I'm starting a new series: I'm going to be writing about my favorite Christmas TV moments from the 1980s. I'll be writing these blog posts until my national book tour begins the first week in November. If you have a favorite 1980s holiday TV moment--let me know and I'll see if I can post about it too.
The sketch comedy institution Saturday Night Live has produced some of television's most memorable holiday comedy moments. I only need to mention Adam Sandler's 'Chanukah Song' and most people probably can begin singing it. How about Alec Baldwin's appearance on the mock NPR radio program, 'Delicious Dish,' talking about his Schweddy Balls--or Justin Timberlake's parody of an R&B music video 'Dick in a Box' that went on to be a viral sensation?
My favorite SNL holiday moments are slightly older than those. Do you remember:
1986's Lost Ending to 'It's A Wonderful Life' sketch?
Acknowledging that Mr. Potter never suffers any consequences for his greed in the original 1946 movie, this sketch sees the residents of Bedford Falls finally delivering their own justice. Actor Dana Carvey does a fantastic impression of Jimmy Stewart. I always laugh at Jan Hooks, as Mary Baily, violently jumping up and down on Potter's body! Too funny.
Do you remember: 1982's sketch 'Merry Christmas, Dammit'--the Gumby TV Christmas special?
I'm Gumby, Dammit!Eddie Murphy as his recurring character, Gumby, hosts his own Christmas TV variety special with special guests Frank Sinatra, and Donny and Marie Osmond among others. Joe Piscapo as Frank Sinatra is classic--he absurdly sings the TV theme songs to 'Woody Woodpecker and 'The Flintstones.' And, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Gary Kroeger as Marie and Donny Osmond cracks me up every time! They sing a very affectionate version of 'Blue Christmas.' It's funny because it's so wrong.
Do you remember: Steve Martin's 1986 sketch 'A Holiday Wish?'
Comedian Steve Martin's generous holiday spirit quickly devolves into 'the crap about the kids' to all the money in the world and a month long orgasm. It's a classic.
What are you favorite SNL holiday moments?
The gumby skit was one of my all time favorites but I have never been able to find a copy of it online and I have always wanted my wife to be able to see it.
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