Celebrate Leap Day with These Leap Day Themed TV Shows and Movies
It only comes once every four years!
We all would love more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a great TV show or movie. Maybe…having an extra day in the year would suffice? Every four years, we get lucky with a Leap Day! So here we are. You’ve got an extra day this February 29th, so you have some time to watch these Leap Day themed TV shows and movies! Here’s a list we pulled together to fill up those extra 24 hours!
1. Leap Year
A romantic trip to Irish countryside? Sign us up. Anna Brady (Amy Adams) embarks on a journey to Ireland to propose to her long-time boyfriend on February 29th. It’s a traditional Leap Day gender role reversal activity, where women are encouraged to propose and the man must accept. However, her plans are thrown into disarray when she encounters unforeseen obstacles, like getting stranded on her trip. Along the way, she enlists the help of a charming and surly innkeeper, Declan, who becomes an unexpected ally on her quest. As they navigate the stunning landscapes and cultural quirks of Ireland, Anna discovers that love may not always follow the rules she’s set for herself.
2. Parks and Recreation, “Sweet Sixteen” (Season 4, Episode 16)
If you’re a fan of Parks & Recreation, you know that one of the series’ running jokes is the ever-present disrespect of Jerry (Gary, Gerry?) Gergich. Of course his birthday is on February 29th, Leap Day, making his birthday in this episode his Sweet 16. Leslie Knope, the ever-determined and enthusiastic deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department, is determined to throw Jerry a party fit for…a teenager. Of course, with all of her other priorities, and because Jerry is, well, Jerry, she forgets one important thing: to invite an important guest.
3. 30 Rock, “Leap Day” (Season 6, Episode 9)
The cast and crew of TGS celebrate Leap Day with Leap Day William, a mythical character who makes his once-every-four-years appearance, and, predictably, chaos ensues as the day’s bizarre rituals and absurd superstitions take over. Meanwhile, network executive Jack Donaghy grapples with his own Scrooge-like existential crisis on Leap Day, reveling in the extra day to do business but questioning the meaning of life and his purpose in the universe. And Tracy finds his own Leap Day miracle when he discovers a $50,000 Benihana gift card that expires at the end of the month and attempts to use it by the end of the extra day. In true 30 Rock form, the entire episode is a rollercoaster of wit. Also, Jim Carey has a hilarious cameo.
4. Frasier, “Look Before You Leap” (Season 3, Episode 16)
When Frasier Crane, the erudite psychiatrist and radio host, impulsively decides to give up his meticulously planned routine for a day of spontaneity for Leap Day, chaos ensues. Encouraged by his father Martin’s adventurous spirit, Frasier throws caution to the wind, encouraging everyone around him to “take a leap,” leading to a series of misadventures and comedic mishaps. Meanwhile, Frasier’s brother Niles, ever the neurotic and refined psychiatrist, grapples with his own anxieties as he navigates a tricky situation involving his estranged wife Maris. Unfortunately as everyone hilariously fails at their own leaps, Frasier questions whether or not his advice was a good idea.
5. Modern Family, “Leap Day” (Season 3, Episode 17)
The Dunphy and Pritchett families come together to celebrate Leap Day, which is also Cam’s “10th” birthday. Mitchell wants to throw him a fabulous party. It is of course also goofy dad Phil Dunphy’s favorite day–and he wants to do something spontaneous in its honor, determined to make the most out of this extra day. As per usual, this leads to a series of comedic misadventures as he attempts to fulfill his Leap Day resolutions. Meanwhile, Jay grapples with his own Leap Day traditions and superstitions.
What are your favorite TV shows, books or movies that feature a Leap Day plotline? Tell us in the comments! And enjoy your extra day—whatever it brings for you!
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