Yuletide TV: A Christmas Podcast

S3 Ep. 15 - Lost: The Constant

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 04:28:00 -0600

The boys crack open some cold ones to close out season 3. Chris shares his personal favorite pick of "The Constant" from the fourth season of Lost (available on Hulu). Chris does his best to make his case for this episode belonging in the Christmas TV canon, but has a hard time getting his cohosts on his side.

Other topics discussed in this episode are few and far between as the boys spend a surprising amount of time focused on actually discussing the episode and show. However they make a few detours to debate the least Christmas time of the year, Jon getting ejected from a truck while trying to poach a deer, and other shows that tried and failed to copy the Lost formula.

Wikipedia entry for this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Constant.

S3 Ep. 14 - Futurama: Xmas Story

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 04:44:00 -0600

On the penultimate episode of the season, Jon shares his personal favorite pick, "Xmas Story" from the second season of Futurama (available on Hulu). Does the year 3000 still have the holiday spirit or is the future not as full as festivities as the hosts hope? Listen in to hear their thoughts!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: monstrous babies, The Matrix and its sequels, John Goodman, replacement voice actors, good movie concepts, the Purge, parrots vs. stink lizards, back country skiing, and fake laughing.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584465/.

S3 Ep. 13 - MST3K: The Christmas That Almost Wasn‘t

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 04:01:00 -0600

The final week of Season 3 begins as the boys share their personal favorites. Brian kicks things off by having the hosts watch the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew review "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't" (available on Netflix). Listen in to hear three guys watch a thing and makes jokes about one guy and two robots watching a thing and making jokes.

Other topics discussed in this episode include: prunes, James Bond, Christmas plans, Duluth, Italian Santa, Italian cinema, fun facts, and wooden toys vs. modern toys.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6101964/.

S3 Ep. 12 - Phil of the Future: Christmas Break

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 04:16:00 -0600

The last pick of Significant Other Week goes to Chris's fiance who has the boys watch a Disney Channel favorite Phil of the Future. This second season episode, "Christmas Break", features some time traveling shenanigans, but is youthful humor enough to keep the hosts' attention? Listen in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: sports betting, curling (like a lot of talk about curling), NBC sci-fi series La Brea, pitching shows, actor J.P. Manoux, cavemen, kissing, recasting Modern Family, and wikipedia game Five Clicks to Jesus.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0674193/.

S3 Ep. 11: Gossip Girl - It‘s a Wonderful Lie

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 04:38:00 -0600

On today's episode, Jon's girlfriend asks the boys to watch an episode of the classic CW teen drama Gossip Girl. Will the teens reign supreme when it comes to celebrating the season? Or is the biggest lie of this episode making the viewer think it has anything to do with Christmas? Listen in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: actress and Real Housewife Kyle Richards, Police Women, winter formal dance themes, casting decisions for the upcoming Super Mario animated film, blowing up triangles, and characters having either too much or too little to do.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266847/.

S3 Ep. 10: Divorce - Christmas

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 04:52:00 -0600

The tables turn slightly as a new week of the podcast kicks off! The hosts have their significant others pick which Christmas episodes to watch, starting with "Christmas" from the first season of the show Divorce (available to stream on HBOMAX) selected by Brian's wife. Come and see how a show with two lead actors each with three names navigates the tricky waters of celebrating the holidays while trying to hide a split.

Other topics discussed in this episode include: Monday the 13th vs. Friday the 13th, determining the most sinful day of the week, Christmas fishing destinations, obnoxious Christmas gifts, anthrax, Upstate New York, wasting food, infidelity, and Brian correcting Chris for a change.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4695166/.

S3 Ep. 9: Bones - The Santa in the Slush

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 04:44:00 -0600

Blind Pick Week concludes with an episode from the third season of Bones, "The Santa in the Slush" (available on Hulu). Will this long-running procedural turn out to be a lively holiday helper or a rotting Christmas corpse? Listen in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: Rebel Wilson, personifying corporations, feeling puckish, diner sitting etiquette, skeletons, bad investigating skills, leaps of logic, Kevin Sorbo and Sbarro, and different kinds of stings.

IMDB for entry this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1143231/.

S3 Ep. 8 - The X-Files: How The Ghosts Stole Christmas

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 04:50:00 -0600

Blind Pick week continues with Jon leading the discussion on "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" from the sixth season of The X-Files (available on Hulu). Is the truth out there? The boys try and get to the bottom of where this falls in the Christmas canon, leading to a rather contentious debate at the end of the episode. Listen in to find out where they land.

Other topics discussed in this episode include: ghosts vs. goats, director Grant Heslov, George Clooney, CBS Sunday Night Movies, the year 1917, Ed Asner, Lily Tomlin, Jon's desire to be a hot ghost, pop psychology, 90's clothes, determining the best holiday to haunt, and Brian's bad Beyonce takes.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0751138/.

S3 Ep. 7 -Becker: Santa On Ice

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:26:00 -0600

Blind Pick Week begins with Brian having the boys watch "Santa on Ice" from the second season of the CBS sitcom Becker (available on PlutoTV, which is a surprisingly good streaming service). Chris starts a new segment called "Better Know a Becker," and then the hosts do their best to discuss this forgotten sitcom. Is it bursting with Christmas Spirit or is Becker too much of a grouch to spread any holiday cheer?

Other topics discussed in this episode include: NFL commentary, 2001 theme songs, Ted Danson's career, eliminating characters, jokes that run too long, reworking this show for modern audiences, compressed buildings, hating on Cheers, and 2013 comedy film, We're the Millers.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0520630/

S3 Ep. 6 - Recess: Yes, Mikey, Santa Does Shave

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 04:46:00 -0600

Kids Show Week comes to a close with Chris having the boys take a look at "Yes, Mikey, Santa Does Shave" from the Saturday morning cartoon, Recess (available on Disney+). Will the hosts let their memories of this show cloud their judgements or does it stand well enough on its own to be deemed a classic? Listen in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: cowboys, Dad woes, harnesses vs. leashes, Robert Goulet, home video spinoffs, cities Tv shows take place in, common childhood experiences, guest stars, getting more meaning out of Christmas, adult sports leagues, and pizza.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0684067/.

S3 Ep. 5 - X-Men: Have Yourself a Morlock Little X-Mas

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:04:00 -0600

Kids Show Week continues with this Saturday morning classic. Jon leads the discussion about "Have Yourself a Morlock Little X-Mas" from the fourth season of the animated X-Men TV series (available on Disney+). Will mutant merriment reign supreme or will ruby quartz visor of nostalgia be removed from the hosts' eyes revealing an episode no longer packs a super-heroic punch? Listen in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: mutant powers, crazy plots, Hufflepuffs, debating whether this is actually a show for kids, blood types, vocal performances, and Quebec vs. Cajun accents.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0813972/.

S3 Ep. 4 - Hey Arnold!: Arnold‘s Christmas

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 04:04:00 -0600

Kid's Show week kicks off with a Nickelodeon classic. The boys review "Arnold's Christmas" from the first season of Hey Arnold! (available on Hulu). Will this prove to the best first true Christmas Classic of the season, or will the these of this episode be a little too heavy to qualify as holiday cheer?

Other topics discussed in this episode include: the best potato, ordering gifts early, neckties, bowties, which character this episode is about, Christmas lessons, and shopping on Christmas Eve.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0600738/.

S3 Ep. 3 - The Office: Christmas Party

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:02:00 -0600

Pandering Week comes to a close with a look at a TV show whose Christmas episodes have become as stories as the show itself these days. The boys review "Christmas Party" from the second season of The Office (available on Peacock). Do they adore the show as much as the rest of world? Listen in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: sending links, I Think You Should Leave, SNL casts, naming Brian's baby, rewatching The Office, Brian Baumgartner's Cameo earnings, will they/won't they relationships, and ideal work environments.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0664513/.

Hire Brian Baumgartner on Cameo: https://www.cameo.com/brianbaumgartner.

S3 Ep. 2 - Seinfeld: The Strike

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 04:41:00 -0600

Pandering week continues as the hosts take on Festivus in "The Strike" from the ninth season of Seinfeld (available on Netflix). Does this mythical holiday hold any Christmas Cheer, or do the boys have a number of grievances they are looking to air against this episode? Listen in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: Twitter avatars, consequences, creating jokes, NYC, Leslie Nielsen talk show appearances, Jerry Stiller, fake phone numbers, pickup lines, comparing Festivus to True American, cloning and Black Friday Tips.

Wikipedia entry for this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Strike_(Seinfeld).

Buy your own Festivus pole here: https://shop.wagnercompanies.com/festivus-poles.

S3 Ep. 1 - Friends: The One Where Rachel Quits

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 04:18:00 -0600

Welcome to Season 3 of the Yuletide TV podcast! The boys kick off their third year reviewing Christmas TV episodes with Pandering Week, reviewing some classic Christmas eps for popular TV shows. They begin their journey with "The One Where Rachel Quits" from the third season of Friends (available to stream on HBOMAX). Will they start off their new season with a classic or a lump of coal? get your holiday season started by listening in to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: hockey references, Sister Christian by Night Ranger, Power Rangers, Santa Claus being Uncle Sam, comedians that won't play college campuses, cash grab books, Jim Gaffigan impressions, understand Rachel, needing the fear, women in STEM, Girl Scout cookies, easter egg videos, and asking listeners to send pictures of themselves at airport Chili's.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583474/.

Season 3 Lineup Reveal and Kickoff!

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:23:00 -0500

The baddest boys in Christmas podcast are ready to kickoff their 3rd season, once again reviewing 15 Christmas-centric episodes from 15 unique television series over the course of five weeks. Listen in to hear their picks and the new theme weeks they have in store for season 3!

In between drafting their picks for the new season, the boys discuss: revising the podcast mission statement, their lack of qualifications for doing this podcast, learning jiu jitsu, Peacock streaming recommendations, weird things Jon Hamm has done, and Brian confusing network and cable TV.

Come back on Monday, Nov. 21 when the third season begins in earnest!

Bonus Ep. 21 - Santa‘s Slay (Halloween Special)

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:45:00 -0500

The final bonus episode before season 3 is here, and that means the boys take another look at the intersection of Halloween Spooks and Christmas cheer. This year they watch and review the 2005 film Santa's Slay starring professional wrestler Bill Goldberg. Does this slasher deserve a spot in your holiday viewing? Listen to find out!

Other topics discussed in this episode include: finding true love, the differences between buffalo and reindeer, wrestling humor, calling in favors, how bad movies get made, magical Christmas curling discs, Brett Ratner, Ted Turner, blood budgets and bouncing.

Season 3 starts Nov. 1 with our episode draft. Don't miss it!

Wikipedia entry for this movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa%27s_Slay.

Bonus Ep. 20 - Over Christmas (Oktoberfest Special)

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 05:13:00 -0500

As their run of bonus episodes wind down, the boys take a look at a series from a country where they have the most listeners who don't speak English: Germany. Over Christmas (or ÜberWeihnachten) is a German limited series that is available on Netflix. The boys watch all three episodes and find themselves in perhaps the toughest spot yet for determining an accurate rating. Stick around until the end to find out what if they think this series is worth your time.

Other topics discussed in this episode include: Feed the Arts, outing people, instruments, fantasy sequences, German culture, friendships, small town living, satisfying endings, grandmas, good soundtracks, and Jon declaring this holiday season "Tight Boy Christmas."

IMDB for this series: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11951234/.

Bonus Ep. 19 - A Long Way to Christmas Special: Herbie: Fully Loaded

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:37:00 -0500

The boys test out a new tradition by claiming August to be "A Long Way to Christmas". Much like last year where they watched "Accepted" starring Justin Long for their August bonus episode, this year they are selecting another film from this actor's illustrious career, "Herbie: Fully Loaded". Have they stumbled upon a genius idea or are they embarking on a tradition that will only make that lengthy Christmas wait even longer?

Other topics discussed in this episode include: Jonah Hill, Steve Zahn, performance analysis, ways to make this movie better, bad cover music, dated product placements, and Brian's new photography hobby.

Wikipedia entry this movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbie:_Fully_Loaded.

Bonus Ep. 18 - Dash & Lily (Christmas in July Special, Part 2)

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0500

In the conclusion of their two-part Christmas in July special, the boys wrap up their journey with Dash & Lily (streaming on Netflix). Did their enthusiasm from part one carry through to call this a Christmas Classic? Listen to find out!

Non-Christmas topics in this episode include: the Ambiguously Gay Duo, the heat, Jon's ski routine ideas, a very messy summary, Armie Hammer, coats, reasons to move to Fiji, bad flags, stakes as steaks, notebook logistics, running to the airport, and Dash & Lily sequels.

Wikipedia entry for Dash & Lily: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dash_%26_Lily.

Bonus Ep. 17 - Dash & Lily (Christmas in July Special, Part 1)

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 05:49:00 -0500

The boys are back to tackle their first assignment that's too big to be contained within one episode. To celebrate Christmas in July, they're watching all of Dash & Lily, covering episode 1-4 in June and then the second half of the series in July. This 2020 Netflix streamer catches them by surprise but does the first half of the series have enough holiday spirit to carry them through until July? The only way to find out is to listen in!

Non-Christmas topics discussed in this episode include: Mare of Easttown, Jupiter's Legacy's budget, the heat, New York City being a character again, Joni Mitchell, great side characters, YA stuff, backtracking, Law & Order: SVU, and web privacy.

Wikipedia entry for Dash & Lily: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dash_%26_Lily.

Bonus Ep. 16 - Letterkenny: Three Wise Men (with Holli & Scarlett from Netflixmas)

Tue, 25 May 2021 21:30:00 -0500

Get ready for the biggest episode of Yuletide TV yet...in terms of the number of people speaking! Chris, Brian and Jon are joined by Holli and Scarlett from the Netflixmas Podcast to discuss Canadian sitcom treasure "Three Wise Men" from the fifth season of Letterkenny (available on Hulu).

Non-Christmas topics include: UFOs, jail, parts of Wisconsin, jokes, callbacks, space shows, hot character and Japan stuff.

Find Netflixmas wherever you get your podcasts or at this Neflixmas Podcast.

Bonus Ep. 15 - Iron Chef America: Ghosts of Holiday Ingredients Past (w/Glen Warren from Season's Eatings)

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 05:07:00 -0500

The boys take the podcast international with Glen Warren from the Season's Eatings Podcast to discuss their first ever reality-competition show episode, "Ghosts of Holiday Ingredients Past" from Iron Chef America (available on Hulu). Can they cook up a Christmas Classic or will this episode be headed for the garbage disposal?

Other topics include: Canadian vs. American Christmas, beaver tails, Alton Brown's looks, cooking stuff, plating, William Shatner, Sam the Eagle, and Glen dispelling some reality TV myths.

Find Season's Eating on your favorite podcast app or at this link.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1784945/.

Bonus Ep. 14 - Raising Hope: The Last Christmas (w/Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter)

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 05:03:00 -0500

The March bonus episode has the boy's welcoming Todd Killian from the Christmas Clatter Podcast to watch and discuss "The Last Christmas" from the third season of the Fox sitcom Raising Hope (available on Hulu). Does this blue collar comedy have what it takes to be elevated to the ranks of a Christmas Classic? Listen in to find out.

Non-Christmas topics include: washing hands, mailmen, ski hill rules, Super Troopers alpacas, forgeries, Burn Notice, 2012, apocalypse plans, Alone, pajama longevity, and LL Bean.

Find Christmas Clatter on your favorite podcasting app or at this link.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2508350/.

Bonus Ep. 13 - The Goldbergs: A Christmas Story (w/Gerry Davilla from Totally Rad Christmas)

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:32:00 -0600

The February bonus episode features the boys' first guest and their first real foray into a Hanukkah episode. Gerry Davilla from Totally Rad Christmas stops by to have the boys watch and discuss "A Christmas Story" from the third season of the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs (available on Hulu). Since "Christmas Classic" doesn't really apply to this episode, the boys create a new ranking on the spot and Chris shares what little he knows about celebrating Hanukkah with the listeners.

Non winter holiday topics Include: beer jackets, Reno 911, licking things, poles, Beanie Babies, trivia, Tom Selleck, and D&D.

Find Totally Rad Christmas on your favorite podcasting app or at this link.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5140288/.

Bonus Ep. 12 - 2nd Annual Christmas Cooldown

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:01:00 -0600

The bad boys of Christmas podcasting are back to reflect on their holiday celebrations and the second season of Yuletide TV. Chris, Brian and Jon each share how they spent their Christmas and what Santa brought them, before diving into a discussion about what new holiday films they watched this year, including Wonder Woman 1984, Happiest Season, Holidate, Princess Switch 2: Switched Again, The Christmas Bow, and Jingle Jangle. Then it's time to talk about their favorite and least favorite episodes they covered in Season 2 before giving a preview of what's to come, including a big announcement about what to expect from their off season bonus episodes before Season 3 begins in November.

S2 Ep. 15 - MAS*H: Death Takes a Holiday

Fri, 25 Dec 2020 04:02:00 -0600

Merry Christmas from the Yuletide TV podcast! Chris is here to close out season 2 with his personal favorite pick of "Death Takes a Holiday" from the ninth season of M*A*S*H (available on Hulu). Not as much goofing around on this episode, as the boys settle into a more thoughtful discussion about the themes present in this episode.

Non-Christmas topics include: Alan Alda, the timelessness of M*A*S*H, dead parents, charitable giving etiquette, and life lessons.

Thank you to everyone who has listened to and supported our second season (especially you Sean). Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!

This episode's featured Christmas podcast is Holly Jolly Xmasu: https://hollyjollyxmasu.libsyn.com/.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0638292/.

We'll see you on Jan. 25 for our first bonus episode of 2021!

S2 Ep. 14 - The Simpsons: Miracle on Evergreen Terrace

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 04:18:00 -0600

It's the second to last episode of the season, and Jon is sharing his personal favorite pick "Miracle on Evergreen Terrace" from the ninth season of The Simpsons (available on Disney+). With so many Simpsons holiday episodes to choose from, does this one have what it takes to be called a Christmas Classic? Listen in and find out.

Non-Christmas topics include: birthdays, video games, real trees vs. fake ones, object permanence, Jeopardy, Jon giving all the hosts their "dad" designations, Green Bay broadcasters, stealing, and MMA moves.

This episodes featured Christmas podcast is Christmas Clatter with Todd Killian: https://www.christmasclatter.com/.

Listen into the episode of Christmas Clatter that Chris and Brian guested on here: https://www.christmasclatter.com/episodes/episode/21fafa6a/your-space-needle-is-stupid.

Wikipedia entry for this episode of The Simpsons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_on_Evergreen_Terrace.

S2 Ep. 13 - Supernatural: A Very Supernatural Christmas

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 04:22:00 -0600

Fire up the Impala as we take "A Very Supernatural Christmas" drive from the shows third season (available on Netflix). If you can handle the chaotic start of this episode, you'll be rewarded with the boys thoughts on whether or not the demonic nature of the show can also capture the proper Christmas spirit.

Non-Christmas topics include: sledding, writer's strikes, the Anit-Hanks, space gods, more of Jon's tales from working retail, body horror, and Wisconsin stuff.

We also do our best to stake our claim as the official bad boys of the Christmas Podcast World.

Apologies to any Greeks who listen to this episode.

This week's featured Christmas podcast is Santa By The Minute: https://santabytheminute.podbean.com/.

Learn more about the Peshtigo fire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshtigo_fire.

And here's Charlie Behrens Youtube channel if you're in the mood for some Midwest humor: https://www.youtube.com/c/CharlieBerens/videos.

S2 Ep. 12 - Baywatch: Silent Night, Baywatch Night (Parts 1 & 2)

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 05:06:00 -0600

Slather on the sunscreen, throw on your shades, and do your best slow motion jog as you listen to the Yuletide crew close out Blind Pick Week with the two-part "Silent Night, Baywatch Night" from the fifth season of syndicated TV classic Baywatch (available on Hulu). Chris leads the boys on a discussion that involves grifting, flirting with priests, and possibly Santa's actual elves. Will that be enough to rescue it from being deemed a Lump of Coal? Listen in to find out.

Non-Christmas topics include: the show's banging theme song, David Hasselhoff's commanding presence, how boats work, lifeguard salaries, Sadie Hawkins dances, and wrestling crossovers.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0394327/.

This episodes featured Christmas podcast is Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad: https://www.facebook.com/FCMNPodcast/.

S2 Ep. 11 - BoJack Horseman Christmas Special: Sabrina's Christmas Wish

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:11:00 -0600

Jon bends the rules a bit to talk about his Blind Pick Week selection, the BoJack Horseman Christmas Special: Sabrina's Christmas Wish (available on Netflix), which is part Christmas special, part episode, part episode within an episode. Can the boys stop repeating jokes from this show long enough to make a decision on whether or not it's a Christmas Classic? Listen in to find out.

Non-Christmas topics include: saying words wrong, trying to remember Brian's growing list of nicknames, Jon doing a bit, theme songs, catchphrases, Gary Busey, Aaron Paul, and Bronies.

This episodes featured Christmas Podcast is the NetfliXmas Podcast: https://netflixmaspodcast.podbean.com/.

IMDB info for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4294938/.

Free trivia answer: Oklahoma

S2 Ep.10 - Ally McBeal: Tis the Season

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:03:00 -0600

Blind Pick Week kicks off with "Tis the Season" from the fourth season of Ally McBeal (available on Hulu). Will this episode from a show the boys have little familiarity with be able to charm them enough to be called a Christmas Classic, or will it be too dated to be anything more than Lump of Coal?

Non-Christmas topics include: Macy Gray, Robert Downey Jr., dated 90's language, surprising cast members, secret children, Brian's new nickname, heights, karaoke, Christmas movie spoilers, and the return of the Polar Express.

This episode's featured Christmas podcast is Totally Rad Christmas: https://www.buzzsprout.com/840331.

IMDB for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0510369/.

S2 Ep. 9 - Clone High: Snowflake Day

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 05:04:00 -0600

Animation week comes to a close with Chris having the boys watch an obscure one season wonder from the early aughts. "Snowflake Day: A Very Special Holiday Episode" from the series Clone High (available on the MTV app or YouTube), isn't a traditional Christmas episode by any means, but there still might be a few holiday feels to find in this oddball entry.

Non-Christmas topics include: JFK impressions, tiny homes, holiday lumping, Kwanzaa, knorks, setting up jokes, Chili's, airports, upsetting all the fanbases, celebrity crushes, Mandy Moore, the West Wing, and Chris revealing his master plan to replace Jon and Brian as his cohosts.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0542914/

This episode's featured Christmas podcast is the Christmas Podcasts podcast: https://christmaspodcasts.com/.

S2 Ep. 8 - American Dad: Rapture's Delight

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 05:03:00 -0600

Jon takes over for the second episode of our animated shows week, revisiting American Dad to examine the fifth season episode "Rapture's Delight" (available on Hulu). Will this unconventional Christmas tale charm the boys enough to be considered a Christmas Classic, or will its post-apocalyptic setting make it too difficult to overcome being called a Lump of Coal? Only way to find out is to listen!

Non-Christmas topics include: hugging during the panny, Tik Tok, office work, Jon's piercing experiences, Brian bringing big Wife Guy energy to the show, movies that aired on TNT, jumping the shark, and the best and worst Starburst flavors.

Wikipedia entry for this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture%27s_Delight.

S2 Ep. 7 -The Venture Bros.: A Very Venture Christmas

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:02:00 -0600

A new week means a new theme, and Brian kicks off a weeklong look at animated shows with "A Very Venture Christmas" from the first(ish) season of The Venture Bros. (available on Amazon Prime). As Chris tries to understand what exactly happened in this episode, Brian and Jon delight in this merry holiday adventure from the early years of the Adult Swim programming block.

Non-Christmas topics include: pop-culture references, Holland, being smart, Rick & Morty, Magic the Gathering, and Patrick Warburton impressions.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0739347/.

This episode's featured Christmas Podcast is Season's Eatings: https://seasonseatingspodcast.libsyn.com/.

S2 Ep. 6 - Band of Brothers: Bastogne

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0600

It's time to get somber as the boys attack "Bastogne" from acclaimed HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (available on HBOMAX). The wartime setting sparks a series of conversations that ultimately leads the hosts to the profound conclusion that war, is bad. But can the Christmas cheer overcome the bloodshed and despair prominently featured in this episode? You'll have to listen in to find out.

Non-Christmas topics include: war (like lots of talk about war), Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, David Schwimmer, dells, finding humanity in forsaken places, and Jon confusing some Marvel roles.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1247462/

Learn more about Renee Lemaire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9e_Lemaire.

This episode's featured Christmas Podcast is Merry Britsmas: https://merrybritsmas.podbean.com/.

S2 Ep. 5 - Mad Men: Christmas Comes but Once a Year

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 05:07:00 -0600

The boys slip into their finest suits and break out the whiskey to watch "Christmas Comes but Once a Year" from the fourth season of Mad Men (available on Amazon Prime). Do the dastardly deeds of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce put a damper on the holiday proceedings, or will the spirit shine through enough for the hosts to call this a Christmas Classic?

Non-Christmas topics include: trying to address the 60's of it all, The Rock's diet, The Men Who Stare at Goats, drinking, men getting what they want, holiday humiliation, office parties, pop psychology, Alison Brie, the greatness of Roger Sterling, tropical vacations, and a game of "my uncle is better than your uncle."

Wikipedia entry for this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Comes_But_Once_a_Year_(Mad_Men)

The episode's featured Christmas podcast is Weird Christmas: https://weirdchristmas.com/category/podcast/.

S2 Ep. 4 - Alias: Spirit

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:04:00 -0600

Brian is back leading the podcast as drama week kicks off with "Spirit" from the first season of Alias, starring Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, and Bradley Cooper (available on Amazon Prime). While the boys spend the first few minutes debating what exactly cuticles are, they do eventually get around to discussing the episode at hand to determine whether or not this spy series is hiding a Christmas Classic in its midst. And Brian introduces a new segment called, "How Christmas is it?"

Non-Christmas topics include: Spy craft, southern accents, Jon teaching us about kicking, grenade pens, young Bradley Cooper's acting abilities, Super Bowl marketing strategies, and Chris trying to remember if Victor Garber was in The Town.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0508645/

S2 Ep. 3 - Community: Comparative Religion

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 05:03:00 -0600

Sup? It's the final episode of sitcom week, and Chris is back in command to discuss "Comparative Religion" from the first season of the NBC sitcom, Community (available on Netflix and Hulu). This episode encompasses more holidays than just Christmas, which leads to an unexpected discussion about the boys' rating system and a twist ending none of the hosts saw coming.

Non-Christmas topics include: Confusing Anthony Michael Hall and Michael C. Hall, Jon's community college experiences, winterdoodles, Jon critiquing Joel McHale's ability to throw a punch, and checked out professors.

Wikipedia entry for this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_Religion_(Community)

S2 Ep. 2 - Married With Children: Christmas

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0600

For the second episode of Sitcom Week, Jon takes the reins as the boys discuss "Christmas" from Married with Children (available on Hulu). Chris, Brian and Jon marvel at this time capsule from the 90's while debating whether or not the humor still works in today's day and age. It's a rude, crude episode with attitude, but does it end up being a Christmas Classic, Lump of Coal, or something in between? Tune in to find out.

Non-Christmas topics include: Thanksgiving leftovers, Mars Attacks, TV shows the hosts watched with their families growing up, the TV show Jessie also starring Christina Applegate, half-dollar coins, and other time capsule TV.

IMDB info for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0642248/

S2 Ep. 1 - Arrested Development: In God We Trust

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Season 2 kicks off with Sitcom Week. To get things started, Brian is in the hosting chair and talking about "In God We Trust" from the first season of Arrested Development (available on Netflix). Does this 2003 episode hold up to 2020 scrutiny? Can listeners get past Brian's unfathomably long summary? And most important, is the first episode of season two a Christmas Classic or a Lump of Coal?

Non-Christmas topics include: Best in Show, Jon's YouTube sketch comedy days, Jason Bateman's appeal, Fox's bad scheduling practices in the early 2000's, and Jon briefly forgetting that this podcast focuses on Christmas.

IMDB info for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0515221/.

Bonus Ep. 11 - The Christmas Ride

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:10:00 -0600

Chris, Brian and Jon provide a spoiler-lite review of new holiday film The Christmas Ride. The boys explain why this micro-budget mumblecore movie has a little something for everyone this Christmas. This movie is now available on Amazon Prime Video and Vimeo, and all three hosts recommend giving it a watch if you're looking for something fresh to shake up your typical holiday viewing.

You can watch the trailer for The Christmas Ride here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y45euwomp9g

Watch on Amazon Prime here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LZJZB2P

Watch on Vimeo here: Https://Vimeo.com/ondemand/thechristmasride

Don't forget to come back for the first full episode of our second season on Nov. 23!

Season 2 Lineup Reveal and Kickoff!

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:06:00 -0600

The boys are back and ready to do what they do best: find the best Christmas TV episodes ever made. But to do that, they need to figure out what episodes they'll be watching in season 2! To change things up, they say goodbye to the random selector and welcome a new draft format. Five weeks of shows, new episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and themed weeks to center their picks around.

Over the course of the draft other discussion topics include: Mortal Kombat, whether or not Jennifer Garner ruins the projects she's in, obscure streaming services, and against all odds, the brief return of Newgrounds.

New episodes begin in earnest on Monday, Nov. 23! We hope you'll join us!

Bonus Ep.10 - The Nightmare Before Christmas

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500

In their final bonus episode, the boys celebrate two seasons at once as they watch and review The Nightmare Before Christmas (available on Disney+). As they work to determine whether or not this is a Christmas Classic (Halloween Highlight?) they also discuss: creepypasta YouTube videos, Brian's bad bits, Jon's emo days, other stop motion feature films, Tim Burton's Batman films, the feud between Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey, Greg Proops, and trying to figure who exactly this movie is for.

Season 2 of the podcast kicks off with a full lineup reveal on Nov. 2. Don't miss it!

Wikipedia entry for this film: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nightmare_Before_Christmas

Mini-Bonus Ep. 1 - Doogie Howser, M.D.

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 05:03:00 -0500

Stop! Before you do anything, make sure you listen to our guest spot on Totally Rad Christmas, here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/840331/5755690-ep-29-doogie-howser-m-d-w-chris-brian-and-jon.

We watched and reviewed a Christmas episode from the first season of Doogie Howser, M.D., titled "Doogie The Red Nosed Reindeer" (available on Hulu). Our first ever mini-bonus episode serves as a companion to this conversation by telling you whether we thought it was a Christmas Classic, Pair of Socks, or a Lump of Coal, but that's it! For our full thoughts and dissection of the episode with host Gerry Davila, you need to go check out Totally Rad Christmas, your podcast home for all things Christmas in the 80's.

See Gerry's full back catalog here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/840331.

Bonus Ep. 9 - Call the Midwife

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Our friends at the Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe Christmas Podcast recommended we watch this first Christmas special from BBC period drama Call the Midwife available on Netflix. While the boys work to determine whether or not this is a Christmas Classic, they also discuss: people who like Fight Club vs. people who like Snatch, their feelings on period piece television, vicars, women giving birth at Christmas as a trope, Hey Arnold, Jon's British accents, pocket lamb chops and Keira Knightley clones.

IMDB for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2238586/

Listen to the Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe Christmas Podcast here: https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/sbmchristmas

Bonus Ep. 8 - Accepted

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:07:00 -0500

For the start of the new school year your hosts take a look at the 2006 comedy, Accepted, starring Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Blake Lively, and Lewis Black. Along the way we discuss karaoke bars, other Comedy Central classics, Brandy Old Fashioneds, and the comedy of Kyle Kinane.

Wikipedia entry for Accepted: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accepted

Bonus Ep. 7 - A Christmas Carol in July

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 05:56:00 -0500

For their Christmas in July Special, the Yuletide Boys watch the excruciating 2019 adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol starring Guy Pearce and Andy Serkis. They pick apart all the places this dark and gritty reimagining goes wrong and save listeners two hours by condensing a three hour slog into a one hour podcast.

Wikipedia entry:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol_(miniseries)

Bonus Ep. 6 - The Magnificent Seven (1960)

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0500

In the final installment of "Screw You, Watch This," Chris hops back in the saddle and has Brian and Jon watch the original Magnificent Seven from 1960. Along the way they discuss hand sanitizer, killing the coronavirus with fireworks, taking back the term UFO, the fact the hosts are three dumb white guys, Jon struggling to remember the band the Chainsmokers, Rhonda Rousey, Vin Diesel, and what their campaign slogans would be if they ever ran for office.

Wikipedia entry for The Magnificent Seven: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magnificent_Seven

Bonus Ep. 5 - Justified

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:09:00 -0500

Brian takes over the podcast to talk about the pilot episode of the FX series Justified starring Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins. Over the course of the episode, the Yuletide boys also discuss the recent movies Jon has watched while quarantining, whether Chris is the Heat Miser or Cold Miser, Walton Goggins other great roles, Chris's efforts to avoid infecting the elves at the North Pole as the Polar Express visits twice in one episodes, and what does or does not constitute the Midwest.

IMDB for the pilot of Justified: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1522554/

Bonus Ep. 4 - Cowboy Bebop

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 05:30:00 -0500

Jon takes the reins in the first edition of "Screw You, Watch This" by making Chris and Brian watch the final three episodes of Cowboy Bebop (available on Hulu). The boys talk anime for almost an hour while Chris tries to figure out what he just watched, Brian tries to say some words, and Jon tries to be the best podcast host around. Also there's a small Digimon update.

Bonus Ep. 3 - The Town

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Happy March! The boys watch and discuss a Jeremy Renner classic, The Town, also starring Ben Affleck and Jon Hamm. Other topics include: how rewatchable Ben Affleck movies are, when Jon Hamm peaked. whether or not someone is SWAT, and what the podcast covers over the next three months.

Wikipedia entry for The Town: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Town_(2010_film)

Bonus Ep. 2 - Klute!

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0600

The boys watch one of their most discussed films from the first season of the podcast: Klute, starring Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda. Available to rent via iTunes or Amazon Prime Video. They also debate whether or not Donald Sutherland is a nerd and if this movie can in any way be considered appropriate holiday viewing.

Wikipedia entry for this movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klute

Bonus Ep. 1 - Christmas Cooldown

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0600

The hosts return to talk about how they spent their holidays, how the first season of the podcast went, what their favorite and least favorite episodes were and what comes next for their Christmas TV podcast.

Ep. 20 - Malcolm in the Middle: Christmas Trees

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Merry Christmas! It’s finally here. We reach the end of our holiday viewing journey with “Christmas Trees” from Malcolm in Middle (available on Hulu).

Before the priests come and shut down our operation, we also discuss: getting bitten by squirrels, how Bryan Cranston made the transition from Malcolm in the Middle to Breaking Bad, Chris confuses his co-hosts, Brian tries to rack all the shows’ we’ve watched theme songs, wrestling podcasts with bad names, Christmas Tree buying tips, Chris being 30, Dad traditions, and we try and decide where to go next.

IMDB for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0640303/

Ep. 19 - Adventure Time: The More You Moe, The More You Know

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Come on and grab your friends as watch and review “The More You Moe, The More You Know,” from the seventh season of Cartoon Network series Adventure Time (available on Hulu).

We do some adventuring ourselves as we talk about other topics, like: Jon wants to watch The Wire, we explore some new marketing ideas, we discuss what we want to accomplish before Christmas arrives, how murder-y this episode is, does this qualify as a Christmas episode, how this episode appeals to adults and children, deception and Christmas going hand in hand, Chris compares BMO to Jesus, and we prepare for our final episode.

IMDB for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5252828/

Ep. 18 - Arrow: Year's End

Sat, 21 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Head’s up: Jon’s audio gets a little dicey around the middle. Not unlistenable, but annoying. It smooths out after a bit, so be patient and it’ll all work out.

We try and make our holiday super while see if Arrow hits the Christmas bullseye in the first season episode “Year’s End” (available on Netflix).

Less heroic topics include: the best beers for family Christmas celebrations, Arrow’s flashback failures, a plethora of “Previously On” problems, whether bow and arrow fights are dorky, more deep cuts from The Town, Arrow living in Batman’s shadow, Oliver’s casual murder sprees, gift giving vs. obstructing justice, bad nicknames, Dick Wolf’s Chicago-verse, the new season of Bojack Horseman, Milwaukee’s Public Health ads, Brian is pissed about Oliver’s lack of party planning initiative, James Bond’s best friend, how hot the dudes are in this episode, Brian’s Stephen Amell grudge, Stephen Amell’s wrestling prowess, and Chris goes full Podcast Dad.

IMDB for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5159444/

Ep. 17 - Fresh Off the Boat: The Real Santa

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

We unpack another tricky episode as Fresh Off the Boat tries to determine the truth about “The Real Santa” in this season two episode of the ABC sitcom (available on Hulu).

Other complex Christmas conversations include: Hated holiday carols, whether Jingle Bells is public domain, complicated Santa Claus coverup schemes, people loving Santa, the horrors of Sinterklass, is Collateral a Christmas movie, the brilliance of Constance Wu and Randall Park, Lao Ban Santa vs. Lo Pan Santa, Brian starts bits he can’t finish, Godwin’s law, the art of letting it ride, gift ideas from the Flying J truck stop, we confront our whiteness, and appreciate Ray Wise.

IMDB for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5159444/

Ep. 16 - Bob's Burgers: Nice-capades

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

We enter the final five episodes of our Christmas TV podcast and see what’s cooking with the Belchers this holiday season as we watch and review “Nice-capades” from Bob’s Burgers (available on Hulu).

Other topics we talk about as we try and get on Santa’s good side include: Jim Ross’s diminishing announcing abilities, Jon trying to get into the holiday season by gambling, the magic that kids bring back to Christmas, the difference between Simpsons guest stars and Bob’s Burgers guest stars, the joys of the Spirits of Christmas, Utah’s terrible beer scene, terrible school lunches, the greatness of Henry Winkler, and Brian tries to turn the episode into Dora the Explorer.

IMDB for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5147222/

Spirits of Christmas in full: https://youtu.be/Lud3bgEJeTg

Ep. 15 - Homestarunner: Presents

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Fire up your Flash Player as we go back to the early aughts to watch Homestarrunner Presents: Presents from Homestarrunner.com (available there or on YouTube).

Mormon manikins, Wisconsin Tuesdays, the boys lose track of time, we share some conflicting opinions about this episode, the struggles of trying to run Flash cartoons with dialup internet, New Grounds, how the manatee is the most Wisconsin animal to not be in Wisconsin, we some one veer back to discussing ER, we pitch and episode of Frasier, Brian tries to save his marriage, and Chris misses a lot of references.

Homestarrunner wiki entry for this episode: http://www.hrwiki.org/wiki/Homestar_Presents:_Presents

Ep. 14 - Parks and Recreation: Christmas Scandal

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Welcome to a very problematic episode of our Christmas TV podcast where we discuss “Christmas Scandal” from Parks and Recreation (available on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon)!

Sorry for the length on this one. We were talking around some delicate subject manner. Next episode is shorter we swear!

Less scandalous topics discussed in this episode, include: Jon pitches his Jeremy Renner/Audbrey Plaza rom-com, spoilers for the Little Hours, childhood celebrity crushes, our issues with The Office, small town hot, college illness, disillusionment around the holidays, ghost Pam, and Christmas running routes.

Wikipedia entry for this series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Scandal

Garfield Minus Garfield: https://garfieldminusgarfield.net/

3eanuts: https://3eanuts.com/

Ep. 13 - Dorm Life: Finals

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Find out if this episode passes with flying colors on the 13th episode of our Christmas TV podcast where we watch and review “Finals” from Dorm Life (available on YouTube).

We try and get back into the collegiate mindset and also discuss: entering the un-Christmas Valley, a Sesame Street Christmas, the boys reminisce about their college days, Jon’s MMA days, Jon trying to slide into one of the show’s star’s DMs, dismissing the friend’s zone, we compare the characters on the show to the characters from friends and then relate the characters of the show to ourselves, Jon strategies for ditching class and no pants Wednesdays.

Wikipedia entry for this series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorm_Life

Ep. 12 - New Girl: Santa

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

What’s that show? It’s New Girl! Episode 12 of our Christmas TV podcast looks at Santa from the New Girl’s seconds season (available on Netflix).

Other adorkable topics include: Jake Johnson on Stumptown on ABC, mumblecore, the hotness of different men in this episode, Wisconsin’s disdain for Olivia Munn, stripper girlfriends, hangout shows, what happened to Zooey Deschanel, and the art of the Irish goodbye.

IMDB entry for this episode: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2544546/

Ep. 11 - Veronica Mars: An Echolls Family Christmas

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

We hunt for the clues that may lead us to calling “An Echolls Family Christmas” from Veronica Mars (available on Hulu) a Christmas Classic on the eleventh episode of our Christmas TV podcast.

In the midst of our investigation we also discuss: Jon walks us through the Christmas mystery he’s trying to solve, Chris hits the nog too hard, the hosts try to keep track of all the generic looking white men in this episode, Deon Waiters, Jon gives us another story from his time in retail, Veronica’s apparent super powers, Brian fat shames his dog, more perspectives on Christmas, stabbing techniques, the Milwaukee Brewers being better than the San Diego Padres, Chris tells everyone how to gamble with their families this Christmas, and we determine which TV family we’d most like to spend Christmas with.

Wikipedia entry for this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Echolls_Family_Christmas

Ep. 10 - ER: The Greatest of Gifts

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Nobody wants to end up in the ER for Christmas, and no one is going to want to end up watching “The Greatest of Gifts” from ER (available on Hulu) after hearing what we have to say about it in the tenth episode of our Christmas TV podcast.

We also check up on some other topics, including: Jon's ER story, the right time to open Christmas presents, what is the greatest gift of this episode, Brian's attempt to get us sued, animal cruelty, and we consider switching to exclusively watching soap operas.

IMDB info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0568118/

Ep. 9 - Doctor Who: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Our holiday travels take us through time and space for the ninth episode of our Christmas TV podcast, as we watch “The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe” from Doctor Who (available on Amazon Prime).

While we discuss Matt Smith interacting with tree people and precocious English children, we also chat about imagining what Matthew McConaughey would be like as the Doctor, breaking down the performances of the modern doctors, how to court women in the 1940’s, the influence of Mary Poppins on this episode, what happened to Anderson, Jon getting some feels, Chris spoiling the end of Amazing Spider-man 2, and the problems with a Tarantino Star Trek.

Wikipedia info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Doctor,_the_Widow_and_the_Wardrobe

Ep. 8 - How I Met Your Mother: Symphony of Illumination

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600

In a heavier holiday episode of our Christmas TV podcast, we try our best to tackle a “Symphony of Illumination” from the seventh season of How I Met Your Mother (available on Hulu).

Listen as three white men try to avoid addressing the major issues in this episode, by also talking about: Jon giving the okay to begin celebrating the Christmas season, the difference between jingle bells and sleigh bells, cheating in relationships, who is the best actor in HIMYM, more of Brian’s bad analogies, similarities between Midwesterners and Canadians, and trying to come up with new bits.

Wikipedia info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_of_Illumination

Ep. 7 - Frasier: Perspectives on Christmas

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0600

We try and determine if tossed salads and scrambled eggs make a good holiday meal in episode seven of our Christmas TV podcast where watch “Perspectives on Christmas” from the fifth season of Frasier (available on Netflix).

As we discuss the various perspectives the characters of Frasier bring to Christmas, we also talk about our perspectives on: how our Thanksgivings went, when we’re putting up decorations, Digimon, who is the most likable character on Frasier, why Niles is so creepy, trying to hit the high notes on Christmas Carols, John Mahoney’s acting career and how the Tony Awards work.

IMDB info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0582473/

Ep. 6 - American Dad: The Best Christmas Story Never Told

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0600

We salute the flag and our Christmas trees in episode six of our Christmas TV podcast while we watch “The Best Christmas Story Never Told” from the third season of American Dad (available on Hulu).

Much like Stan takes a detour to the past in this episode, we take a couple detours as well, including: Brian’s bad Thanksgiving takes, Jeremy Renner in The Town, Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas, the trouble with time travel, and Klute.

IMDB info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0920930/

Wikipedia entry for Klute: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klute

Ep. 5 - Full House: A Very Tanner Christmas

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Five episodes in and we complete our impromptu “house-themed” trilogy on our Christmas TV podcast with “A Very Tanner Christmas” from the sixth season of Full House (available on Hulu).

While we determine whether or not the Tanner’s pull off a Christmas classic, we also talk about: whether or not San Francisco Christmas is terrible, Chris attempting to hitch a ride on the Polar Express, Steve and DJ’s problematic relationship, terrible child actors, and Santa grifts.

IMDB info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0776056/

Ep. 4 - Home Improvement: I'm Scheming of a White Christmas

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Episode four of our Christmas TV podcast has us traveling back to the 90’s and revisiting Home Improvement for the season two episode, “I’m Scheming of a White Christmas” (available on Hulu).

Insert your own joke about Al’s mom here as we try and determine if this is a Christmas classic, and also discuss: Why Tim Allen kind of sucks, Chris’s inability to pronounce the shows title, English Christmas traditions, how to discipline children, and why Jon hates Christmas lights.

IMDB info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0603479/

Special thanks to Martin at the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, and Lauren from the Hereford Library for their help researching the origins of the Christmas tradition mentioned in today’s episode.

Christmas Tradition Research:

Ep. 3 - House: Deception

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0600

For the third episode of our Christmas TV podcast we take a trip to Princeton-Plainsboro to visit Hugh Laurie and the crew at House in the season one episode “Deception” (available on Amazon Prime).

We also discuss a bevy of other holiday topics as we try and decide if this episode is a Christmas classic, including: the origins of Kobe, whether or Cynthia Nixon is a treasure, the evolution of television in the mid 2000’s, bad doctoring, and mental health.

Wikipedia info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deception_(House)

Ep. 2 - Digimon: A Very Digi-Christmas

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0600

It’s episode two of our Christmas TV podcast, and we get thrown a curveball by reviewing a anime holiday episode from Digimon: Digital Monsters in the season two episode “A Very Digi-Christmas” (available on Hulu or Amazon Prime with a Starz add on).

Other seasonal topics discussed as we try to determine whether the Digidestined have what it takes to be called a Christmas Classic include: what’s on Starz, Japanese Christmas traditions, bad lip syncing, and why the Pokemon anime is garbage.

IMDB info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0560264/

Japanese Christmas Facts: https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/japan.shtml

Ep. 1 - Gilmore Girls: Forgiveness and Stuff

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0600

On the first episode of our Christmas TV podcast, the boys see how the Gilmore Girls celebrate the holidays in the season one episode “Forgiveness and Stuff” (available on Netflix).

In addition to determining whether or not the episode is worthy of being called a Christmas Classic, the hosts discuss: When is it appropriate to begin celebrating Christmas, angina, sad dad stuff, and Lorelai and Dean’s weird flirtatious energy.

IMDB info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0588141/

Yuletide TV Promo - Meet Your Hosts

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Meet your hosts Chris, Brian and Jon and they tell you what's in store for this Christmas podcast. Starting Nov. 17, listen in as they watch and review 20 randomly selected Christmas TV episodes and help you separate the Christmas Classics from the lumps of coal. Follow along by watching "Forgiveness and Stuff" from the first season of Gilmore Girls on Netflix to prepare for their first episode.

Teaser - Coming Nov. 2019

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 14:15:33 -0500

Love Christmas and TV? Learn about this new podcast coming in Nov. 2019 where three friends watch 20 random Christmas TV episodes to separate the Christmas classics from the lumps of coal.