The Holiday Specials We Love

Latest Episodes:

Alt Christmas Movie Picks Part One Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Alt Christmas Movie Picks Part One

Hey CSWL Fans! We’re diving into Part One of the must-see Alt Holiday Specials, and – we may have digressed-just a little. Just like "The Little Drummer Boy," we’re giving our all to save Christmas. Ever thought about what "Revenge of the Nerds" and *The Little Drummer Boy* have in common? Discover why "Fat Man" is your gateway to "Violent Night" and why the latter should be retitled to "Santa’s Last Stand.”

Is there a love for all things *A Christmas Carol*? Bad Santa, Billy Bob Thornton and his unexpected link to “The Thorn Birds”. A look at the series Thirtysomething—and how today it would be titled Sixtysomething?

As always, please give us a 5-star review on Apple. Text us your thoughts at 351 251 2511 and find us on Facebook. The holiday season HAS arrived! Talk Shawtly

Rankin Bass Twas the Night Before Christmas Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Rankin Bass Twas the Night Before Christmas

Hey CSWL Fans! We're back with a semi-deep dive into the 1974 Rankin/Bass classic, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, awarding it a solid 4½ Candy Canes. Is this special a counterpunch to Hanna-Barbera's The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn't? What was this time period's obsession with mice and mice living in walls with archway openings in the baseboard? Does Albert the Mouse from this special mirror today's youth? Star Trek's notion regarding intelligence without experience and two-dimensional thinking. Is this the most underrated soundtrack of all the Christmas specials? How this cartoon Santa may have cost the special half a candy cane in ratings. Why Cobra Kai stands apart from Land of the Lost? We further digress to reminisce about Jordan's Furniture in Waltham, MA, and their infamous Marshmallow couch—if you know, you know. We've also got a surprise appearance from Maria Menounos while introducing the concept of a 'Very Venmo' Christmas?

As always, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple. Text us your thoughts at 351 251 2511 and join our community on Facebook. The holiday season is in full swing-Talk Shawtly

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol Dec 18, 2024

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Hey CSWL Fans! We're back covering Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, giving it a solid 3½ Candy Canes. This 1962 classic was the first-ever animated Christmas special produced specifically for television as Mr. Magoo takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing his brilliance to the Dickens masterpiece. We discuss the brilliance of the writers, portraying Magoo as the star of a Broadway show. And all things “Magoo”: how funny the show really was, political incorrecttions that have muted the TV series today and how, even though he is oblivious, Magoo always wins! We talk Jim Backus, the voice of Mr. Magoo, and the beloved Mr. Howell of Gilligan’s Island. We also digress into some 'inside baseball', sharing insights on entertainment icons like Tina Louise, Rose Marie, and Mr. T.

As always, we value your feedback. Please give us a 5-star review on Apple, text us your thoughts at 351 251 2511 and join our community on Facebook. The holiday season is in full swing! Talk Shawtly

Christmas Happenings Chat Dec 16, 2024

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Christmas Happenings Chat

Hey CSWL Fans! It's a CSWL 'Chat Edition' featuring hosts Kev and Anne. Kev shares his experience on Connecticut's famous Polar Express train ride. He also talks about Christmas outdoor decoration innovations - how Walmart inexpensive indoor trees can be used outdoors as well as the magic and history of Santa's actual home - in Finland! Back in Florida- Anne talks holiday boat shows and golf cart Christmas parades before diving into Kev’s Annual 'New Friends' Christmas Party and how it could be the tradition you're missing As always, please give us a 5-star review on Apple. Text us your thoughts at 351 251 2511 and find us on Facebook. The holiday season HAS arrived! Talk Shawtly

Rankin Bass Rankings Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

Rankin Bass Rankings

Being that the Rankin and Bass holiday specials are the reason we started the CSWL, we decided to take an episode to do some R and B Rankings, Superlatives, Favs and Not So Favs. Kev shares more 'inside baseball' with some behind the scenes gossip, and insight into why Santa Claus is Coming to Town is his own personal Dianetics plus Anne's fave R and B character that was her unlikely childhood crush. We go over top characters in order of greatness as well as the top specials too. If you love R and B specials, you won't want to miss this one. As always, please give us a 5-star review on Apple. Text us your thoughts at 351 251 2511 and find us on Facebook. The holiday season HAS arrived! Talk Shawtly

Seinfeld- A Festivus for the Rest of Us Dec 14, 2024

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Hey CSWL Fans! Its A Festivus for the Rest of Us, celebrating one of the most iconic moments in Seinfeld history. Inspired by Daniel O’Keefe and brought to life by Jerry Stiller’s unforgettable Frank Costanza, this offbeat holiday gave us feats of strength, airing of grievances, and the iconic Festivus pole. We explore behind-the-scenes insights, including its creation, the IP mystery, and how it became a global phenomenon.

Plus, we tackle the big holiday question: Why does Love Actually still top seasonal watchlists?

As always, we'd love to hear from you! Drop us a 5-star review on Apple, text us your thoughts at 351 251 2511 and join the conversation on Facebook. The Festivus pole is up-let's air some grievances! Talk Shawtly

The Simpsons: Bart vs Thanksgiving Nov 28, 2024

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Happy Thanksgiving, CSWL Fans! This week, we’re diving into The SimpsonsSeason 2, Episode 7: Bart vs. Thanksgiving.This newly crowned classic earns a perfect 5 Candy Canes as we discuss the ep and what exactly makesThe Simpsons timeless.

We also share some fun reflections on Thanksgiving traditions and dish out kitchen advice—stick to the classics, no improvising! Plus, let’s revive words like “delight”, “splendid” and “grand” this season.

As always, we'd love your support! Drop us 5-star review on Apple, text us at 351 251 2511 and join the community on Facebook. The season is in full swing- Talk Shawtly

South Park Black Friday Nov 25, 2024

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Black Friday means the Christmas season is officially here, CSWL Fans! This week, we’re diving into the iconic 2013 South Park Black Friday trilogy. These episodes are a masterclass in satire, weaving together Game of Thrones references, anime-inspired visuals, and a hilarious take on the madness of holiday shopping. We break down the biting commentary on consumer culture and eerily accurate predictions about today’s societal trends, We also douses why this 5 Candy Canes trilogy remains a holiday classic.

As always, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcast, let us know your thoughts-text us 351 251 2511 and join the community on Facebook. The holiday fun is in full swing- Talk Shawtly!

Hanna Barbera; The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn't Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

The pre-season winds down, ending on Thanksgiving Day. And as always the CSWL pays respects to Turkey Day, this time covering the 1972 animated Hannah Barbera animated special: The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn't. This 'non-classic' is a non-classic for a reason. Whether you have seen this special or not, you most likely do remember the Hannah Barbera cartoons of the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's. That's all the viewing you need to appreciate this episode of CSWL. Besides covering some of the stereotypical beats employed by Hannah Barbera, we take a peek into why their low-budget style may have devolved from the days of the Flintstones as well as the climate of show business and Saturday morning cartoons at that time. And yes, the gang also breaks down the painful beats of this special. Just a few more to go before we hit the season!

With just a few episodes left before the season officially begins, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Text us at 351-251-2511, leave us a 5-Star review on Apple Podcasts, and join the Christmas Specials We Love Facebook Group

Talk Shawtly

This is America Charlie Brown- Mayflower Voyagers Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

This is America Charlie Brown- Mayflower Voyagers

Nothingsays Thanksgiving TV Special like Charlie Brown! But this time, we’re not talking about A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (check out previous CSWL seasons for that). Instead, we’re diving into a lesser-known gem: This is America, Charlie Brown – The Mayflower Voyagers. In this educational special, the Peanuts gang joins the Pilgrims on their 1620 voyage to America, re-enacting key moments in history while blending entertainment with a touch of historical accuracy.

But did it succeed? Was it true to the facts, or did it lean into political incorrectness? We break it all down as we explore whether this Peanuts adventure captures the Thanksgiving spirit. As the march toward the world’s greatest holiday continues, we hope this episode adds to your festive vibes!

As always, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, text us your thoughts 351-251-2511 and be sure to join our community on Facebook page.

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