In its original American broadcast, "Christmas Special" was watched by 8.9 million households, according to the Nielsen ratings system, and became the show's highest-rated episode so far. It received a 3.8 rating/9 share among viewers in the 18–49 demographic, meaning that 3.8% of all people in that group, and 9% of all people from that group watching television at the time, watched the episode. The season premiere episode, "Do-Over", was up until that point the highest-rated episode of the show, with 8.7 million viewers. Elaine Stritch received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in this episode, but lost it to Tina Fey for her satirical portrayal of Sarah Palin on "Saturday Night Live".