafted to reflect the unique style of Chicano culture in California.

‘With Love’ (2021–Present)

The series follows a family throughout the year, centering on different holidays. The first season especially focuses on Three Kings Day, showing the Diaz family’s celebration with the traditional ‘Rosca de Reyes’ cake. The show explains the tradition of hiding a baby Jesus inside the cake and what it means to find it, emphasizing that Three Kings Day is often more important than Christmas for many Latino families. It’s a heartwarming look at the unique traditions of a Mexican American family in Portland.

Please share which of these cultural holiday episodes resonated with you the most in the comments.

2026-01-21 00:18