This Week on TV

If you’re looking for a great way to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit, all you have to do is turn on your television to any of the primetime networks. This time of year writers of some of your favorite shows are jumping at the chance to incorporate Valentine’s Day into their episodes. Shows like “The Office,” “Modern Family” and “Glee” have provided some classic television moments in the past through their entertaining holiday tales. 

For the past week, some of the most popular shows on television have featured brand-new episodes with a Valentine’s Day theme. ABC’s “Modern Family,” whose episode “Heart Broken” aired February 13, was as enjoyable as ever in its third Valentine’s Day episode in the show’s history. Phil and Claire reintroduced us to their alter egos, Clive and Juliana, who reappear annually to try to spice up the marriage and always wind up in some sort of trouble. This year is no exception. Other story lines include Jay and Gloria’s struggle to have a romantic day, as well as Cam and Mitch’s recovery from their Valentine’s Day party, where the next morning they try to piece together the night, specifically why Haley’s ex-boyfriend, Dylan, is living with them. Though the show’s ratings have been slipping, this episode is guaranteed to be enjoyable for all.

For the Gleeks – not to worry. “Glee” will be airing tonight at 9 p.m. on Fox with an extra special Valentine’s Day episode that fans are guaranteed to enjoy. The episode, titled “I Do,” is scheduled to feature the greatly anticipated wedding between McKinley high school teachers Will and Emma, as well as multiple hook-ups. As a show that rarely disappoints, fans can expect to be delighted by tonight’s episode.

For those who may be a little bit less into the romantic aspects of Valentine’s Day or the holiday in general, “The Middle,” which aired February 13, may be just the show for you. Axl (the eldest son in the Heck family) and his friends decide to spend their Valentine’s Day breaking up couples. Though entertaining for an audience, this may not be the show you want to be watching with a significant other. Another anti-Valentine’s Day show this season is “The Big Bang Theory” which airs its episode “The Tangible Affection Proof” tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS, where Raj and Stuart decide to throw a “Lonely People” party at a comic book store.

If none of the episodes premiering this week are particularly interesting to you, why not check out some classics? NBC’s “The Office” premiered “Valentine’s Day” on February 9, 2006, featuring Michael’s trouble with corporate after admitting to “hooking up” with his boss, Phyllis getting bombarded with gifts from Bob Vance and Pam feeling let down by her fianc?e, Roy, whose gift to her is less than romantic. The episode premiered during the height of the popularity of a show and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Other episodes include “Galentine’s Day,” an episode of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” which premiered February 11, 2010. The episode introduces us to a new holiday, Galentine’s Day, which is celebrated February 13. On this day, Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie, throws a party for all of her female friends. To any girls finding themselves single this year, let this episode be inspiration to you. Or, finally, if you’re looking for the ultimate throwback, try checking out Charlie Brown’s special, “Be My Valentine.” Who can resists charming characters like Charlie, Linus and Violet? The special airs annually on ABC. No matter what type of shows you watch, no matter whether you love to get in the spirit of Valentine’s Day or loathe everything about it, the holiday certainly inspires some entertaining television.